‘Bachelor’ Matt James Breaks Up With Rachael Kirkconnell Over Race Controversy

‘Bachelor’ Matt James Breaks Up With Rachael Kirkconnell Over Race Controversy

Matt James served as the first black Bachelor on ABC’s long-running dating series, but it didn’t come without a ton of controversy and now, he’s left the show a single man.

As previously reported, host Chris Harrison stepped away from the show after he received criticism for defending contestant Rachael Kirkconnell after photos of her attending a plantation party in 2018 surfaced.

On Monday night (March 15th), it was revealed that Matt James gave Rachael Kirkconnell the final rose, ending things with fan-favorite Michelle Young, who was announced as one of the new Bachelorettes for the franchise.

But it was also revealed on After The Final Rose that he later broke up with Rachael Kirkconnell after her activity came to light.

He explained,

“If you don’t understand that something like that is problematic in 2018, there’s a lot of me that you won’t understand. I stepped back and let her do the work she’s committed to doing.”

Rachael Kirkconnell, who grew up in the south, also said she didn’t realize the essence of the party’s theme. She added,

“People need to realize saying ‘this is normal where I come from’ doesn’t make it right.”

She added that she knows Matt James is “really, really hurt” by her actions and continued with,

“I lost the love of my life … I love him so much and I always will.”

Matt James later said,

“It’s heartbreaking, it’s disappointing. When I questioned our relationship, it was in the context of you not understanding my blackness … that’s why we can’t be in a relationship.”

He added that while she’s educating herself, it’s not his job to walk her through it.

“I don’t want to be emotionally responsible for those tears.”

What are your thoughts on Matt James ending things with Rachael Kirkconnell? Comment and let us know.