Lance Bass, Tituss Burgess, Lil Jon Will Join David Spade As Guest Hosts Of 'Bachelor In Paradise' Following Chris Harrison's Departure: Report
David Spade won’t be the only one taking over hosting duties on the upcoming season of Bachelor in Paradise: Lance Bass, Tituss Burgess and Lil Jon have also been confirmed to oversee the reality series following Chris Harrison’s departure.
Variety reports that Wells Adams and fiancée Sarah Hyland will also appear on the new season — currently in production in Mexico — although their roles are currently unknown.
On Tuesday, June 8, Harrison — who hosted The Bachelor and its spinoffs for nearly two decades — announced he would not be returning to the franchise. It’s rumored that part of his exit includes an eight-figure payout.
The 49-year-old faced major backlash in February after he defended controversial Bachelor contestant Rachael Kirkconnell, who was photographed allegedly attending a plantation-themed party in 2018. The 24-year-old — who is currently dating Matt James — was also accused of “liking” racially-insensitive posts on social media.
During a chat with Rachel Lindsay on Extra, the former Bachelorette remarked it wasn't “a good look” that Kirkconnell attended an “Old South antebellum party,” to which Harrison responded, ”Is it [not] a good look in 2018, or is it not a good look in 2021?"
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He doubled down on his statement: “My guess, these girls got dressed up and went to a party and had a great time, they were 18 years old. Now does it make it OK? I don’t know, Rachel, you tell me.”
"Where is this lens we’re holding up, and was that lens available, and were we all looking through it in 2018? I don't know," the TV personality continued. "I don’t have these answers."
Though Harrison apologized for his comments, the damage was done in the eyes of Bachelor Nation. As OK! exclusively reported, producers were getting "clobbered" with requests from fans and former contestants calling for Harrison's permanent removal. He eventually announced he would be “stepping aside” from the series and was “dedicated to getting educated”.
Bachelor in Paradise isn’t the only Bachelor spinoff switching things up: The current season starring Katie Thurston features former Bachelorettes Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe at the helm.
