Paradise host urges patience during misconduct probe
Chris Harrison, host of Bachelor in Paradise as well as the other shows in ABC’s looking-for-love franchise, urged people to “be patient” until an investigation into alleged misconduct on the reality program is completed.
“I know in this day and age we want — and even expect — immediate answers, but in this case, it’s just not possible,” Harrison said in a statement obtained by People and ABC News. “I urge you to please be patient and respect the privacy of the parties involved.”
The host was referencing Warner Bros.’ investigation into a workplace misconduct complaint reportedly filed by a producer on the show about a week ago, one day into three weeks of filming Season 4 of Paradise at a Mexican resort. The show brings together alumni from the Bachelor and Bachelorette series for another chance at finding love in a less rigid — read, more opportunities for hookups — setting.
Harrison said Warner Bros. was “moving quickly to gather all the facts” in a situation where two contestants, after drinking alcohol, got involved physically in the resort pool while cameras were running. The issue of consent to sexual contact has been raised. Contestants who were not involved in the incident were initially kept in the dark about what had gone on, then were sent home when shooting was suspended.
“There are a lot of competing details in the various press accounts of the incident. And there’s a lot of misinformation out there too,” Harrison said in the statement. “We urge everyone to be patient until the investigation is complete.”
He apologized for “any inconvenience and disappointment this may have caused the cast, the crew and our loyal fans” and said he hoped there would be a quick resolution that would allow everyone to “get back to work very soon.”
Neither ABC, the network that airs the Bachelor franchise shows, nor Warner Bros., whose Warner Horizon Television division produces Paradise, has officially addressed the fate of the summer show’s season, scheduled to start Aug. 8.