Rachael Kirkconnell is a model, Instagram beauty, actress, and prominent reality star from Georgia. 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. Matt held his bikini-clad sweetheart in his arms as they explored a watery cave. Another TikTok accused Kirkconnell of liking racist and controversial posts on Instagram. ", "We stand united in denouncing racist behavior and any defense thereof. Scroll down for Rachaels hottest bikini photos along with some swimsuit shots of hunky Matt! "That is totally unacceptable. If he chooses Rachael, and stands by her, then you know Matt does truly love her, Kim told The Sun on February 25. 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. They both are together and dating each other happily. "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. The 24-year-old reality TV personality is American by nationality and belongs to Caucasian ethnicity. "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. Hes everything I expected him to be and more." And it is scary to say, but when I'm with you, it just feels right," he replied. "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 added. During the After The Final Rose special the following month, James admitted that he and Kirkconnell still had feelings for each other. 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. She stated on the show that she has never been in love. A lot of steps that won't get as much limelight but are as equally important," he explained. "Bachelor" winner Rachael Kirkconnell, who faced backlash for liking Confederate flag-related TikToks and resurfaced photos of her attending an antebellum-themed college party, is addressing the controversy once again. "He will always hold a piece of my heart. As of now, Kirkconnell is single. "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?". Her portfolio doesn't appear to be online, but Rachael does like to show off her artistic side on Instagram, where she has shared some DIY projects on her Stories and lots of perfectly framed food photos. Rachael donned a pink bikini as she sat on the shoreline staring out at the sea on the island of Tortola. 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. She got her bachelors degree in 2019 in Marketing. Once the season began airing, it became clear that Kirkconnell was a major frontrunner. "Rumors are dark and nasty and can ruin people's lives," he added. She posted a lengthy video on Instagram asking people to stop telling her she did nothing wrong. During Week 5, the pair when on a supremely glam 1-on-1 shopping date. Rachael Kirkconnell is an American reality star and graphic designer who made headlines after she was spotted at an Antebellum themed party in 2018. Rachael Kirkconnell with incredible beauty and artistic abilities revitalized the city of beautiful girls. 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. She also took a dip in the pool of her villa with a nice cool drink along with fellow bikini-clad sister Trinity. ", A post shared by Chris Harrison (@chrisbharrison), "To my Bachelor Nation family I will always own a mistake when I make one, so I am here to extend a sincere apology," Harrison wrote. Cumming, Georgia is a city located just outside of Atlanta. A source reveals to E! 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. 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. ", Acho, who spoke to James and his three finalists including Kirkconnell during the special, added that he loves being "a bridge for reconciliation. Rachael clearly won The Bachelor season 25, and each winner receives $100,000 in prize money. "That just rocked me," the Georgia native told another contestant after his prayer. She considers herself a hopeless romantic. I don't want to piss off Black people, I don't want to piss off white people, but I'm both of those. "I also believe there's a reason for everything," Kirkconnell wrote in the lengthy Instagram post. When she was over the show she won the heart of Matt James who was the Bachelor of season 25. On the show's premiere episode, James sat down with Harrison before meeting his contestants to discuss the pressure he felt being the first Black "Bachelor" in the show's history. I'm getting threatened. ", "This historic season of 'The Bachelor' should not be marred or overshadowed by my mistakes or diminished by my actions," he added, revealing he would not join for the "After the Final Rose" special at the end of James' season and was dedicated to "getting educated on a more profound and productive level than ever before.". 788 following. Chris Harrison appeared on "Good Morning America" on Thursday after his recent "Bachelor" scandal. "You're not crazy, because I feel the same way. 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). I was ignorant, but my ignorance was racist.". When she does post,, you can expect plenty of stunning sunsets, windswept poses, and lots of delicious-looking food. Thanks for contacting us. Verified. Life & Style is part of the a360media Entertainment Group.Copyright a360media 2023. ", Kirkconnell of bullying one of her classmates, Kirkconnell then posted her own statement on Instagram, first real profile post-"Bachelor" in the Wall Street Journal, re-posted the photo on her Instagram Story, Rachael Kirkconnell won Matt James' season of "The Bachelor.". And this is a franchise that has been a part of my life for the better part of 20 years and I love it. Early life and education [ edit] Kirkconnell was born and raised in Cumming, Georgia to parents Darrell and Kim Kirkconnell. "It broke my heart.". Matt asked. 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. 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. 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. Her father, Darrekk, is an IT professional, according to Linkedin. Value teamwork, diversity, growth mindsets and critical thinking. But the apologies from Harrison and Kirkconnell did little to quell the brewing storm. I saw a picture of her at a sorority party five years ago and that's it. ", "I feel so much better," she said on her "Higher Learning" podcast. ", James called Kirkconnell's photos and Harrison's interview "incredibly disappointing," and said the recent events had been "devastating and heartbreaking.". "She was like, 'If you're going to make this work, let's do it. [2] She graduated from West Forsyth High School in 2015, and then from Georgia College & State University in 2019 with a degree in marketing. Rachael Kirkconnell pictured with Matt James. It's been done before," she added. Shortly thereafter, executive producers announced that James a biracial real estate broker, who was initially cast in Clare Crawley's season of "The Bachelorette" would become the next star of "The Bachelor.". By excusing historical racism, I defended it. ", "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. . Rachael, who formerly won Matt James' season of The Bachelor in 2021, has been sharing her love of fashion and trendy looks on social media since her time in the popular ABC franchise. The 51-year-old was subsequently fired. 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. While Matt and Rachael didnt end up together on After the Final Rose due to the controversy, with him breaking up with her beforehand due to the photo scandal, their feelings remained strong enough to later reunite as a couple. 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. 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. They are not OK or acceptable in any sense. It means so much. Tighten up who you're choosing on the show, because these are the people who are going out and representing the show," she told Insider back in January. Though Kirkconnell and the first BlackBachelor lead,Matt James, left season 25 of The Bacheloras a couple, their romantic relationship ended after a period of time when photos of Kirkconnell attending an antebellum plantation-themed party in 2018 resurfaced on social media. Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnells Bachelor love story has been a journey on and off screen. There's also the fact that Matt may have accidentally spoiled his season. Lindsay said. ", "I have spent the last few days listening to the pain my words have caused, and I am deeply remorseful," he wrote. Rachael then enrolled at Georgia College and State University. "Empathy is needed and change is coming. ! Rachael captioned this June 2020 photo while wearing a black bikini on a lake outing with her girlfriends. In college, she made the Deans List twice. "It just was not the right way to do it.". James ultimately decided to get back together with Kirkconnell, who had publicly apologized for her mistakes in a February 2021 Instagram video. Georgia, Cumming. "I made a mistake." Harrison stepped down as the host after defending a controversial contestant, Rachael Kirkconnell. Her cousin Anastasia confirmed to The Sun that the photos were authentic and said they were "hard to defend.". The two didnt even get engaged to each other. She arrived on the show in search of a mate who will assist her in living life to the fullest every day. You don't even have to try to get my attention. "That's where I see my future and where I'm pursuing opportunities.". It was honestly a commitment that we made to each other that we were going to work on the relationship," he continued. Since she describes herself as a "hopeless romantic to her core," it seemed from the start that she was looking for the real deal. "I knew that I had to take a step back for you to put in the work you need to do, and that's something you need to do on your own," he added. In 2019, she graduated with a degree in marketing. In 2019, she received her bachelors degree in marketing. She then appeared as herself on other TV shows such as Entertainment Tonight, Morning Express with Robin Meade, and others. "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. Portfolio and CV available . Craig Sjodin/ABC via Getty Images. Although there's calls for Harrison to leave "The Bachelor" franchise permanently, Lindsay isn't so sure about that right now. 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! Rachael Kirkconnells net worth is now close to $500000 USD. It isn't over. She appeared on the show to find a partner that will help her to live life every day to the fullest. She is also an outspoken opponent of bullying and racism. [6], While James' season was airing, Kirkconnell came under fire after she was accused of several racist actions, including liking racist social media posts and bullying girls in high school for their dating preferences. She is active on Instagram as @rachaelkirkconnell. 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 . "I have not spoken to anybody since the show ended, but I would say that you have to be really careful about what you are doing on social media," James told Entertainment Tonight. ", "I plan to be back and I want to be back," he added. Rachael and Matt are such a loving couple, not to mention really good looking! Another TikTok user also accused her of liking racist photos. She is a hopeless romantic and had never been in love before her appearance onThe Bachelor2021. Being on The Bachelor is an emotional process, but for one contestant, the tears started flowing a little earlier than usual. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. Her father, Mr. Darrell Kirkconnell, and mother, Mrs. Kim Klosterman Kirkconnell, gave birth to her as the eldest daughter. Rachael and Matt James after winning the show didnt follow their relationship and remained far from each other for a while. [4], Prior to appearing on The Bachelor, Kirkconnell was working as a graphic designer in Atlanta, Georgia.[5]. James revealed that he ended things with Kirkconnell after he had to explain to her why the plantation-party photos were problematic. "The Bachelor" faced a reckoning as Black Lives Matter protests swept across the US, reigniting debates on diversity throughout Hollywood and beyond. She grew up there with her brothers and neighborhood pals. On May 5, in James' first real profile post-"Bachelor" in the Wall Street Journal, he discussed the reconciliation. 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. He mostly wrote stories about his plans to join the station in 2012. Rachael Kirkconnell blasted a sports announcer who kept referring to her boyfriend Matt James as "single." rachaelkirkconnell/Instagram Matt James is not an eligible "Bachelor." Rachael. Craig Sjodin/ABC via Getty Images The 24-year-old graphic designer from Georgia, described as a "southern sweetheart" in her official "Bachelor" bio, first made headlines when a TikTok user accused Kirkconnell of bullying her for dating Black men. "Just because she is speaking the loudest, doesn't mean she is alone. Kirkconnell and James on October 24, 2020. "The conversation should've been Matt just talking about some of his fears and reservations he has stepping into this role," Lindsay said. It was an ultimatum that I needed. ", Harrison sat down for his first interview following the controversy with Michael Strahan on "Good Morning America. By Chris Murphy @christress. While attending Georgia College & State University, she had her name on the Deans List twice. 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. It wasn't long before a Change.org petition was created. She entered the dating show with the hope that her love story would be something huge and life-altering. Her Instagram account is followed by 467 thousand people. And as soon as she met Matt, the sparks flew between the couple. Rachael and Matt have had a strong connection since the beginning, and their one-on-one date only further solidified that. She then made a life-altering move by signing a contract with The Bachelor session 25 officials to appear as a participant on the show. She gained recognition after she appeared as a contestant on season 25 ofThe Bachelor,where the show had its first Black lead, Matt James. Rachael Kirkconnell had never been in a romantic relationship before starring on the reality show and winning The Bachelor season 25. Matt expressed his disappointment in a February 22, 2021, Instagram post where he wrote, The reality is that Im learning about these situations in real time, and it has been devastating and heartbreaking to put it bluntly. Rachael then put out a statement of her own where she wrote, At one point, I didnt recognize how offensive and racist my actions were, but that doesnt excuse them, adding, My age or when it happened does not excuse anything. ABC named the 29-year-old Wake Forest graduate the season 25 lead in June 2020, subsequently . Their partnership has had its ups and downs. Kirkconnell Rachael was born into a lovely, joyful, and supportive American family. I learned about myself, my past trauma, and my capacity for love.. Originally from Cumming, Georgia, Rachael Kirkconnell was born on 26 September 1996 under the zodiac sign of Libra. Following that, she was given more opportunities as a model and brand promoter, allowing her to put more money in her pocket. "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? If I went to that party, what would I represent at that party?". She has a sister, Trinity, and a brother, Greyson. However, specific details about her salary and earnings are currently unavailable. "At the end of the day, love is what makes your life more special than others," she told The Bachelor. Here's what to know about the potential frontrunner. "A conversation that has been long overdue. Kirkconnell then posted her own statement on Instagram, apologizing for the photos. Anytime Matt would do something, announcer: Ladies, hes single' Kirkconnell wrote over a video clip of the basketball match posted to her Instagram Story (via People). But, if youre not going to make it work, Im going to let you do your own thing,' Matt told thePomp podcast in May 2021, adding, Thats really all I needed. "My age or when it happened does not excuse anything. I was ignorant, but my ignorance was racist.. However, by the time the episode aired, Rachael found herself the subject of a racism scandal when photos emerged in February 2021 of her attending an Old South antebellum-themed fraternity formal party while still in college. 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. A post shared by rachael kirkconnell (@rachaelkirkconnell). When she was done with the show, she won the heart of Matt James, the season 25 Bachelor. Rachael Kirkconnell is an American reality star and graphic designer who made headlines after she was spotted at an Antebellum themed party in 2018. as well as other partner offers and accept our, Paul Hebert/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images, Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Tyler Perry Studios, Kwaku Alston/ABC via Getty Images; John Fleenor via Getty Images; Craig Sjodin/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images, franchise that has long struggled with diversity issues, James a biracial real estate broker, who was initially cast in Clare Crawley's season of "The Bachelorette", told Insider that there were changes happening, It was a discussion that also didn't sit well with Lindsay, TikTok user accused Kirkconnell of bullying her, Harrison said he realized he had caused "harm, posted a joint statement on their Instagram accounts, Harrison sat down for his first interview, Harrison would not return for the next season of "The Bachelorette", Katie Thurston's new season of "The Bachelorette". In an interview with Reality Steve, Grace Amerling saidthat, while James and Kirkconnell were reportedly seeing each other again, he had also been trying to see her. "Can I share something with you?" ", A day later, Lindsay said that deactivating her account was "the best decision that I could do for myself to detach from that negativity. "I find those things attractive and I love them about you. "Forget having a necessarily good storyline. Nick Name. I said I was going to focus on my relationship with her and that means focusing on it," he added. 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. "I have no one to blame but myself for what I said and the way I spoke. She is a rising celebrity, and perhaps in the next few days, he will be given more possibilities in his life and become a multi-millionaire star. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. "My age or when it happened does not excuse anything. 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. "So I would give people the benefit of the doubt, and hopefully she will have her time to speak on that.". The reality star donned a blue patterned bikini with top and bottom cutouts while boating with Matt and friends. 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 . On April 25, after the drama between James and Amerling, the two were once again spotted together, this time in Santa Monica, California, by TMZ. James was forced to address these allegations after a photo of Kirkconnell attending an Antebellum South plantation themed fraternity formal in 2018 went viral. However, after winning the program, Rachael and Matt James did not pursue their relationship and drifted apart for a spell. Rachael Kirkconnell began attending school near her house with her siblings when she was younger and finished her schooling there. During the more than 13-minute interview, where Lindsay is a correspondent for Extra, Harrison defended Kirkconnell. "Disappearing from the public eye isn't the change I need to see. She adores her brother and sister and loves them more than she loves herself. Your email address will not be published. "I had a feeling I was going to be infatuated with him, but the fact that he opened up with a prayer just struck a nerve for me," Rachael admitted to the cameras. Top editors give you the stories you want . That was a type of party that a lot of people went to," he added. 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. I can't do it anymore. They are not OK or acceptable in any sense. And I was doing boyfriend-girlfriend things with TC still.". Meanwhile, Lindsay said during her "Higher Learning" podcast that Harrison had "no problems" with their interview until the backlash began. Rachaels mother, Kim Kirkconnell, also defended her daughter and hinted at how the situation might affect their potential happy ending. Life & Style has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services. I'm completely in love with you.". Like Matt, Rachael has never been in love before, but she describes herself as a "hopeless romantic." What began with TikTok rumors and photos at a plantation-themed fraternity party came to a head when host Chris Harrison stepped down after a controversial interview with "Bachelorette" star Rachel Lindsay in which he defended eventual season winner Rachael Kirkconnell's past racially-insensitive behavior. ", In an Instagram story, Adams told her fans that the past week had been "eye-opening.