Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell Break Up Again After Four Years.
Matt James, 33, the first Black "Bachelor" on ABC's reality dating series, announced that he and Rachael Kirkconnell, 28, have decided to part ways once again, nearly four years after their first appearance on the show. James shared the news on social media, expressing his heartache and the emotional journey they both faced.
Matt James with Rachael Kirkconnell (@mattjames919 Instagram)
Matt James, the first Black Bachelor, and Rachael Kirkconnell have ended their relationship once again, nearly four years after meeting on the reality show. James shared the news on social media, expressing his heartache and the emotional difficulty of their breakup.
"Father God, give Rachael and I strength to mend our broken hearts," James, 33, wrote in an Instagram post on Thursday. "Give us a peace about this decision to end our relationship that transcends worldly understanding."
View this post on Instagram
Though Kirkconnell, 28, has not yet commented publicly on their split and still has several photos of the couple on her Instagram, the reason for their breakup has not been disclosed.
The On-Again, Off-Again Relationship
James and Kirkconnell initially met during Season 25 of The Bachelor, where Kirkconnell won James' final rose. However, their relationship faced challenges after Kirkconnell came under fire for attending a controversial antebellum-themed college party. The criticism led to a brief split, but the couple chose to reconcile a few months later.
Matt James with Rachael Kirkconnell (@mattjames919 Instagram)
James had previously spoken about his desire to get engaged, stating in February 2024 that he was planning a "special" proposal for Kirkconnell. Despite their earlier challenges, it appeared their relationship was on a positive trajectory following the After the Final Rose special, where they addressed the public drama.
However, the couple’s road to happiness was once again marred by controversy. Kirkconnell faced backlash after liking TikToks related to the Confederate flag and for a photo resurfacing that suggested she attended a plantation-themed fraternity event in 2018. She later issued a public apology, calling her past actions “offensive” and “racist.”
A Relationship Built on Growth and Understanding
Despite the controversy, James expressed in a 2021 interview that he was willing to work through their issues. He recognised the importance of critical conversations in their relationship, particularly around race. “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, 33, made history as the first Black Bachelor on ABC’s popular reality dating show in 2021. A former professional football player, James gained widespread attention for his thoughtful approach to relationships and his pursuit of true love. He eventually chose Rachael Kirkconnell, 28, a graphic designer from Georgia, as his final contestant, and their journey became a focal point of the season.
Matt James with Rachael Kirkconnell (@rachaelkirkconnell Instagram)
However, their relationship faced significant challenges after Kirkconnell came under scrutiny for attending a controversial antebellum-themed college party in 2018. The event, which took place at Georgia College & State University, was themed around the antebellum South, a period before the Civil War. The party, widely criticised for its racist connotations, featured guests, including Kirkconnell, dressed in outfits reminiscent of plantation-style parties, which sparked backlash due to its association with slavery and racial segregation.
Kirkconnell later issued an apology, acknowledging her past actions as “offensive” and “racist.” Despite the apology, the controversy affected her relationship with James, who briefly ended their relationship but later reconciled.
