Chris Harrison Defends Ali Fedotowsky & Roberto Martinez's Love

"They very much loved each other. They were trying to build a life in San Diego and it didn't work out."

In the wake of Ali Fedotowsky and Roberto Martinez's recent breakup, "Bachelor/Bachelorette" franchise host Chris Harrison is defending the reality pair, saying what the former couple had was real and not just for cameras.

"I get a little upset when people say, 'Oh, another one bites the dust.' It's like, no, that's not the case," Chris told Billy Bush and Kit Hoover on Thursday's Access Hollywood Live, when asked about Ali and Roberto's recent split announcement. "They very much loved each other. They were trying to build a life in San Diego and it didn't work out."

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Access Top 10: Most Shocking 'Bachelor' & 'Bachelorette' Moments!

With Ali's face gracing the cover of this week's People magazine, Billy pointed out that many cynics may deem their breakup as an attempt to stay in the public eye – something Chris said he thinks is reflective of the public's growing fascination with the "Bachelor/Bachelorette" franchise stars, and not a publicity grab by Ali.

"There is this 365-day/year news cycle now of the people on our show," Chris — who is also hosting ABC's new game show, "You Deserve It" — said of the hit reality series. "The last couple of years, it's become this phenomenon where the tabloids and everything have kind of followed the people on our show. It's been interesting to see how it grows."

VIEW THE PHOTOS: 'The Bachelorette': Ali's Final Choice

Catch Chris, along with co-host Brooke Burns, on "You Deserve It" — Mondays on ABC.

Season 16 of "The Bachelor" premieres on January 2 on ABC.

Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Former 'Bachelorette' Beauty Ali Fedotowsky

Related Content from AccessHollywood.com:
VIEW THE PHOTOS: 'Bachelor Pad 2': Who Has The Best Chance To Win?

PLAY IT NOW: Access Hollywood Live: Chris Harrison - 'Last Season Of 'Bachelor Pad' Was Child's Play Compared To This One'
PLAY IT NOW: Dish Of Salt: Chris Harrison Talks 'Bachelor Pad' Season 2 - How Is the Show Different This Year?

More from Access: [ Chris Harrison Ali Fedotowsky The Bachelorette ]

Copyright NBCAH - Access Hollywood
Contact Us