Rachel Lindsay has opened up about her time in Bachelor Nation and her notable interview with Chris Harrison that eventually led to his departure from the franchise.
“I’m known for asking direct and relevant questions. Chris was promoting something—perhaps a drink—and it was a perfect storm,” Lindsay, 40, stated on the December 3 episode of the “Love It or Leave It Presents: Bravo, America!” podcast. “ABC PR wasn’t present, nor was Warner PR. Only the drink company’s PR was there, so no one stopped him from going off track. It was 15 minutes of ranting.”
In 2021, Lindsay interviewed the former Bachelor host Harrison, 54, while she was a correspondent for Extra. They discussed Matt James, the first Black Bachelor, and the controversy involving contestant Rachael Kirkconnell attending an antebellum-themed party. Such parties have been criticized for their associations with slavery and the Confederacy.
Harrison defended Kirkconnell, calling her a victim of cancel culture. Kirkconnell later apologized, and James chose her as his winner. Harrison’s comments led to his exit from the show, causing a fallout with Lindsay.
Rachel Lindsay’s Journey to Becoming the Bachelorette
Lindsay revealed she initially declined the offer to become the first Black Bachelorette until a fan changed her perspective.
“Before leaving Finland, producers asked me to be the Bachelorette. I said no and returned to my job as an attorney. I wanted my normal life back,” she recalled. “But then someone said, ‘My daughter looks like you and loves the show. She’ll see herself represented.’ That made me realize it was bigger than me.”
Reflecting on Alcohol Consumption During the Show
Before changes were made to limit alcohol on The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, Lindsay described the experience as “rampant.”
“I’d start my mornings with shots of Fireball,” Lindsay said on the podcast. “I was fully aware of my consumption, like having coffee.”
Expressing Feelings to Nick Viall
Lindsay admitted she wasn’t in love with Nick Viall during season 21 but told him “I love you” during their Fantasy Suite date.
“I loved Fireball. They wanted me to say it, so I did and laughed afterward,” she recalled. “We laughed, but it was edited out.”
Lindsay cared for Viall and they remain friends. “I wasn’t in love, but I cared for him,” she said. “I passed out in the Fantasy Suite from drinking.”
Fantasy Suites Experience
During season 21, Lindsay said she and Viall weren’t intimate because she “passed out.”
“I never made it to the bedroom. Nick carried me up the stairs and took care of me,” she recalled.
For her own season, she used the Fantasy Suites for serious conversations rather than intimacy. “I had questions about credit scores, political affiliations. I was intentional with my questions,” she reflected.
Moving on From Peter Kraus
Though she got engaged to Bryan Abasolo, Lindsay had a strong connection with Peter Kraus but ended it due to his indecisiveness.
“I didn’t want two proposals. Producers said both would meet me at the podium, but I wanted clarity,” she explained.
She didn’t expect Kraus to fight for their relationship. “It took weeks to stop thinking about him. I cared about his well-being,” she said.
Marriage to Bryan Abasolo
In December 2023, Bryan Abasolo filed for divorce from Lindsay after four years. Lindsay admitted her desire for a family influenced her decision to stay.
“I stayed longer than I should have. I saw issues before marriage but wanted kids and love,” she said. “Many women compromise for family desires.”
Interview With Chris Harrison
Lindsay revealed she wasn’t supposed to interview Harrison that day. A schedule change led to their conversation about Rachael Kirkconnell, during which Harrison criticized cancel culture.
“He revealed his true self. I was shocked by his audacity,” Lindsay said. “I asked my EP to air only his promotion and put the full interview on YouTube. It went viral the next day.”
Harrison later apologized after being advised to do so. “He didn’t understand until someone explained why it was offensive,” Lindsay claimed.
Host Jon Lovett asked if Harrison would face the same consequences today. Lindsay believed he might have returned eventually.
“He might have missed the finale but returned later. Cancel culture was heightened in February 2021,” she said.
Advocating for Diversity
Lindsay emphasized her commitment to promoting diversity on reality TV.
“I aim to pave the way for others to join the show or find new paths,” she said. “I’m grateful for my platform and the community I’ve built.”
