Chris Harrison is ‘learning’ says Bachelorette star Mike Johnson

The Bachelorette vet Mike Johnson says Chris Harrison is ‘learning’ after coming under fire for comments made regarding a contestant who attended a plantation-themed college party.  

Harrison, 49, who sparked controversy after defending Bachelor contestant Rachael Kirkconnell and the ‘Old South’ party she attended in 2018, broke his silence about the scandal during an interview on Good Morning America.

Speaking exclusively with DailyMail.com, Johnson, 33, admitted he had not yet seen Harrison’s interview, but was ‘happy’ to learn the long-time host had appeared on the show.

‘I have said in the past that I would love to see him go onto these different platforms and speak and say what he’s learned, and I’m happy that he definitely spoke on Good Morning America.

‘I haven’t been able to see it yet though, but I know that the Chris that I know, that he’s learning.’

Harrison has come under fire after defending Kirkconnell, 24, who was pictured attending an ‘Old South’ party in 2018. 

In an interview with Rachael Lindsay, the show’s first Black Bachelorette, Harrison attempted to claim the three-year-old photo should be seen in the context of the time.

Harrison quickly faced backlash for the comments, apologized for ‘not listening’ to Lindsay during the interview and for ‘speaking in a manner that perpetuates racism.’

He also announced he would be ‘stepping aside for a period of time’ from the show. Emmanual Acho will now be stepping in for Harrison as the host of the upcoming After The Final Rose special.

Johnson rose to fame two years ago as a contestant on Hannah Brown’s season of The Bachelorette, and the fan favorite returned to small screens looking for love on Bachelor In Paradise.

Now that he’s single again, Johnson hasn’t ruled out returning to the beaches of Mexico once again for a run on Bachelor In Paradise.

‘I think that we have a lot of beautiful, diverse individuals from Peter’s season, from Matt’s season, from Clare and Tayshia’s season that need a shot at love, and I will say, I ain’t working out for no reason!’

Asked if there was anyone in particular he had his eye on, he said: ‘If I were to go on there, I’d definitely coming after someone in particular.’  Johnson refrained from revealing the identity of this individual.  

For now, the Texas native has been meeting prospective girlfriends the quarantine way – over FaceTime.

Despite the restrictions caused by the pandemic, Johnson has gotten creative with these virtual dates, even meeting one woman for wine at sunset.

‘We were riding bikes, we packed a backpack full of picnic stuff, and we rode bikes out to our prospective location in the city that we were in, and we watched the sunset while drinking some wine on FaceTime together,’ he explained. 

On top of looking for love, Johnson has also stayed busy professionally with his new partnership with Schick Razor Stubble Eraser.

Johnson, who spent years shaving on a daily basis in the Air Force, raved about the product.

‘I spent eight years in the air force, I had to shave every single day, and my hair texture is curly, so I’ve tried every razor under the sun,’ he said.

‘Quite honestly it’s doing wonders for me. So I’m looking good, I’m feeling good. Now it’s my new thing.’