A complete timeline of 'The Bachelor' scandal that started with a plantation-themed fraternity party

Anneta KonstantinidesFeb 19, 2021, 04:23 IST

The current "Bachelor" controversy surrounding Chris Harrison has overshadowed Matt James' historic season.Craig Sjodin via Getty Images

Scandal has surrounded "The Bachelor" franchise over the last few weeks.
Photos emerged of Matt James' contestant Rachael Kirkconnell at a plantation-themed party.
Host Chris Harrison stepped down after defending Kirkconnell during an interview.

"The Bachelor" is no stranger to scandal, but the last few weeks have been the messiest yet for the long-running series.

What began with TikTok rumors and photos at a plantation-themed fraternity party came to a head last week when host Chris Harrison stepped down after his interview with "Bachelorette" star Rachel Lindsay.

The controversy has overshadowed Matt James' historic season as the first Black "Bachelor" star, with prominent alums of Bachelor Nation banding together to call for major change in a franchise that has long struggled with diversity issues.

Here's how it all went down.

The franchise promised it would make major changes in June, naming Matt James as the first Black "Bachelor" since the show premiered in 2002.

Matt James was announced as the next "Bachelor" in June. ABC

James' season premiered on January 4, and featured a controversial conversation about race with Harrison.

James and Harrison on this season of "The Bachelor." Craig Sjodin via Getty Images

That same month, rumors began circulating about Rachael Kirkconnell, an early front-runner on James' season.

Rumors about Rachael Kirkconnell first emerged on TikTok. Craig Sjodin/ABC via Getty Images

As rumors swirled, Lindsay called out the franchise for its history of casting problematic contestants.

Rachel Lindsay told Insider that she didn't understand why Reddit was better at doing background checks than the show. John Fleenor via Getty Images

On February 2, James released a statement defending Kirkconnell from the swirling rumors.

James and Kirkconnell on this season of "The Bachelor." Craig Sjodin/ABC via Getty Images

Two days later, photos emerged of Kirkconnell at a plantation-themed fraternity party in 2018.

Rachael Kirkconnell. Craig Sjodin/ABC

On February 9, Harrison sat down with Lindsay for an interview and called for people to give Kirkconnell "a little grace, a little understanding, a little compassion."

Lindsay and Harrison had a lengthy interview on February 9. Randy Holmes via Getty Images

Shortly after the interview, a petition was launched to remove Harrison from "The Bachelor."

The petition has received more than 41,000 signatures to date. Kelsey McNeal via Getty Images

On February 10, Harrison took to Instagram to apologize for what he said during the interview with Lindsay.

Harrison with Lindsay during her season of "The Bachelorette." Paul Hebert/Getty Images

A day later, Kirkconnell released a statement of her own and said that her "ignorance was racist."

James and Kirkconnell during this season of "The Bachelor." Craig Sjodin/ABC via Getty Images

On February 12, dozens of "Bachelor" alums released joint statements supporting Lindsay.

Contestants on James' season of "The Bachelor." Craig Sjodin via Getty Images

That same day, Lindsay, James, and Adams - the franchise's three Black leads - all spoke out about Harrison's interview.

Harrison with Tayshia Adams on her season of "The Bachelorette." Craig Sjodin/ABC

On February 13, Harrison announced he was "stepping aside" from "The Bachelor" franchise for "a period of time."

Harrison on "The Bachelor." Paul Hebert/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images

On February 16, Lindsay said she wasn't sure if Harrison should permanently leave the franchise.

Lindsay with Harrison during a "Bachelor" episode in 2020. Kelsey McNeal via Getty Images

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