While Matt James’ historic season of The Bachelor officially ended, but not before rumors started swirling that he ends up choosing contestant Rachael Kirkconnell at the end. But Kirkconnell has been embroiled in a scandal after photos surfaced of herself attending an antebellum ball in 2018, along with liking photos of women posing in front of a Confederate flag. Kirkconnell has publicly apologized and has since gone relatively silent on social media. Longtime Bachelor host Chris Harrison has also apologized after defending Kirkconnell’s actions in an eyebrow-raising interview on Extra with former Bachelorette star Rachel Lindsay. Harrison temporarily left his role over his comments, which included using the phrase “woke police” to address the criticism surrounding Kirkconnell. He also asked people to have “a little grace, a little understanding, a little compassion” for Kirkconnell. James, who is the first Black Bachelor ever, finally spoke out before the finale. Here’s everything we know right now about whether Matt and Rachael have broken up
Matt James finally spoke out about Rachael Kirkconnell’s past actions
Just before the hometown dates episode of The Bachelor aired, James released a statement on Instagram about recent events. “The past few weeks have been some of the most challenging of my life, and while there are several episodes left of the season, it is important that I take the time to address the troubling information that has come to light since we wrapped filming, including the incredibly disappointing photos of Rachael Kirkconnell and the interview between Rachel Lindsay and Chris Harrison,” he wrote. “The reality is that I’m learning about these situations in real time, and it has been devastating and heartbreaking to put it bluntly.” He continued, “Chris’ failure to receive and understand the emotional labor that my friend Rachel Lindsay was taking on by graciously and patiently explaining the racist history of the Antebellum South, a painful history that every American should understand intimately, was troubling and painful to watch. As Black people and allies immediately knew and understood, it was a clear reflection of a much larger issue that The Bachelor franchise has fallen short on addressing adequately for years.” James said the debacle “also pushed me to reevaluate and process what my experience on The Bachelor represents, not just for me, but for all of the contestants of color, especially the Black contestants of this season and seasons past, and for you, the viewers at home.” James said that he will “continue to process this experience,” adding, “you will hear more from me in the end. My greatest prayer is that this is an inflection point that results in real and institutional change for the better.”
Rachael Kirkconnell and Matt James broke up after the finale taped
Bachelor spoiler god Reality Steve announced on Twitter before the end of the season that the couple were no longer together. “Not that Matt’s statement wasn’t pretty clear itself, but I can confirm that Matt and Rachael have broken up,” he wrote. Earlier in the season, Instagram account BachSleuths noticed that James was listening to one of Kirkconnell’s Spotify playlists, called “Night Drive” on his own account—after filming wrapped. While it’s ~technically~ possible he just happened to notice that his former girlfriend has good taste in music, it makes more sense that he would be listening to his current S.O.’s playlist.
So, are Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell still broken up?
Yes, it was confirmed during the Season 25 After the Final Rose special. Next, find out if Katie Thurston will be the next Bachelorette.
