Rachel Lindsayhas confirmed that production has begun on the next season ofThe Bachelorette, despite the ongoing racism controversy surrounding the ABC franchise.
During the latest episode of theBachelor Partypodcast, Lindsay, 35, expressed her disappointment that the show won’t be taking a break betweenMatt James' season ofThe Bachelorand the next iteration ofThe Bachelorette. A source also confirmed the news to PEOPLE, saying theBachelorettecrew arrived on set in New Mexico last week.
“They’re already there!” Lindsay said. “Or at least they’re quarantining for it. There’s no pause on it.”
Lindsay, who became the franchise’s first Black lead onThe Bachelorettein 2017, stressed that she will not be appearing in any way on the upcoming season.
“I just don’t think that things have been fixed in the right way,” she said. “Anybody that’s standing up for change, I don’t understand how you could be a part of this current season, because as we have seen in this current episode, there is still so much work to be done.”
Rachel Lindsay.Astrid Stawiarz/Getty
“I don’t want my name to be affiliated [with the franchise],” Lindsay said. “And I have heard that there are several people of color who have removed themselves from the show that were a part of casting for this current season.”
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The franchise came under fire following a conversation between Lindsay and longtime hostChris HarrisononExtrain February. The two were discussing one of James' finalists, Rachael Kirkconnell, who was criticized for resurfaced social media posts which saw her dressed in Native American attire in costume and attending an antebellum plantation-themed college party in 2018. She has sinceapologized.
During his discussion with Lindsay, Harrison, 49, appeared to defend Kirkconnell, 24, and said people should have “a little grace, a little understanding, a little compassion” in the wake of the resurfaced photos.
Rachael Kirkconnell and Chris Harrison.Rachael kirkconnell; getty images/instagram
After facing backlash for his remarks, Harrisonapologizedfor “speaking in a manner that perpetuates racism” and announced that he would be “stepping aside” for a period of time. A source also told PEOPLE that work was “being done behind the scenes tomake the appropriate changesand proper moves going forward with the franchise.”
Emmanuel Achohas been tapped to host the upcomingAfter the Final Rosespecial next week, though Harrison has already said he plans toreturn to the show.
On Tuesday, Lindsay said the franchise has to realize it has “a bigger problem” than Harrison’s statements alone.
“It’s not just what Chris said — it’s the lingering impact of what he said and how it’s going to trickle down and affect all people of color,” she said.
“Yes, he’s apologized,” she continued. “Yes,I accepted it, but still I didn’t forget what’s been done of a person who’s been with the franchise from the beginning. So of course people don’t want to be a part of it — people who don’t feel included don’t want to be a part of it.”
source: people.com
