Michael Strahan says “Bachelor” presenter Chris Harrison offered a feeble apology on “Good Morning America” Thursday for his decision to defend racist behavior by one of the show’s contestants.
“His apology is his apology, but it felt like I was getting nothing more than a superficial response to all of this,” said Strahan, grilling Harrison about comments he made in an earlier interview about “Extra” conducted by former “Bachelorette” . Rachel Lindsay.
Harrison offered the mea culpa for telling Lindsay – who was the first black “Bachelorette” – that “Bachelor” attendee Rachael Kirkconnell “deserved a little grace, a little understanding” after being photographed at a plantation-themed party.
“I am an imperfect man. I made a mistake and I own it,” he told Strahan of “GMA.” “I don’t believe that mistake reflects who I am or what I stand for.”
Harrison’s comments weren’t enough for Strahan, who felt he was talking to a man who just wanted to save his job.
Harrison recently announced that he was “stepping aside” from ABC, which broadcasts the long-running dating show, and told Strahan that he hopes to return to “The Bachelor” one day.
“This interview is not the finish line,” said Harrison. “There is still a lot of work to be done.”
After the outside video interview with Harrison ended, the defensive ending of the former Giants quickly dismissed the host’s motives.
“He’s clearly a man who clearly wants to stay on the show,” added Strahan, “but only time will tell if there’s any meaning behind his words.”
Harrison has been under fire since he rejected criticism of Kirkconnell’s behavior – she was accused of “ liking ” photos of people standing in front of a Confederate flag next to attending the Antebellum themed party.
“Antebellum parties aren’t okay,” Harrison said Thursday morning. “Past, present, future, knowing what that represents is unacceptable.”
ABC, which airs both ‘The Bachelor’ and ‘GMA’, has not revealed whether Harrison’s departure from the show will be anything more, but he has been replaced by former NFL player Emmanuel Acho to host the upcoming ‘After the Final Rose ” special.
Meanwhile, Kirkconnell, who is currently vying for Matt James’ heart, apologized for her past behavior and asked people to stop defending her.
“That is not our place to tell people what they can and cannot be offended. That is wrong. And that’s part of the problem. So please stop saying I didn’t do anything wrong. That’s not true, ”she said last week.