Matt James Says He Didn’t Know the ‘Rules’ About Saying ‘Love’ on ‘The Bachelor’ After Rachael Kirkconnell One-on-One Date

Matt James has dwindled his group to just four women, and on Monday night's episode of, he'll meet their families. Controversy surrounding one contestant, Rachael, and host Chris Harrison continues to play out off-screen, but there will be plenty of «tough» conversations onscreen as well, ABC promises. Rachael, Bri, Michelle and Serena P.

Rachel Lindsay thinks it’s time for the Bachelor franchise to “do better” and “listen” to those who are “underrepresented.” The former Bachelorette discussed her thoughts on the future of the hit show to HollywoodLife, after host Chris Harrison apologized for comments he made in defense of Rachael Kirkconnell, who’s currently competing on Matt James‘ season. Chris has since announced that he is “stepping aside” from the franchise for “a period of time” in wake of the controversy.

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

Matt James' journey continues on screen as the franchise is engulfed in controversy off screen. The real estate broker's budding romance with Rachael Kirkconnell has made headlines amid her resurfaced racist actions, which sheapologized for in a statement on Thursday. However, Rachael — who is still in the running for Matt's heart on — isn't the only one who issued an apology.

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 is showing his support for Rachel Lindsay following the backlash against host Chris Harrison and contestant Rachael Kirkconnell. In a statement on Instagram Story on FridayJames reposted Lindsay's latest Instagram, adding his own sentiments dedicated to the former Bachelorette.«I am beyond grateful to have Rachel as a mentor during this season.

Matt James has felt quite a bit of pressure during his run this year on The Bachelor — and for good reason.

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.

Chris Harrison's defense of Rachael Kirkconnell's racist behavior. Kaitlyn Bristowe, Mike Johnson and more alums have spoken out on social media condemning Harrison's comments during his Tuesday interview with Rachel Lindsay. (Harrison has since apologized, as has Kirkconnell, for her «offensive and racist» actions.) Just after Matt James' premiere last month, a TikTok user accused Kirkconnell -- an early front runner on the show — of bullying her in the past for dating Black men.

Rachael Kirkconnell is speaking out for the first time after her resurfaced photos stirred up a big controversy in Bachelor Nation.

United front! The contestants from season 25 of The Bachelor came together to support Rachel Lindsay following Chris Harrison’s controversial comments about Rachael Kirkconnell.

Chris Harrison is walking back a seriously problematic interview! But is it too little, too late?!

Chris Harrison has issued an apology for his recent comments.

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.

She already has the last name! Pieper James is competing for Matt James’ heart on season 25 of The Bachelor — and lands her first one-on-one during the Monday, February 8, episode.

The remaining Bachelor season 25 contestants weren’t the only ones surprised to see Heather Martin arrive at Nemacolin Resort for a shot with Matt James.

Hannah Brown's new love interest has Matt James' seal of approval. In an interview with ET's Lauren Zima on Tuesday, Matt said he's a big fan of Adam Woolard. «I couldn't approve more,» Matt shared.