Bachelor Nation’s Sean Lowe is ‘boycotting’ the franchise following the ousting of its longtime host, Chris Harrison.
It was Lowe’s wife and winner of The Bachelor’s 17th season Catherine Giudici who revealed the news about the 37-year-old reality television personality’s decision this week.
Harrison recently exited the ABC series following controversy surrounding his response to a contestant’s past actions which were deemed racist.
Jilted: Bachelor Nation’s Sean Lowe is ‘kind of boycotting’ the franchise following Chris Harrison’s ousting over a racism row; he is pictured in 2015
Giudici spoke to relationship expert Rori Sassoon at a recent launch party, and said she was still watching the show in order to support new hosts Kaitlyn Bristowe and Tayshia Adams.
‘I’m watching it. My husband is kind of boycotting it because of the Chris Harrison stuff, but I’m watching it this season to support the girls,’ she noted.
The 37-year-old reality television personality went on to note that she has thoroughly enjoyed the recent run of episodes and that she had high hopes for one of the contestants.
She expressed: ‘It’s been interesting. It’s been an interesting season. It’s just the beginning. … I’m excited for Katie [Thurston].’
Letting everyone know: The reality television personality’s feelings were made public by his wife, Catherine Giudici, who admitted that she is still watching The Bachelor; they are seen in 2017
Being specific: The Bachelor winner expressed that her husband had stopped watching any of the franchise’s programs ‘because of the Chris Harrison stuff’
Lowe and Giudici initially met while filming The Bachelor’s 17th run of episodes, which initially aired in 2013.
Prior to headlining his own season of the program, the author appeared on the 12th run of The Bachelorette, where he was the third-place runner-up.
Following the conclusion of the 17th season, the two tied the knot during a ceremony in Santa Barbara, which the former college football player’s father officiated.
The happy couple welcomed a son named Samuel Thomas, aged four, two years after they said their vows, and they went on to add Isaiah Hendrix and Mia Mejia, aged three and one, respectively, to their family.
Happy couple: Lowe and Giudici finished out The Bachelor’s 17th season with each other, and went on to marry and start a family; they are spotted in 2018
Lowe and Giudici appear to have made their final appearances on the Bachelor franchise, as the former has offered his support to Harrison.
Harrison, 49, became embroiled in controversy regarding Rachael Kirkconnell, a contestant on The Bachelor’s 25th season, which featured Matt James as its lead.
Earlier this year, it was discovered that the 24-year-old graphic designer had participated in an ‘Old South’-themed ball during her time in college, and pictures of the event were distributed online.
Shortly after the photos were made public, Harrison was asked about his view of the situation and allegations of racism by former Bachelorette star Rachel Lindsay during an interview for Extra.
Hot water: Harrison stepped away from the franchise after appearing to defend former contestant and winner Rachael Kirkconnell, who previously participated in an ‘Old South’-themed ball in college
The television host expressed that he was reserving judgement on the matter which was seen as him defending Kirkconnell’s actions. Days after the interview he apologized, however, Lindsay took exception and threatened to leave the franchise.
Harrison later announced that he would be stepping away from his duties in order to deflect attention away from The Bachelor and its related shows.
Kirkconnell would go on to win the 25th season of the program, and after briefly splitting from James, they eventually reconciled and have been seen out and about several times in the recent past.
In March, Harrison expressed regret for his past statements, and several guest hosts were brought in to fill the television personality’s role.
Earlier this month, it was confirmed that Harrison would be leaving the Bachelor franchise permanently, which resulted in an uproar from many of its longtime fans.
Given the boot: Earlier this month, it was confirmed that Harrison had permanently left the Bachelor franchise; he is seen in 2014