Bachelor Matt James Teases MJ Snyder vs Jessenia Cruz — Plus, Who Should Be the Bachelorette?

Matt James, current star of "The Bachelor," has spoken out amid the show's ongoing scandal.  The program attracted negative attention after photos resurfaced of contestant Rachael Kirkconnell previously attending an "Old South" themed party at a plantation in 2018. Then longtime host Chris Harrison conducted an interview with former "Bachelorette" star Rachel Lindsay, who made history as the first Black Bachelorette, in which he ended up defending Kirkonnell in the interview.

Matt James, the first ever Black romantic lead for ABC’s The Bachelor, spoke out against the controversies surrounding host Chris Harrison and contestant Rachael Kirkconnell. On Monday, James posted a statement on Instagram in which he condemns both Harrison and Kirkconnell’s actions.

Showing solidarity. Matt James addressed the controversy surrounding Chris Harrison’s Bachelor stepdown following his comments about season 25 contestant Rachael Kirkconnell and allegations of racism.

Elizabeth Wagmeister Senior CorrespondentMatt James has broken his silence on the escalating controversy surrounding the show, as longtime host Chris Harrison remains under fire for perpetuating racism during a recent interview.James, the first Black star of “The Bachelor,” is not just calling out Harrison for his “troubling and painful” words, but is also holding the over franchise accountable for its handling of diversity and race over the two decades it has been on-air.“The past few weeks

Matt James has more to say about the recent controversies involving host Chris Harrison and contestant Rachael Kirkconnell. The Bachelor issued a lengthy statement on Instagram on Monday, addressing the «troubling» information that has surfaced in recent weeks, and promising fans that they'll «hear more» from him on the topic. In his second apology for defending contestant Rachael Kirkconnell's racist actions, Harrison announced on Feb.

Major cuts! Matt James made difficult decisions about Heather Martin and six of his contestants during the Monday, February 15, episode of The Bachelor.

Chris Harrison’s controversial defense of Bachelor season 25 contestant Rachael Kirkconnell continues to make headlines, but the show must go on. Matt James’ journey to find love picks up during the Monday, February 15, episode of The Bachelor and contestant Jessenia Cruz finally scores a one-on-one date.

Breaking his silence. Matt James addressed the controversy surrounding Bachelor host Chris Harrison and season 25 contestant Rachael Kirkconnell by sharing his support for Rachel Lindsay on Friday, February 12.

Matt James felt the weight of his role as the first Black man to star on “The Bachelor”. On Thursday, James appeared on “Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen” where the host asked him about feeling pressure about who’d he choose on the final episode.

Matt James felt the weight of his role as the first Black man to star on. On Thursday, James appeared on where the host asked him about feeling pressure about who'd he choose on the final episode. «I've talked to Rachel Lindsay a lot about her time on the show and her experience,» Cohen said, referencing the first Black Bachelorette, who ultimately chose Bryan Abasolo to be her fiancé and now husband.

Tyler Cameron says Matt James' season of gets a happy ending…whatever that may mean. In an interview with ET's Lauren Zima on Tuesday, the alum — and Matt's best friend — said «Matt is very happy.

Tyler Cameron is still reeling from Bachelor Matt James‘ proposal admission.

Tyler Cameron is still reeling from Bachelor Matt James' proposal admission. The alum made an appearance on Monday's episode of to offer a little advice to his best friend, and, as he revealed on Tuesday's, he was surprised by his buddy's readiness to pop the question.«I was a little shocked that he said that,» Tyler told , after Matt confessed on Monday's episode that he sees himself getting down on one knee at the end of his season. «I think he's very hopeful.

Matt James and Katie Thurston, but that doesn't mean they can't both find love in the franchise. In an interview with ET's Lauren Zima last week, Matt opened up about fans' calls for Katie to be the next Bachelorette. «You saw Night One the type of woman that Katie is.

, which aired on February 1, after fan-favorite Katie Thurston came to James with her concerns over rampant drama at the . Contestants Anna Redman and Larson were ultimately both eliminated for spreading rumors that newcomer Brittany Galvin was a sex worker.But Larson didn't go quietly.

Matt James seems smitten with Rachael Kirkconnell. TheBachelor admitted he was falling in love with the 24-year-old graphic designer on Monday night's episode of the ABC dating show, and as he told ET's Lauren Zima on Tuesday, his feelings were real. «I think that first group date is when she really caught my eye,» he shared.

Is Matt James engaged? On Tuesday, February 2, the season 25 Bachelor appeared on Good Morning America to shed light on his journey so far. However, at the end of the interview, he may have had a slip of the tongue.