Bachelor host Chris Harrison steps aside amid racism row

Harrison, who defended contestant who attended old south' party, says he is deeply remorseful ... [for] excusing historical racism'

Chris Harrison, the host of the hit reality series The Bachelor, said on Saturday he was stepping aside" from ABC's hit franchise for a period of time", following comments in defense of a current contestant caught up in a racism storm.

The contestant, Rachael Kirkconnell, appears to have liked social media posts featuring the Confederate flag while photos have also emerged purportedly showing her at an old south"-themed college party several years ago, according to reports.