Last month, the US Bachelor franchise became engulfed in a racism scandal that saw longtime host Chris Harrison announce he would step aside for an indefinite period.

This season ofThe Bachelorfeatured their first ever male Black lead in Matt James, who had 32 women vying for his heart - 25 of whom identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of colour). Among the contestants is Rachael Kirkconnell, who has a history of engaging in racist activities.

Here's what you need to know about how the racism scandal has unfolded.

How did the Bachelor controversy start?

The controversy centres around the allegedly racist past of Rachael Kirkconnell, who is one of the front-runners on Matt James' season ofThe Bachelor.

TikTok user @maddyybierster first raised the alarm, saying Rachael had previously bullied her in high-school for "liking black guys".

The video went viral, attracting millions of views, and prompted other people to allege Rachael of racist behaviour.

One video from @feministmama accused Rachael of having a history of "liking" racially-insensitive photos on social media and also wearing racist costumes.

Further, a photo surfaced of Kirkconnell attending an Antebellum-themed party in 2018.

Photos have now emerged of Rachael Kirkconnell at an antebellum plantation-themed fraternity formal in 2018 #TheBachelor #BachelorNation pic.twitter.com/TEqmofRPKN

— Rosé (@TeaAndRoses21)

What did Chris Harrison say?

Chris Harrison, who has been the host of the franchise since it began in 2002, discussed the controversy during an interview with Rachel Lindsay, a former bachelorette who was also the franchise's first Black female lead in 2017.

"We all need to have a little grace, a little understanding, a little compassion," Harrison told Lindsay when asked about the controversy. "Because I have seen some stuff online — this judge jury, executioner thing — where people are just tearing this girl's life apart and diving into, like, her parents, her parents' voting record. It's unbelievably alarming to watch this. I haven't heard Rachael speak on this yet. And until I actually hear this woman have a chance to speak, who am I to say any of this?"

"I saw a picture of her at a sorority party five years ago and that's it," he continued.

"Well, the picture was from 2018 at an Old South antebellum party," Lindsay replied. "That's not a good look."

Harrison replied, "Well, Rachel, is it a good look in 2018? Or, is it not a good look in 2021? Because there's a big difference."

"It's not a good look ever," Lindsay said. "If I went to that party, what would I represent at that party?"

"I don't disagree with you. You're 100 per cent right in 2021," Harrison went on. "That was not the case in 2018. And again, I'm not defending Rachael. I just know that, I don't know, 50 million people did that in 2018. That was a type of party that a lot of people went to. And again, I'm not defending it. I didn't go to it."

The public backlash was swift against Harrison, with many calling for him to resign for his defence of racism.

This is example #3487 that Chris Harrison really needs to learn the difference between ‘cancel culture’ and ‘accountability.’

— Brett S. Vergara (@BrettSVergara)

That @TheRachLindsay interview with Chris Harrison 🥴 He said with an absolute straight face that no one knew in 2018 that plantation-themed parties were a problem. The fraternity in question banned these parties two years before Rachael Kirkconnell's chapter held one sooo... pic.twitter.com/vdVPr7QWUX

— Deanna Allbrittin (@deannaTVnews)

Chris Harrison basically said racism was allowed in 2018 to Rachel Lindsey a Black woman. Nah fuck this franchise. #TheBachelor

— Film & TV rants (@FilmTVRants)

Chris Harrison and Rachael Kirkconnell's apologies.

Both Chris Harrison and Rachael Kirkconnell, who is still a contestant on the pre-recorded series, later apologised for their actions.

In an announcement posted to Instagram, Harrison wrote: "I have spent the last few days listening to the pain my words have caused, and I am deeply remorseful. My ignorance did damage to my friends, colleagues and strangers alike... Now, just as I have taught my children to stand up, and to own their actions, I will do the same...

"By excusing historical racism, I defended it," the 49-year-old went on. "I am ashamed over how uninformed I am."

Harrison continued by referencing the fact that the current bachelor is the first Black male lead for the franchise.

"This historic season ofThe Bachelorshould not be marred or overshadowed by my mistakes or diminished by my actions. To that end, I have consulted with Warner Bros. and ABC and will be stepping aside for a period of time and will not join for theAfter the Final Rosespecial.

"I want to ensure our cast and crew members, to my friends, colleagues and our fans: this is not just a moment, but a commitment to much greater understanding that I will actively make every day," he said.

Kirkconnell, 24, similarly admitted her wrongdoing and apologised for the offence caused by her actions.

"While there have been rumours circulating, there have also been truths that have come to light that I need to address. I hear you, and I’m here to say I was wrong,” she wrote in a statement shared to Instagram. “At one point, I didn’t recognise how offensive and racist my actions were, but that doesn’t excuse them. My age or when it happened does not excuse anything. They are not acceptable or okay in any sense. I was ignorant, but my ignorance was racist.

“Racial progress and unity are impossible without (white) accountability, and I deserve to be held accountable for my actions. I will never grow unless I recognise what I have done is wrong. I don’t think one apology means that I deserve your forgiveness, but rather I hope I can earn your forgiveness through my future actions.”