Rachel Lindsay defends Matt James from 'toxic' fans in wake of 'Bachelor' finale

Former "Bachelorette" star Rachel Lindsay doesn't believe the recent controversy involving embattled host Chris Harrison or contestant Rachael Kirkconnell will be the franchise's downfall. Instead, she puts the blame solely on the bad behavior demonstrated by fans.

Speaking on the recent episode of the "Higher Learning" podcast, Lindsay warned Bachelor Nation that, should the "toxic" behavior continue unchecked, that will be the end of the reality TV dating series.

"It's wild out there. ... It's so toxic. Bachelor Nation, y'all are gonna be the reason this show doesn't exist anymore because you're so d--- toxic," the 35-year-old media personality warned. "You're gonna be the demise of the show and the reason it's taken down."

Lindsay noted how fans attacked past alums, touching upon how recent "Bachelor" star Matt James was hounded for breaking things off with finalist Kirkconnell.

"All they did was bash Matt," she lamented, expressing that James ended things with Rachael because of her past actions -- particularly the incident where she attended an an "Old South" antebellum plantation-themed party in 2018.

"You're nasty. You're vile. You're harassing Matt for a decision that he made," said Lindsay. "He supports [Rachael,] he's allowing her [make things right] on her own. Let's move on."

The former "Bachelorette" star said she will keep using her voice to create meaningful change in the "Bachelor" franchise, with or without fans' support.

"Is it where it needs to be? No," Lindsay explained, before expressing optimism that she has encouraged the franchise to step in the right direction because of her persistence.

Previously, Lindsay stepped away from Instagram after her explosive interview with Harrison, which resulted in him stepping away and apologizing for his previous remarks. The reality star revealed she received a slew of hateful and ugly messages in the aftermath.