The Bachelor's Rachael Kirkconnell Is in a 'Good Place' with Matt James 'It Was a Journey' The photo post also included behind-the-scenes photos of James brushing his teeth, videos of him. If you're in the room, you've got it.". "I'm getting stuff currently from people on Matt James' season now and I hope it's not what I think it is, but if it is I'm going to be mad because why is Reddit figuring out what the show can't?". Raise your hand if youre burnt to a crisp! Rachael wrote next to a July 2020 beach snapshot in a gorgeous sky-blue bikini. Rachael Kirkconnells height is 5 feet and 5 inches. We are not looking under the same lens. Despite a profuse apology, the controversial comments ended up causing Chris to step aside from all Bachelor-related shows, and he later exited the franchise in June 2021. "I have this incredible platform to speak about love, and yesterday I took a stance on topics about which I should have been better informed.". By Chris Murphy @christress. Thanks for contacting us. "It's extremely frustrating when you see somebody slip through the cracks, and it does a disservice to the lead who has no idea, because what if they pick that problematic person? She stated on the show that she has never been in love. "So many people send me stuff from Reddit all the time," Lindsay told Insider. James' casting was announced days after Lindsay, the franchise's first Black "Bachelorette," said she would "dissociate" with Bachelor Nation if it didn't confront its diversity issues. We need to just put all of that aside and really focus on our relationship and how we feel about each other and nothing else. Its been so incredible. Scroll through for a complete timeline of Matt and Rachaels relationship: (Courtesy of Rachael Kirkconnell/Instagram), (Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock; Courtesy of Rachael Kirkconnell/Instagram), (Gregory Pace/Shutterstock; Courtesy of Rachael Kirkconnell/Instagram), (Evan Agostini/Invision/AP/Shutterstock; ABC/Maarten de Boer). She secured a rose and was safe for another week. Matt James, who became the first Black lead of the dating reality series " The Bachelor ," told People on Wednesday that he's been seeing Rachael Kirkconnell, the woman he chose but then rejected after her past racially insensitive social media posts were unearthed. Rachel Kirkconnell is a reality television personality who is the winner of season 25 of The Bachelor. Rachael Kirkconnell she/her/hers Rachael Kirkconnell is an American reality star and graphic designer who made headlines after she was spotted at an Antebellum themed party in 2018. Mike oversees several ministries and a Bible school, Who is Tom Thakkar? By excusing historical racism, I defended it. We decided to keep talking, to be open to our love building back.. Kirkconnell has a decent height of 5 feet 6 inches. (Season 25 of The Bachelor filmed at Nemacolin Resort in the fall of 2020 and premiered in January.) And again, Im not defending Rachael, Chris stated, adding, I just know that, I dont know, 50 million people did that in 2018. Nevertheless, Rachael is also known for having taken part in season 25 of The Bachelor.. Born Name. ", Harrison went on to say that "the woke police is out there," and that Kirkconnell had been "thrown to the lions.". The Bachelor 2021 winner was born to parents Darrell and Kim Kirkconnell. Rachaels mother, Kim Kirkconnell, also defended her daughter and hinted at how the situation might affect their potential happy ending. 's Rachael Kirkconnell, including her job. The last photo in the set also showed. During the more than 13-minute interview, where Lindsay is a correspondent for Extra, Harrison defended Kirkconnell. "I'm not pursuing any relationships right now outside of that. "Your advocacy of BIPOC people in the franchise is invaluable, I stand with you and the rest of the women advocating for change and accountability," he added. ", Harrison said he realized he had caused "harm by wrongly speaking in a manner that perpetuates racism. She grew up there with her brothers and neighborhood pals. While appearing on an Instagram live Monday with From Privilege to Progress, an organization that promotes open discussions about race and racism, Kirkconnell opened up about . Looking at her Instagram profile, she has shared a number of images with her sister Trinity, and they both appear to be about the same age and have similar facial features. Rachael also appears to be an avid traveler, chronicling her various vacations as well as some of the furry friends she's made along the way on her feed. A Deuxmoi tipster spotted the two together in Brooklyn, while Kirkconnell was also photographed in James' NYC neighborhood. "And again, I'm not defending Rachael. "Just because she is speaking the loudest, doesn't mean she is alone. Getting to know the contestants on-screen is one of the best parts of a new season of The Bachelor. ", Bristowe posted an Instagram video of her and Adams dancing to celebrate the news, along with the caption: "Let's go girls. "That's really all I needed. She is of Honduran descent on her father's side. While she didnt receive the coveted first impression rose (Abigail Heringer did), she caught Matts eye on night one. I hear you, and I'm here to say I was wrong," Kirkconnell wrote in her apology, which she also posted to Instagram. Follow. During the live After the Final Rose special in March 2021, it was revealed that James had made the decision to end his relationship with Kirkconnell after her racially insensitive past was brought to light. Harrison's 19-year reign as the host of the "Bachelor" franchise officially came to an end the morning after Katie Thurston's new season of "The Bachelorette" premiered without him. Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell on Making Their Red Carpet Debut at 2021 ESPYS. And then when I saw on the first group date, and Im referring to all these instances that arent one-on-ones, because that was how our relationship was lived out, you know, I hadnt had that one-on-one time with her yet. Lindsay speaks from experience since during her season in 2017, contestant Lee Garrett was called out for writing racist tweets that resurfaced after her show's premiere. Rachael Kirkconnell is the type of girl that can compete in and win any beauty contest. Rachael Kirkconnell. "I was said I was going to focus on my relationship with her and that means focusing on it. More than 30 contestants on James' season of "The Bachelor" posted a joint statement on their Instagram accounts condemning Harrison's remarks and advocating for change in the franchise. "I think it's unfair to leave people without the ability to unlearn and be better," he added. The brown-haired beauty earns an impressive salary from working as a graphic designer. The couple were spotted cuddling and walking together on the beach after taking a dip in the ocean. "She's celebrating the Old South. From hair trends to relationship advice, our daily newsletter has everything you need to sound like a person whos on TikTok, even if you arent. A post shared by rachael kirkconnell (@rachaelkirkconnell), "At one point, I didn't recognize how offensive and racist my actions were, but that doesn't excuse them," she said. "The setup didn't do Matt any favors, and I feel like that's also why people were so critical of it.". Bachelor star Matt James and season 25 winner Rachael Kirkconnell are "in love again" following their split earlier this year, an insider exclusively tells Life & Style. We stand with her, we hear her, and we advocate for change alongside her.". 925k Followers, 788 Following, 266 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Rachael Kirkconnell (@rachaelkirkconnell) rachaelkirkconnell. like what?!!? Host Chris Harrison has officially left the franchise after 19 years after defending Kirkconnell. "Disappearing from the public eye isn't the change I need to see. Rachael Kirkconnell (born September 26, 1996) [1] is an American television personality, who is best known as the winner of season 25 of The Bachelor . These Celebs Love Posting Naked Photos, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's Teen Daughter Shiloh's Transformation, Brit Awards 2023 Best, Worst Dressed Celebs: Red Carpet Photos, Her Swimsuits Don't Lie! ", A day later, Lindsay said that deactivating her account was "the best decision that I could do for myself to detach from that negativity. Mike Bickle is an evangelical leader. The 24-year-old reality TV personality is American by nationality and belongs to Caucasian ethnicity. "That's something that kept me up at night. While anything can happen on The Bachelor, things are looking promising for this early connection. James told Acho that "those feelings don't go away overnight," while Kirkconnell told "The Bachelor" star that she couldn't imagine having "these same feelings for someone else. According to Patten, Harrison's lawyer threatened to expose "a swath of 'The Bachelor's' alleged dirty laundry" unless the longtime host "emerged feeling the financial love.". It was the best decision I could have made. While attending Georgia College & State University, she had her name on the Deans List twice. Value teamwork, diversity, growth mindsets and critical thinking. And this is a franchise that has been a part of my life for the better part of 20 years and I love it. Since rekindling their love, Kirkconnell and James have been traveling and showing lots of PDA. It means so much. Early life and education [ edit] Kirkconnell was born and raised in Cumming, Georgia to parents Darrell and Kim Kirkconnell. And I hope that will happen. Were in a great place, she said that September at New York Fashion Week. Photos emerged of Matt James' contestant Rachael Kirkconnell at a plantation-themed party. Courtesy of Rachael Kirkconnell/Instagram The 24-year-old graphic designer has been spending a lot of time with the 29-year-old former reality star after rekindling their romance last month. By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. ", "I am an imperfect man, I made a mistake and I own that," Harrison told Strahan. James revealed that he ended things with Kirkconnell after he had to explain to her why the plantation-party photos were problematic. ", Harrison sat down for his first interview following the controversy with Michael Strahan on "Good Morning America. During the After The Final Rose special the following month, James admitted that he and Kirkconnell still had feelings for each other. Her cousin told The Sun the pictures were real and "hard to defend.". Kirkconnell Rachael was born into a lovely, joyful, and supportive American family. She entered the dating show with the hope that her love story would be something huge and life-altering. I grew. Kim Kardashian defeats Hillary Clinton in round of legal t 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved When Huffington Post writer Emma Gray praised Lindsay for how she handled the interview and dealt with the franchise, the "Bachelorette" star replied: "My days are numbered. It was a discussion that also didn't sit well with Lindsay, she told Insider during an interview on January 29. I see you as the mother of my kids.". ", Kirkconnell concluded by saying she truly believed that James was "the love of my life." Here's how it all went down from the very beginning, starting when James was first cast. This stirred up its own controversy. So, here's everything you need to know about The Bachelor's Rachael Kirkconnell, including her job and her plans for the future. Rachael Kirkconnell Graphic Designer Portfolio. We just needed to take that time away from everyone and really figure everything out, and I think that we were just so sick of the outside noise and we were like, You know what? Nick Name. The reality couple arent shy about showing off how she can rock a bikini, while he looks so sexy shirtless during their lake outings, trips to the Caribbean and other sunny destinations. "That is totally unacceptable. Being on The Bachelor is an emotional process, but for one contestant, the tears started flowing a little earlier than usual. Hes everything I expected him to be and more." He also hosts the podcast and, Who is Mike Bickle? . The controversy caused even more of a stir when the shows longtime host Chris Harrison minimized Kirkconnells past actions in a February 2021 Extra interview. People are attacking me because they think that I'm trying to cancel someone so they're on a mission to cancel me. In 2019, she graduated with a degree in marketing. However, at the same time, in a viral TikTok, a woman accused Kirkconnell of bullying one of her classmates in high school for dating Black men. ", Harrison took to Instagram again and said he was "ashamed of how uninformed I was. She responded: "I'm head over heels for you. She gained recognition after she appeared as a contestant on season 25 ofThe Bachelor,where the show had its first Black lead, Matt James. Pictures showed Kirkconnell wearing an antebellum-style plantation dress at a Kappa Alpha-hosted "Old South" party while she was a student at Georgia College & State University inMilledgeville, Georgia in 2018. She began working as a graphic designer after college and stayed in the same profession for a time to earn a good living. James ultimately decided to get back together with Kirkconnell, who had publicly apologized for her mistakes in a February 2021 Instagram video. This article was originally published on Jan. 5, 2021, These Bachelor Nation Experts Want To Save The Franchise, Kat & Brooklyn's 'Bachelor' Drama Has Fans Asking For A 2-On-1 Date, 'Bachelor' Fans Are Convinced Ariel Spoiled Her & Zach's Relationship Status, All The Clues Zach & Charity Get Engaged On 'The Bachelor', Get Even More From Bustle Sign Up For The Newsletter. Rachael Kirkconnell (born September 26, 1996)[1] is an American television personality, who is best known as the winner of season 25 of The Bachelor. "I've seen Rachael a handful of times," James told People on April 28. "When I questioned our relationship, it was in the context of you not fully understanding my Blackness, and what it means to be a Black man in America, and what it would mean for our kids," James told her during the post-finale special. ABC's 'The Bachelor' contestant Rachael Kirkconnell. Deadline's Dominic Patten exclusively revealed that Harrison received a "mid-range eight figure payoff" to leave Bachelor Nation for good. "We support Chris in the work that he is committed to doing," it read. Kirkconnell began her modeling career between 2017 and 2018 when she was seeking her degree. Rachael and Matt are such a loving couple, not to mention really good looking! I invoked the term 'woke police,' which is unacceptable. "I didnt expect to feel like this so soon. ", "Our world is disconnected and divided," he wrote. "I also believe there's a reason for everything," Kirkconnell wrote in the lengthy Instagram post. Reality Steve added to the speculation, tweeting that the two "aren't over.". ", James called Kirkconnell's photos and Harrison's interview "incredibly disappointing," and said the recent events had been "devastating and heartbreaking.". On Jan. 17, Instagram fan account @bachelorsleuths noticed that Matt was listening to a playlist called "Night Drive" on Spotify which just so happened to have been made by Rachael. He texted me after. Despite never having owned a pair of shoes that "cost more than $40," Rachael walked away from the evening with a pair of Louboutins and another rose from Matt. ", "Rachel Lindsay continues to advocate with 'grace' for individuals who identify as BIPOC within this franchise," it continued. ABC named the 29-year-old Wake Forest graduate the season 25 lead in June 2020, subsequently revealing that the series received a record number of submissions for contestants. On Wednesday, Cosmopolitan published an excerpt of the former Bachelor's upcoming book, First Impressions, in which he. ", "I plan to be back and I want to be back," he added. See Shakira's Hottest Bikini Pictures, Shes a Genie in a Bikini! "It just didn't sit right with me. She won the show while also winning Matt James heart. including photos featuring the 24-year old graphic designer at an antebellum-themed party in college in 2018. She couldnt make it up with Matt James. "I'm not 100 percent, but I feel lighter. Reality Steve, one of the biggest Bachelor Nation bloggers, posted on Twitter that James and Kirkconnell hadn't fully broken up. But after photos of Kirkconnell at a plantation-themed party emerged, they broke up. "At the end of the day, love is what makes your life more special than others," she told The Bachelor. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. Rachael donned a pink bikini as she sat on the shoreline staring out at the sea on the island of Tortola. Rachael clearly won The Bachelor season 25, and each winner receives $100,000 in prize money. "He was fine. I was ignorant, but my ignorance was racist.. The reality star donned a blue patterned bikini with top and bottom cutouts while boating with Matt and friends. "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 continued. The reality couple aren't shy about showing off how she can rock a bikini, while he looks so sexy. It's been great. The 24-year-old graphic designer is from Cumming, Georgia, and graduated from Georgia College & State University in 2019, where she was a member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority. Kirkconnell then posted her own statement on Instagram, apologizing for the photos. "It's unbelievably alarming to watch this. Bristowe's season aired in 2015, while Adams took over the most recent season after Clare Crawley left early to get engaged to contestant Dale Moss. If he chooses Rachael, and stands by her, then you know Matt does truly love her, Kim told The Sun on February 25. Going all the way back to Instagram photos in 2018, Rachael proved she was a total beach girl, going on plenty of seaside trips with her college gal pals. We won't post to any of your accounts without asking first, AFF-USA/Shutterstock; Insets Courtesy of Rachael Kirkconnell/Instagram. ", "Rachel has received an unimaginable amount of hate and has been subjected to severe online bullying, which, more often than not, has been rooted in racism," the statement continued. "Any defense of racist behavior denies the lived and continued experiences of BIPOC individuals. ", Days after Lindsay shut down her Instagram account from incessant online bullying, "The Bachelor" executive producers released a statement calling the harassment "completely inexcusable. Published on April 26, 2021 06:47 PM. Although there's calls for Harrison to leave "The Bachelor" franchise permanently, Lindsay isn't so sure about that right now. ", A post shared by Kaitlyn Bristowe (@kaitlynbristowe). And I was doing boyfriend-girlfriend things with TC still.". Insider reached out to reps for Harrison and ABC, but didn't immediately hear back. Rachael charmed the audience from the first week through the end of the show, which aired on January 4, 2021. I just know that, I don't know, 50 million people did that in 2018. Meanwhile, Lindsay said during her "Higher Learning" podcast that Harrison had "no problems" with their interview until the backlash began. Host Chris Harrison came to Rachaels defense in February 2021 as the show was airing, telling Rachel Lindsay, who was the first Black Bachelorette, on Extra that the self-described Southern sweetheart was a victim of the woke police blowing things out of proportion. The Georgia native broke her silence on February 11, two days after the hosts interview and more than one month since she initially came under fire. You are almost on par to say you're more likely to become the President of the United States than you are a Black lead in this franchise. At the time, Ratajkowski was only 20 and trying to impress creatives in the industry because it is "an important part of building a good reputa The Bachelor and race Rachael Kirkconnell and Chris Harrison, "Happy Birthday to my emergency contact @rachaelkirkconnell. Thats what Ive asked these women to do and shes taking that challenge head on.". "And I think this franchise can be an important beacon of change. The family-oriented Southern girl says she's looking for a love story worth telling her children about one day, and truly does believe that everything is made better by having a good partner by your side. "It just was not the right way to do it.". However, he did not propose. We also stand united with the women of Season 25 of the Bachelor, who had denounced the same; moreover, we stand united with Rachel Lindsay, who has led the way. "The Bachelor" faced a reckoning as Black Lives Matter protests swept across the US, reigniting debates on diversity throughout Hollywood and beyond. On May 28, James posted a photo on Instagram of himself and Kirkconnell at an ABC Food Tours event, a non-profit he co-founded with friend and fellow Bachelor Nation member Tyler Cameron. "Rumors are dark and nasty and can ruin people's lives," he added. "We are not looking under the same lens. ", Later that weekend, James, Kirkconnell, Cameron and Cameron's girlfriend Camila Kendra enjoyed a double date in the Hamptons. In college, she made the Deans List twice. And when I had that day to spend with her and really get to know her better, it just affirmed everything I had already felt. While Matt and Rachael were dropping L-bombs on the series, she was making headlines for her past racially insensitive actions, including photos of her at an Old South-themed frat party in 2018. She appeared as a regular on the 25th season of The Bachelor and made it to the top four. "I'll tell you what I'll be mad about: He goes away, we don't see him at the finale, and he pops back up in 'Paradise' like the last four or five months didn't happen. According to her ABC bio, Rachael's "favorite way to pass the time is doodling," so it's no wonder that she ended up as a graphic designer. Verified. I don't want to piss off Black people, I don't want to piss off white people, but I'm both of those. While Matt didnt propose in the finale episode, Rachael did earn his final rose, along with him telling her, I see you as my wife. While Kirkconnell didn't receive the coveted first impression rose that went to Abigail Heringer she did make a strong connection with James on night one. "You've got people who are cheering for you to end up with a specific person of a specific race," James said. ! the former reality star went on to write. That caused outrage considering the optics that she was white and vying for the heart of the first Black Bachelor. During the "After the Final Rose" special, both Kirkconnell and James admitted they still had feelings for each other. Rachel has been an incredible advocate for our cast, and we are grateful that she has worked tirelessly towards racial equality and inclusion. "Your advocacy of BIPOC people in the franchise is invaluable, I stand with you and the rest of the women advocating for change and accountability," he said. "I like everything about you, even the things that you may be ultra-aware of," Matt told Rachael during the Feb. 1 episode. I am committed to progress, not just for myself, also for the franchise. Matt asked. 10 Best Designer Discounts to Shop from The Saks Fifth Avenue Sale. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Matt James is not an eligible Bachelor.. "While there have been rumors circulating, there have also been truths that have come to light that I need to address. We didnt know what to do with them James wrote in his book, First Impressions, published in May. Among the 38 women who had the opportunity to meet Matt was Rachael, a 24-year-old graphic designer from Georgia. "I really am already completely falling in love with you. She also took a dip in the pool of her villa with a nice cool drink along with fellow bikini-clad sister Trinity. And it is scary to say, but when I'm with you, it just feels right," he replied. While James only posted a photo of himself and Cameron to his grid, Kirkconnell commented, "Forever the third wheel. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. But she proved to be one of the shows most controversial contestants while winning the heart of the first Black Bachelor in the shows history. 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. [4], Prior to appearing on The Bachelor, Kirkconnell was working as a graphic designer in Atlanta, Georgia.[5]. "I've seen some stuff online where people are just tearing this girl's life apart and diving into, like, her parents and her parents' voting record," Harrison said. Her entire family is of Caucasian descent. However, specific details about her salary and earnings are currently unavailable. Nevertheless, Rachael is also known for having taken part in season 25 of The Bachelor. "I think the best way to put it is that we can have critical conversations about being in this relationship and what I need in a partner especially if that woman isn't Black to understand what comes with me and my life and being Black," James said. Matt James and ex Rachael Kirkconnell appear to be spending time together again. Courtesy of Rachael Kirkconnell/Instagram. Matt James is opening up about how he and Rachael Kirkconnell reconciled. During Week 5, the pair when on a supremely glam 1-on-1 shopping date. Rachael and Matt have had a strong connection since the beginning, and their one-on-one date only further solidified that. ", "The first big step in all of this is white people stepping up and taking accountability," she said. Do Not Sell My Personal Information, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Rachael Kirkconnell blasted a sports announcer who kept referring to her boyfriend Matt James as single., 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. 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Find out where the two stand following their recent reunion in California. Aside from that, she has always adored her younger sister Trinity Kirkconnell and her younger brother Greyson Kirkconnell. The graphic designer, 25, watched from the sidelines Sunday as her on-again, off-again partner participated in the Monster Energy Big3 Celebrity Game in Atlanta, with a man on the mic continuously telling the audience that James was unattached. Though she received the final rose from Matt James on the finale, she became a controversial contestant off-screen when her past racist actions resurfaced on social media. A lot of steps that won't get as much limelight but are as equally important," he explained. [3] While in college, she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi, but left the sorority after attending a controversial Antebellum South plantation themed formal. MEGA 21/41 May 2021 Matt. ", "We stand united in denouncing racist behavior and any defense thereof. During the date, which is commonly known as the "Pretty Woman" date, James took Kirkconnell on a shopping spree, and she got her very own pair of Louboutins. Kirkconnell was presented with the final rose at the end of the ABC show, but by the time the episode aired, photos had surfaced of herdressed for an antebellum plantation-themed party in college that celebrated the old South.. When she was done with the show, she won the heart of Matt James, the season 25 Bachelor. On night one, Matt James' contestant Rachael Kirkconnell teared up after he kicked things off with a prayer and a speech about the importance of being vulnerable with one another. Harrison also apologized to Lindsay for "not listening to her better on a topic she has a first-hand understanding of" and said that he "promised to do better.". Their relationship has involved many up and downs. "If you really want to support me, then encourage me to do better and encourage those around you to do better to accept change and allow others to learn and grow because we need to work together on this if anything is going to change," she said.