Chris Harrison 'Sorry' for Timing of New 'Bachelorette' Casting - Here's the Reason for the Early Announcement

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Chris Harrison wants Bachelor nation to know he's sorry.

Just one day after ABC announced Rachel Lindsay as the season 13 Bachelorette on Jimmy Kimmel Live! -- the first African-American to ever hold the title -- the 45-year-old TV host took to Instagram to apologize for "the timing" of the casting announcement.


WATCH: 'Bachelor' Star Nick Viall Reacts to Rachel Lindsay as the New Bachelorette

"I hate that anything was ruined for #BachelorNation but I'm incredibly excited that @therachlindsay is our new #TheBachelorette," he wrote. "A smart, strong, independent Texan who loves her @dallascowboys. What more could a man want?"

Rachel is still technically one of the final four ladies vying for Nick Viall's heart on season 21 of The Bachelor, which is currently airing Monday night's on ABC. Seeing as she's been cast as the next Bachelorette, however, it's obvious she is not Nick's final pick, which leaves Corinne, Raven and Vanessa in the running.

ET has learned that the early announcement of Rachel as the season 13 Bachelorette was done due to the fact that production is starting soon after Nick's season of The Bachelor wraps up its finale on March 13. Because of the timing and the desire to cast the best bachelors they can find, the network needed to make the announcement on Monday.


WATCH: ABC Reveals First Black Bachelorette in 'Bachelor' Franchise History

This is the earliest a new lead has ever been announced -- every season has been somewhat different -- but fans of the series seemed to accept Chris' apology, writing things like, "OK FINE, I forgive you. Can't stay mad at you on Valentine's Day @chrisbharrison" and "Boo to spoilers but very happy she is the next Bachelorette!!!" Others were "annoyed" and "hated the spoiler," with some even stating they refuse to watch the rest of Nick's season.

"Terrible timing, why would they do that?!" one viewer commented. "You can't give away the ending to a show if you want people to watch it! Done."

Regardless, Rachel hasn't been able to contain her excitement over the casting. She also took to Instagram on Tuesday, sharing a pic of herself receiving a kiss on the hand from Jimmy Kimmel.
"So happy for this moment!!!" she captioned it. "Thank you so much for the love and support!!!! Can't believe I am the new bachelorette...still feel like I'm dreaming #bachelornation #bachelorette #thankful #blackhistorymonth #historicmoment."


WATCH: Meet Rachel Lindsay: 6 Things to Know About the First Black Bachelorette

Hear more on the 31-year-old lawyer in the video below!