Kaitlyn Bristowe’s friendship with Chris Harrison “went down the toilet” after she was hired to host The Bachelorette.
During Tuesday’s episode of the Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast, the former reality star claimed Harrison “spooked her” after it was announced she and Tayshia Adams would co-host season 17 of the hit ABC series.
She explained that she initially signed on under the impression that she was there to “mentor” Katie Thurston, not to replace Harrison.
However, when “all these articles came out saying, ‘Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe are replacing Chris Harrison,'” the former “Bachelor” Nation host allegedly turned his back on her.
Bristowe said her relationship with Harrison collapsed after she took over The Bachelorette. Disney General Entertainment Con
Bristowe said her relationship with Harrison collapsed after she took over The Bachelorette. Disney General Entertainment Con
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Bristowe claimed she messaged Harrison “about 10 times” to explain that she “didn’t know what.” [her] role was” and did not want to replace him.
However, her pleas were met with silence, leaving the former ‘Bachelorette’ girl “feeling gross.”
“And that doesn’t look like me at all. And I know it’s not about me. I just wanted him to know that I think he’s irreplaceable and I didn’t want to step on his toes,” she said.
The 37-year-old said she “roared my eyes out” over the argument. Instagram/KaitlynBristowe
Despite his odd behavior, Bristowe continued to reach out to Harrison, but “he didn’t text back.”
“I was like, ‘Okay, now I’m panicking. Why didn’t you text me back?'” she recalled, wondering if he “hated” her or if she “would be.” [too] emotionally.”
“We were best friends and now he hates me,” she said.
The reality star joined Bachelor Nation in 2015.©ABC/Courtesy Everett Collection
It wasn’t until Bristowe, 37, spotted Harrison, 51, at Wells Adams and Sarah Hyland’s wedding last year that the two were finally able to talk.
“I walked up to him and said, ‘I miss you,'” she recalled, to which Harrison shockingly replied, “Well, I’ve always been here.”
The comment surprised Bristowe as she reportedly quipped back, “No you didn’t! You haven’t answered me in ages!”
After trying to get in touch for almost a year, Bristowe was able to speak to Harrison at a wedding. Instagram/KaitlynBristowe
Although Bristowe admitted that she “cried her eyes out” over the situation, Bristowe noted that Harrison was “going through so much in his life” at the time.
Harrison was forced to bid farewell in 2021 after 19 years as Bachelor Nation host when he defended “racist” photos of contestant Rachael Kirkconnell at a plantation-themed party.
After his departure, Bristowe and Taysha stepped in to mentor Thurston and later Michelle Young on their journeys to the altar. However, Jesse Palmer was ultimately named as Harrison’s permanent replacement as host of The Bachelor.