Chris Harrison permanently leaves as host of "The Bachelor" franchise after nearly 20 years

After serving as the face of "The Bachelor" television franchise for nearly 20 years, host Chris Harrison is permanently leaving, Warner Horizon and ABC Entertainment confirmed to CBS News on Tuesday. His departure comes following online backlash earlier this year when he defended a previous contestant's racist behavior. 

"I've had a truly incredible run as host of 'The Bachelor' franchise and now I'm excited to start a new chapter," Harrison wrote in a statement on Instagram. "I'm so grateful to Bachelor Nation for all of the memories we've made together. While my two-decade journey is wrapping up, the friendships I've made will last a lifetime." Harrison made the announcement a day after the season 17 premiere of "The Bachelorette," which received the lowest premiere ratings in the series' entire history, according to data analyzed by entertainment website Deadline. Former Bachelorettes Kaitlyn Bristowe and Tayshia Adams have taken his place as co-hosts.