'The Bachelor': Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell's Love Story Plays Out Amid Her Racism Controversy

Spilling the Bachelor tea! Matt James is opening up about his journey as the Bachelor following the end of season 25, which left him single after a public breakup with winner Rachael Kirkconnell.

The final rose that blew away in the wind. Matt James’ relationship with Rachael Kirkconnell was so short that his best friend Tyler Cameron did not even have a chance to see the former couple together.

Bachelor viewers weren’t the only ones surprised to learn that Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell had already called it quits. Season 25 finalist Bri Springs spoke exclusively to Us Weekly after the Monday, March 15, finale, revealing that she has mixed feelings about the pair going their separate ways.

Matt James, the first Black leading man of ABC’s The Bachelor, said on Good Morning America today that reuniting with his reality show costar and season winner Rachael Kirkconnell for the first time following her racial controversy “hit me like a ton of bricks.”

It’s the end of the line for Matt James‘ contentious, controversial, and crazy season on The Bachelor, and the hunky leading man has made his final choice.

Matt James is speaking out following his much-discussed “Bachelor” breakup with Rachael Kirkconnell.

Rachael Kirkconnell still believes Matt James is the love of her life after their breakup. During Monday's finale, Rachael and Matt ended the show in a committed relationship, but not engaged.

A not-so-final rose. Matt James chose Rachael Kirkconnell during the Monday, March 15, finale of The Bachelor, but when it came time for the After the Final Rose special, the pair revealed they had split.

Plenty to talk about. Emmanuel Acho hosted the Monday, March 15, The Bachelor: After the Final Rose special in place of Chris Harrison and covered Matt James’ tumultuous journey to find love.

Elizabeth Wagmeister Senior CorrespondentSPOILER ALERT: Do not read until you’ve watched the March 15 episode of “The Bachelor” entitled “After The Final Rose.”Usually, it’s “Bachelor” host Chris Harrison putting contestants in the hot seat on the “After The Final Rose” post-final episode of the ABC dating competition series, but following real-life scandal, he was the subject of tonight’s conversation, lead by guest host Emmanuel Acho.Just days after it was announced that Harrison would not be

It’s over for Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell. The season 25 Bachelor revealed during the After the Final Rose special on Monday, March 15, that they called it quits after production wrapped in November 2020.

Matt James has handed out his final rose! In the final moments of Monday's finale, Matt professed his love for Rachael Kirkconnell, though he did not get down on one knee.Matt sent his runner-up, Michelle Young, home prior to his last date with Rachael, despite Michelle's positive meeting with his family.

Happily ever after? Matt James chose Rachael Kirkconnell over Michelle Young during the season 25 finale of The Bachelor on Monday, March 15.

Matt James is addressing his fear of commitment. During Monday's finale of , Matt's mom, Patty, reignited doubts that he felt after speaking to his dad, Manny, in last week's episode.   During Matt and Manny's conversation, the Bachelor emotionally confronted his dad on being absent throughout his childhood.

Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell’s Bachelor love story has been a journey — on and off screen.

Rachel Lindsay is calling out for its latest episode. Following Monday night's Fantasy Suite episode, the former Bachelorette came out against the show for airing a conversation between Matt James and his dad, Manny.During Matt and Manny's conversation, the Bachelor emotionally confronted his dad on being absent throughout his childhood.

Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell’s love story continues to play out on “The Bachelor”. Amid Kirkconnell’s ongoing racism controversy, her love story with James is still unfolding and fans have a lot of feelings about it.

Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell's love story continues to play out on Amid Rachael's ongoing racism controversy, her love story with Matt is still unfolding and fans have a lot of feelings about it.Monday's episode of the reality series saw Rachael breaking down over the Fantasy Suite dates and telling Matt, «I picture you as my future husband.»Later, Matt promised that he was only going to be truthful with her and admitted, «I'm falling in love with you.»«I'm head over heels for you.