Chris Harrison, host of"The Bachelor," says he's stepping down from his TV character and is"humiliated" because of his handling of a philosophical civic controversy in the ABC relationship series.

In a new announcement published Saturday, Harrison apologized again for protecting the activities by a contestant which are considered offensive.

Harrison came under fire following a meeting "Extra" when he had been asked concerning racially insensitive past behaviour from present"Bachelor" contestant Rachael Kirkconnell.

Past photographs of her resurfaced where she's dressed as a Native American and in an antebellum farm themed ball.

At the interview, Harrison defended Kirkconnell contrary to what he called the"awakened authorities" on social networking. "We all need to get a little grace, a bit of understanding, a little empathy," he explained in the meeting.

Harrison appeared on Saturday, stating"my ignorance did hurt" and he was"humiliated over how uninformed I was." He said he's stepping away from his TV series"for a time period" and won't be hosting the"After the Final Rose" particular which will adhere to the season finale of"The Bachelor."