Emmanuel Acho on Hosting The Bachelor ’s After the Final Rose Special: ‘This Is Huge’
Author and Former NFL Star Emmanuel Acho Says He Was 'Broken' After George Floyd's Death: 'I Needed to Speak'
Acho talks about race and hope for the future.
The Bachelor franchise is making some changes.
After Chris Harrison said he was "stepping away" from the ABC show following a controversial interview, former NFL star-turned-activist Emmanuel Acho will take over as host for the After the Final Rose special, airing immediately after Bachelor Matt James' finale on March 15.
"This is huge for me in the work for racial reconciliation," Acho, who hosts the web series Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man and authored a best-selling book by the same name, tells PEOPLE. "Because it shows that in the midst of turmoil, racial turmoil, across one of America's most watched shows over the last two decades, I'm seen as a thought generator."
"So, it's a humbling opportunity and it's a privilege to be considered," adds Acho, 30.
Chris Pavlica Emmanuel Acho
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The shakeup began when Harrison, 49, in an interview with former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay, appeared to defend the past racist actions of current contestant Rachael Kirkconnell.
The ensuing public reaction was swift, with many calling for Harrison's ousting, while some placed blame on Kirkconnell, or even Lindsay herself. (Harrison has since issued two apologies.)
Since then, the former attorney has deactivated her Instagram after receiving a slew of hateful messages, while Kirkconnell, 24, has issued an apology and says she's dedicating her Instagram page to anti-racism resources.
John Fleenor/Getty Chris Harrison
RELATED: Matt James, Becca Kufrin and More Praise Emmanuel Acho as New After the Final Rose Host
For Acho, stepping in to take over during Harrison's absence wasn't out of the blue. He was asked to compete on The Bachelorette twice and it was Lindsay who encouraged him to create his web series and write his book.
"Emmanuel has been cultivating relationships with ABC for years," says a source. "He is very close with Rachel, and he has a close friendship with Becca Kufrin."
Craig Sjodin/Getty Images Rachael Kirkconnell and Matt James
Many members of Bachelor Nation have spoken out in support of Acho's new role, including Kufrin, Lindsay's husband Bryan Abasolo and James himself.
Says the source of Acho's much anticipated Bachelor debut: "He looks forward to having a meaningful conversation — with Matt and the three finalists."
The Bachelor: After the Final Rose special will air on Monday, March 15 at 10 p.m. ET on ABC, immediately following the season finale of The Bachelor.
