Chris Harrison Spills On Ditching Hollywood For Austin After ‘Bachelor’ Drama

From Hollywood Hills to Austin Chills: Harrison’s Big Move

Chris Harrison, the iconic face of ‘The Bachelor’ for nearly two decades, has officially left the Hollywood hustle behind. After a dramatic exit from the franchise in 2021 following a heated controversy, the 54-year-old is now soaking up the good vibes in Austin, Texas, and he’s got zero regrets about ditching Tinseltown’s spotlight.

Speaking with People in a recent interview published Monday, Harrison dished on how refreshing it feels to step off the reality TV rollercoaster. After hosting ‘The Bachelor,’ ‘The Bachelorette,’ and spin-offs like ‘Bachelor in Paradise’ since 2002, he admitted the constant pressure and scrutiny were heavier than he realized - until he finally hopped off the ride.

‘It’s like I didn’t even notice the weight until I dropped it,’ Harrison reflected, sounding like he’s traded red carpet stress for some serious SoCal-to-Texas zen. And with a new city and a new love by his side, he’s ready for whatever comes next.

Love and a New Zip Code: Settling in Austin

Adjusting to life outside Los Angeles wasn’t a breeze at first, but Harrison credits his wife, Lauren Zima, 37, for helping him find his groove. The couple, who moved to Austin in 2020, tied the knot in November 2023, and they’re loving their new chapter far from the Hollywood Hills. Zima, a former ‘Entertainment Tonight’ host and producer, has been his rock through the transition.

‘Falling in love and moving to Austin just lifted this huge burden - it showed me there’s a whole other world out here to explore,’ Harrison shared with a grin.

Now, Harrison can’t stop raving about Austin’s vibe, calling it the ‘new Hollywood’ with its buzzing tech, music, food, and entertainment scenes. ‘It’s got that anything-is-possible energy, like LA used to have back in the day,’ he said, clearly hyped to be part of a city that’s got more flavor than a Venice Beach food truck rally.

Reflecting on the ‘Bachelor’ Backlash

Let’s rewind to why Harrison left ‘The Bachelor’ in the first place. In February 2021, he sparked major controversy during an ‘Extra’ interview with former ‘Bachelorette’ Rachel Lindsay. Harrison defended contestant Rachael Kirkconnell after old photos surfaced of her at an Antebellum-themed party in 2018, questioning if the backlash was fair given the time that had passed.

Lindsay pushed back hard, pointing out the implications of attending such an event, no matter the year. The exchange blew up online, and Harrison soon stepped down temporarily before making his exit permanent a few months later. It was a messy end to a 20-year run that had made him a household name.

In a since-deleted Instagram post, Harrison called his time with ‘Bachelor Nation’ an ‘incredible run’ and thanked fans for the memories. Warner Horizon and ABC Entertainment later confirmed his departure, wishing him well on his next journey - a journey that’s now got him far from LA’s drama and deep in Texas territory.

What’s Next for Harrison and Zima?

While Harrison’s days of handing out roses might be over, he’s not done with the spotlight just yet. He teased a mysterious new project with Zima, keeping the deets under wraps but promising it’s got him fired up in a way he hasn’t felt in years. ‘For the first time in forever, I’m pumped to dive back in with this amazing woman,’ he hinted.

The couple’s got big plans, and with Austin as their new playground, they’re ready to make waves in a city that’s quickly becoming the West Coast’s cooler, quirkier cousin. Harrison’s all about that collaborative, open-hearted energy Austin brings - think less Malibu mansion drama, more East Side indie project vibes.

‘There’s a next chapter coming soon for both of us, and we can’t wait to spill the tea,’ he added. So, Bachelor Nation, keep your eyes peeled - this SoCal transplant might just have a few more surprises up his sleeve from the heart of Texas.