Rachel Kirkconnell see Matt James 25 in the season bachelor And after the show, they had a relationship Full of ups and downs.

As the 2021 season of the ABC series aired, the Georgia native came under fire for reenacting photos in an antebellum-style outfit at a fraternity retreat. Before Kirkconnell addressed the photo, then the host Chris Harrison came to his defense during an interview with Alum Rachel LindseyAsk the audience "Grace" for contestantsThe one he knew won the season. (The scandal broke in February 2021, a month before the finale aired.)

The situation led to James breaking up with Kirkconnell earlier After the final rose Special that March. Although the two reunited later that year, the network severed ties with Harrison and the alum. Jesse Palmer The gig has taken over

Kirkconnell Released his first statement On February 11, 2021, wrote via Instagram that his actions were "not acceptable" and that his "ignorance was racist." During a candid conversation with fellow season 25 stars Bree SpringsKirkconnell, who finished as second runner-up in James' season in October 2022, said her initial apology had "backfired" and claimed the show had "pushed" her into writing the statement.

James recalled Kirkconnell going "rogue" and making a second, longer apology video after they ended their relationship because he had nothing to lose. She shared a third statement after her followers started coming for Lindsey and James instead of focusing on her mistakes.

After reuniting in the spring of 2021, James wrote a book about his time as the first black bachelor, criticizing the series for what they chose to promote. Speaking about their relationship with the franchise in July 2022, Kirkconnell said our That is the couple Rooting for everyone "from afar".

James had plans to propose in the future announced their separation Via Instagram in 2025.

Keep scrolling for more comments from Kirkconnell about his time on the show: