We'll learn more during the "After the Final Rose" episode on March 15, when we'll also learn who is taking over Harrison's hosting duties for the special. At the end of the day, he cared more about protecting himself, supporting his friend [former Bachelorette] Rachel Lindsay and … The Bachelor's Matt James Reportedly Split From His Final Pick After Recent … It looks like Matt James and his Bachelor winner, Rachael Kirkconnell, have broken up. In his statement last night, Matt explained that these past few weeks have been some of the “most challenging” of his life and said he wanted 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.”, Matt also explained that learning about this in real time has been “devastating and heartbreaking,” saying, “Chris’s 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. Emergency medical personnel were rushed to the scene after the reality contestant fell too hard for Matt during tonight’s hometown dates but ultimately was okay. ABC Filed under celebrity stylist , matt james , the bachelor , … Neither James nor Kirkconnell have commented on the status of their relationship, which makes sense because the finale hasn't aired yet. “Bachelor” Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell shared “strong” chemistry during the shopping date, according to Ty Hunter. Rachael and Matt in a scene from the 2021 season of "The Bachelor." 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.”. Sign up for our Celebrity & Entertainment newsletter. Now, according to HuffPost's Emma Gray and Claire Fallon, the Bachelor is no longer with the 24-year-old. Viewers saw the controversial contestant Rachel Kirkconnell's parents meet Matt James on the February 22 episode and that has further fueled the viewer's animosity. Uhh, Was Heather Edited Out of the WTA Last Night? ☝️, Awesome, You’re All Set! (His opening prayer really struck a chord for her, too.) The Bachelor has always been great at picking Southern belles, and Kirkconnell is no exception. Great, Click the ‘Allow’ Button Above A quick refresher for everyone: In January, fans revealed Rachael Kirkconnell's attendance at an antebellum-themed fraternity formal in 2018, alongside detailed rumors of alleged racist comments, cultural appropriation, and liked photos promoting all kinds of bigotry in the past. Bachelor Nation Responds to Taylor Nolan’s Tweets, Mehera Bonner is a news writer who focuses on celebrities and royals—. She hails … One woman Matt connected with early on is Rachael Kirkconnell. Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell in a scene from the 2021 season of "The Bachelor." Please select the topics you're interested in: Would you like to turn on POPSUGAR desktop notifications to get breaking news ASAP? Matt James, the first Black star of The Bachelor, is speaking out in a new statement about his experience on the show and the controversy surrounding contestant Rachael … He launched into a tirade in defense of Kirkconnell and subsequently decided to step down after being called out for perpetuating racism. Get the daily inside scoop right in your inbox. Home Town date is one of the most significant moments on 'The Bachelor' as the parents of the suitresses meet the man their daughters are planning on marrying. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Matt James is calling recent news surrounding the Bachelor franchise “troubling” as he breaks his silence on contestant Rachael Kirkconnell and host Chris Harrison. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Rachael, the 24-year-old graphic designer from Cumming, Georgia, who has since been wrapped up in a controversy surrounding "offensive and racist" actions, takes Matt on a … Rachael’s ‘Bach’ Drama—in Painstaking Detail, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. Matt and Rachael looked like they were end game from whatever interactions they've had … The reality show contestant has come under fire … Rachael Kirkconnell and Matt James on night one of The Bachelor. 17 hours ago. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight on Tuesday, February 2, Matt was asked about the TikToks and claims that Rachael is a racist and bullied others for dating Black men. by Monica Sisavat Craig Sjodin/ABC. The Bachelor; The Bachelor: Are Matt and Rachael Still Together? Over the … Michelle Young, a current contestant on Matt James's season of The Bachelor, posts a statement about the Rachael drama on behalf of the women who … Rachael and Matt James ABC/Craig Sjodin After the season 25 premiere of The Bachelor in January, a TikTok user accused Rachael of bullying her in the past for dating Black men. In his tweet confirming the news, Reality Steve wrote, “Not that Matt’s statement wasn’t pretty clear itself, but I can confirm that Matt and Rachael have broken up.”, (SPOILER): Not that Matt’s statement wasn’t pretty clear itself, but I can confirm that Matt and Rachael have broken up. Sources say Rachael Kirkconnell and Matt James are done Bachelor spoiler god Reality Steve announced on Twitter Monday that the couple are no longer together. Photo: ABC. Nothing about any of these storylines are relevant anymore, knowing what we know now. Racheal Kirkconnell may be the frontrunner of “The Bachelor” but her past may have caught up to her. Start Gallery Based on intel from production insiders, Reality Steve has concluded that Kirkconnell receives Matt… 15 hours ago, by Danielle Jackson On Feb. 22, James spoke out about the controversy that's stirred Bachelor Nation into a frenzy over the past few weeks. Matt James addressed the controversy surrounding Bachelor host Chris Harrison and season 25 contestant Rachael Kirkconnell by sharing his support for Rachel … This content is imported from Twitter. "The Bachelor" is no stranger to scandal, but the last few weeks have been the messiest yet for the long-running series.. What began with TikTok rumors and photos at a plantation-themed fraternity party came to a head last week when host Chris Harrison stepped down after his interview with "Bachelorette" star Rachel Lindsay.. The popular Bachelor blogger had stated once that there were rumours going around in Rachael's hometown of Cumming, Ga that the two have been engaged. Off-screen, however, the contestant vying for Matt James’ heart is … He reflected on how the controversy ignited necessary conversations about representation in the Bachelor franchise and condemned Chris Harrison's troubling comments, admitting they've been "devastating and heartbreaking" to hear. The leading man’s final two contestants are Rachael, 24, and Michelle Young, 27, according to Reality Steve.In the end, Matt, 29, chooses Rachael, but things get … The Bachelor Spoilers: Did Racism Scandal Already Break Up Matt and Rachael? Rachel Lindsay thinks Bachelor Nation newbie Matt James is holding his own as “The Bachelor” this season. On Feb. 9, Rachel Lindsay interviewed Harrison on Extra. During an interview on Andy Cohen's Radio Andy on … If that indeed turns out to be how this season plays out, … You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, This Way for All Matt James’s ‘Bachelor’ Spoilers, Spoilers on 'Bachelorette' Season 17, Comin' Atcha, Reality Steve Says [SPOILER] Is the Bachelorette. Watching these last few episodes is just gonna be...weird. Rachael Kirkconnell (L) on a one-on-one date with "The Bachelor" Matt James. Matt James seems smitten with Rachael Kirkconnell.The Bachelor admitted he was falling in love with the 24-year-old graphic designer on Monday night's … 16 hours ago, by Murphy Moroney BACHELOR Matt James’ frontrunner Rachael Kirkconnell crashed hard into the ground during tonight's scary skydiving accident. [SPOILER] May Have Won Matt James' Season, Matt James Addresses Allegations Against Rachael, Matt Gave His First Impression Rose to [SPOILER], Matt James May Not Propose to *Anyone* This Season, Twitter Was Obsessed with 'The Bachelor' LN. Nothing about any of these storylines are relevant anymore, knowing what we know now.”. It looks like Matt James and his Bachelor winner, Rachael Kirkconnell, have broken up. Since the season 25 premiere of the ABC dating series, Bachelor … 15 hours ago, by Lauren Harano Matt James Chose Rachael Kirkconnell on the ‘Bachelor’ Finale, but He Did not Propose ABC/Craig Sjodin Rachael Kirkconnell & Matt James pose … Matt James is speaking out about the controversy surrounding Bachelor contestant Rachael Kirkconnell.. Viewers watched as Rachael Kirkconnell was showered with designer gifts on The Bachelor. Rachel Lindsay, 35, says "Bachelor" Matt James, 29, is under unfair "pressure" to pick a Black Woman. By signing up, I agree to the Terms & to receive emails from POPSUGAR. You can read Matt’s full statement below: A post shared by Matt James (@mattjames919), As a reminder, Chris Harrison has temporarily stepped down as Bachelor host, and it remains to be seen who will step in to host “After the Final Rose.”, There's No Such Thing as a "Bad" Tarot Card, Alleged Abusers Need To Ditch the Non-Apology, 26 Best Menstrual Cups for Every Body Type, Just a Bunch of Affirmations for Your Dating Sitch. Chris Harrison Says He’s Not Leaving ‘Bachelor’, Inside Matt James' Relationship With His Mom & Dad, Producers Denounce Bullying Against Rachel Lindsay. If you've been wondering whom Matt James chose as his final pick on this tumultuous season of ABC's The Bachelor, you probably won't be surprised to find out that they're no longer together. 'Bachelor' Matt James Says He Felt Pressure to Choose a Black Contestant After Criticism of Rachel Lindsay By Rachel McRady 5:53 AM PST, February 12, 2021 Looking for Proof That [SPOILER] Is Matt's Winner? https://t.co/tarvmmDQAb, The long-time Bachelor Nation spoiler source also noted that “watching these last few episodes is just gonna be...weird. So Are We, Rachel Lindsay Deletes Instagram After Harassment From Bachelor Fans, Here's Everything We Know About Chris Harrison and The Bachelor Racism Controversy, Chris Harrison Will Step Away From The Bachelor Franchise Amid Racism Controversy, Matt James Addresses Chris Harrison's "Troubling and Painful" Comments Defending Rachael Kirkconnell, UCLA Gymnasts Are Here to Make a Statement With Their New Black Lives Matter Leotards, detailed rumors of alleged racist comments, James gave Kirkconnell his final rose in the yet-to-air finale, the Bachelor is no longer with the 24-year-old, who is taking over Harrison's hosting duties. Rachael Kirkconnell’s age and hometown. , The Bachelor's Matt James Reportedly Split From His Final Pick After Recent Revelations, Confused About When The Bachelor Finale Will Air For 2021? Reality Steve reported the news last night—directly after Matt released a statement about Chris Harrison’s interview with Rachel Lindsay (during which Chris defended Rachael Kirkconnell’s racist actions—including her attendance at an antebellum-themed plantation party). Matt released a statement about Chris Harrison’s interview with Rachel Lindsay. Bachelor Nation host Chris Harrison also found himself embroiled in the scandal. Promise. Twenty-five BIPOC contestants from Matt James ' season of The Bachelor wrote an open letter condemning the past racist actions of fellow contestant Rachael Kirkconnell. “Matt broke up with Rachael mainly due to the backlash. While James didn't address the topic of Kirkconnell directly, other than noting that her photos were disappointing, fans learned from Reality Steve that James gave Kirkconnell his final rose in the yet-to-air finale back on Jan. 21. 17 hours ago, by Monica Sisavat 16 hours ago, by Victoria Messina The 24-year-old, who is a Season 25 frontrunner and dating the franchise's first Black bachelor Matt James, issued the lengthy mea culpa on social … We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Photo: ABC Follow Rachael’s journey on “The Bachelor” Mondays at 8 p.m. EST on ABC. Wanna Discuss Who the Next Bachelorette Will Be? 11 hours ago, by Christina Stiehl Cosmopolitan participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. “Not that Matt’s … Rumor has it that ABC arm twisted 'The Bachelor' Season 25 lead Matt James into breaking up with his top pick, the 'racist' Bachelor star Rachael Kirkconnell from Georgia. The Bachelor 's Rachael Kirkconnell Says She'd Be "Crushed" if Matt James Doesn’t Propose After speaking out on The Bachelor franchise’s controversy, Matt James met the … 10 hours ago, by Chanel Vargas Reality Steve had many things to say about Matt and Rachael in The Bachelor. This content is imported from Instagram.