Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell’s Bachelor love story was a rollercoaster journey that played out both on and off screen. ABC selected Matt as the lead for season 25 in June 2020, attracting a record number of contestants vying for his heart. Among the 38 women who competed for Matt’s affection was Rachael, a talented graphic designer from Georgia. While she didn’t receive the first impression rose (which went to Abigail Heringer), Rachael quickly caught Matt’s attention from the very first night. The season was filmed at Nemacolin Resort in the fall of 2020 and premiered in January 2021.
However, as Matt and Rachael professed their love for each other on the show, Rachael found herself embroiled in controversy due to racially insensitive actions from her past, including attending an “Old South”-themed frat party in 2018. The situation escalated when Chris Harrison asked fans to show “grace” towards Rachael amidst the scandal. In February 2021, Rachael finally broke her silence, more than a month after the initial backlash. Her mother, Kim Kirkconnell, also spoke out in defense of her daughter, hinting at the potential impact on their relationship.
During The Bachelor: After the Final Rose special in March 2021, it was revealed that Matt and Rachael had decided to end their relationship while the show was still airing. However, just a month later, the couple reconciled and gave their romance another chance. Despite their efforts to make it work, Matt announced their split in January 2025 after four years of dating.
The love story of Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell is a tale of highs and lows, public scrutiny, and ultimately the challenges of maintaining a relationship in the spotlight. Their journey serves as a reminder that love is not always smooth sailing, but it is worth fighting for.
