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. They are not OK or acceptable in any sense. When she does post,, you can expect plenty of stunning sunsets, windswept poses, and lots of delicious-looking food. Rachael Kirkconnell is a model, Instagram beauty, actress, and prominent reality star from Georgia. But after photos of Kirkconnell at a plantation-themed party emerged, they broke up. The Bachelor 2021 winner was born to parents Darrell and Kim Kirkconnell. 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. 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. "I'm not pursuing any relationships right now outside of that. Matt James and ex Rachael Kirkconnell appear to be spending time together again. The Bachelor contestant Rachael Kirkconnell, who has emerged as a frontrunner on the recent season of the ABC franchise, is continuing to address her problematic recent past in a new video . The Bachelor's Cluelessness About Race Comes To A Head In Season - NPR Here's hoping Rachael and Matt both find what they're looking for, whether it's with each other or not. Everything Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell Have Said About Her Controversial 'Bachelor' Scandal Dealing with the past. "I really am already completely falling in love with you. "Why is Matt James, a Black man, having to explain to a white man what it means to be Black?" She was brought up in Cumming, Georgia alongside her brother and sister. Once the season began airing, it became clear that Kirkconnell was a major frontrunner. "The Bachelor" faced a reckoning as Black Lives Matter protests swept across the US, reigniting debates on diversity throughout Hollywood and beyond. She prefers to part her hair from the center. The men who appeared on Crawley and Adams' season of "The Bachelorette" soon posted a joint statement in support of Lindsay as well. The Bachelor Contestant Rachael Kirkconnell Apologizes for 'Offensive and Racist' Actions. Only time will tell if Matt's that man. While attending Georgia College & State University, she had her name on the Deans List twice. I want to see you volunteering. Rachael, I'm falling in love with you too. Rachael Kirkconnell - Wikipedia "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?". (Season 25 of The Bachelor filmed at Nemacolin Resort in the fall of 2020 and premiered in January.) Rachael and Matt have had a strong connection since the beginning, and their one-on-one date only further solidified that. She has two younger siblings; a brother named Greyson and a sister named Trinity. The 24-year-old graphic designer is from Cumming, Georgia, and graduated from Georgia College & State University in 2019, where she was a member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority. Nevertheless, Rachael is also known for having taken part in season 25 of The Bachelor. Getting to know the contestants on-screen is one of the best parts of a new season of The Bachelor. During the evening portion of the date, the pair revealed they were falling in love with one another. "In 40 seasons, 'The Bachelor' had one Black lead," Lindsay told AfterBuzz in June. "While there have been rumors circulating, there have also been truths that have come to light that I need to address. "Life can be hard and really difficult and dark at times, but if you have someone by your side that loves you more than they love themselves, that makes it all worth it in the end." "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. . "I'm just so, so, so happy and I'm so happy that you guys are happy. Mike Bickle is best known as the director of the International House of Prayer (IHOPKC). Her portfolio doesn't appear to be online, but. In the past, Rachael was accused by her high school classmates of having bullied them because they had been dating black boys. During the season, James wasn't sure if he was ready to propose, and after conversations with his motherandfather, he decided he just wanted to date Kirkconnell and see what their future held. But she proved to be one of the shows most controversial contestants while winning the heart of the first Black Bachelor in the shows history. The reality couple aren't shy about showing off how she can rock a bikini, while he looks so sexy. Follow. [3] While in college, she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi, but left the sorority after attending a controversial Antebellum South plantation themed formal. "As we continue the dialogue around achieving greater equity and inclusion within 'The Bachelor' franchise, we are dedicated to improving the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color) representation of our crew.". She shared a snapshot kissing Matt at The Baths and showed how these two make such a hot twosome in swimwear! 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. Early life and education [ edit] Kirkconnell was born and raised in Cumming, Georgia to parents Darrell and Kim Kirkconnell. I just felt like Rachael was so in love with him and for him to be trying to contact me and hang out with me someone he's had past romantic relationships with two days prior in Miami I felt like I had to say something for Rachael's sake," she told the blogger. He was like, 'Yeah, I'll probably get a little flack,' but thought it was great we could disagree but do it in a civil way," she said. The brown-haired beauty has hazel eyes. Rachael Kirkconnell had never been in a romantic relationship before starring on the reality show and winning The Bachelor season 25. Rachael Kirkconnell is the type of girl that can compete in and win any beauty contest. "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. "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. So I would give people the benefit of the doubt, and hopefully she will have her time to speak on that," he added. Rachael Kirkconnell. The Bachelor's Rachael Kirkconnell Is in a 'Good Place' with Matt James 'It Was a Journey' The photo post also included behind-the-scenes photos of James brushing his teeth, videos of him. Meanwhile, Lindsay said during her "Higher Learning" podcast that Harrison had "no problems" with their interview until the backlash began. Rachael Her cousin Anastasia confirmed to The Sun that the photos were authentic and said they were "hard to defend.". "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? While that wasn't enough to earn her Matt's first impression rose, she's rumored to go far in the season. 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. In May, they confirmed they're back together, and they have since made their Instagram debut. Her father, Mr. Darrell Kirkconnell, and mother, Mrs. Kim Klosterman Kirkconnell, gave birth to her as the eldest daughter. 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 . ", Kirkconnell concluded by saying she truly believed that James was "the love of my life." She is the girl that can compete in any beauty pageant and can win it. Matt held his bikini-clad sweetheart in his arms as they explored a watery cave. 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. According to Patten, Harrison's lawyer threatened to expose "a swath of 'The Bachelor's' alleged dirty laundry" unless the longtime host "emerged feeling the financial love.". James ultimately decided to get back together with Kirkconnell, who had publicly apologized for her mistakes in a February 2021 Instagram video. She attended Georgia College & later made the Deans List twice at State University. Matt and Rachael packed on the PDA during a trip to Miami in May 2021. "That is totally unacceptable. "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. At the start of February, James issued a statement defending Kirkconnell. Rachel Kirkconnell is a reality television personality who is the winner of season 25 of The Bachelor. 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 feel so much better," she said on her "Higher Learning" podcast. ", "We stand united in denouncing racist behavior and any defense thereof. People are attacking me because they think that I'm trying to cancel someone so they're on a mission to cancel me. 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". ", James called Kirkconnell's photos and Harrison's interview "incredibly disappointing," and said the recent events had been "devastating and heartbreaking.". I saw a picture of her at a sorority party five years ago and that's it. 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. That same week, the gossip Instagram account @deuxmoi reposted unverified photos from a follower that claimed to show James and Kirkconnell walking around Brooklyn together. The reality star donned a blue patterned bikini with top and bottom cutouts while boating with Matt and friends. ", The former "Bachelor" star confirmed to People that he had seen Kirkconnell "a handful of times. Rachael attended Georgia College & State University from where she graduated with a degree in Marketing in 2019. She has gained popularity as a result of her appearance on the popular show The Bachelor season 25. Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell Relationship Timeline - Insider "It broke my heart.". And when I had that day to spend with her and really get to know her better, it just affirmed everything I had already felt. While Matt and Rachael were dropping L-bombs on the series, she was making headlines for her past racially insensitive actions, including photos of her at an Old South-themed frat party in 2018. I said I was going to focus on my relationship with her and that means focusing on it," he added. But, for the time being, they are both happily dating each other. Oh My! I hear you, and I'm here to say I was wrong," Kirkconnell wrote in her apology, which she also posted to Instagram. "That's where I see my future and where I'm pursuing opportunities.". Rachael Kirkconnell she/her/hers And again, Im not defending Rachael, Chris stated, adding, I just know that, I dont know, 50 million people did that in 2018. News that Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell "both want to get back together and be exclusive." Find out where the two stand following their recent reunion in California. Do Not Sell My Personal Information, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Rachael Kirkconnell blasted a sports announcer who kept referring to her boyfriend Matt James as single., 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. 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Despite a profuse apology, the controversial comments ended up causing Chris to step aside from all Bachelor-related shows, and he later exited the franchise in June 2021. Its been great.. Rachael Kirkconnell releases new activewear collaboration inspired by You don't even have to try to get my attention. Raise your hand if youre burnt to a crisp! Rachael wrote next to a July 2020 beach snapshot in a gorgeous sky-blue bikini. Bachelor's Rachael Kirkconnell Might Move Near Matt James in NYC Following that, she was given more opportunities as a model and brand promoter, allowing her to put more money in her pocket. Notably, she was the contestant who cried when James asked all of the women to pray with him. Courtesy of Rachael Kirkconnell/Instagram. Here's how it all went down from the very beginning, starting when James was first cast. Sitemap, Your California Privacy Rights Kirkconnell works as a graphic designer. Like Matt, Rachael has never been in love before, but she describes herself as a "hopeless romantic." "It just didn't sit right with me. 'Bachelor' star Matt James 'focusing' on relationship with ex Rachael Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnells Bachelor love story has been a journey on and off screen. 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 . The reality couple arent shy about showing off how she can rock a bikini, while he looks so sexy shirtless during their lake outings, trips to the Caribbean and other sunny destinations. Reality Steve, one of the biggest Bachelor Nation bloggers, posted on Twitter that James and Kirkconnell hadn't fully broken up. According to People, Kirkconnell re-posted the photo on her Instagram Story, writing "Today was a good day. 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). Though she received the final rose from Matt James on the finale, she became a controversial contestant off-screen when her past racist actions resurfaced on social media. She stated on the show that she has never been in love. When she was done with the show, she won the heart of Matt James, the season 25 Bachelor. She responded: "I'm head over heels for you. Kirkconnell, for her part, seemed fine with this decision, and the two left the show as a couple. TV 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. She grew up there with her brothers and neighborhood pals. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Reality Steve added to the speculation, tweeting that the two "aren't over.". "Chris' failure to receive and understand the emotional labor that my friend Rachel Lindsay was taking on by graciously and patiently explaining the racist history of the Antebellum South, a painful history that every American should understand intimately, was troubling and painful to watch," he wrote. By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. However, at the same time, in a viral TikTok, a woman accused Kirkconnell of bullying one of her classmates in high school for dating Black men. Here's what to know about the potential frontrunner. ", 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. 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. She is also an outspoken opponent of bullying and racism. That was a type of party that a lot of people went to," he added. She appeared on the show to find a partner that will help her to live life every day to the fullest. According to her ABC bio, Rachael's "favorite way to pass the time is doodling," so it's no wonder that she ended up as a graphic designer. By excusing historical racism, I defended it. The couple were spotted cuddling and walking together on the beach after taking a dip in the ocean. Rachael (W.J.) Lo - UX Designer - TomTom | LinkedIn Months after getting back together in April 2021, Rachael gave Us Weekly an exclusive update on their romance and the pressure they feel from Bachelor Nation to get engaged. 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. 'Bachelor' winner Rachael Kirkconnell details regret over plantation 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. I hear you, and I'm here to say I was wrong," it said. "The setup didn't do Matt any favors, and I feel like that's also why people were so critical of it.". ", "I plan to be back and I want to be back," he added. And it is scary to say, but when I'm with you, it just feels right," he replied. James, for his part, separated from her. "They decided to give. "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. "We are deeply disappointed and want to make it clear that we denounce any defense of racism," the statement read. Jack Hough works as an associate editor at Barron's. She posted a lengthy video on Instagram asking people to stop telling her she did nothing wrong. "I'm contractually bound in some ways," she said. Matt Jamesand Rachael Kirkconnellmay have headed off to their happy. "Any defense of racist behavior denies the lived and continued experiences of BIPOC individuals. She also took a dip in the pool of her villa with a nice cool drink along with fellow bikini-clad sister Trinity. ABC named the 29-year-old Wake Forest graduate the season 25 lead in June 2020, subsequently revealing that the series received a record number of submissions for contestants. James was forced to address these allegations after a photo of Kirkconnell attending an Antebellum South plantation themed fraternity formal in 2018 went viral. rachael kirkconnell graphic design portfolio That caused outrage considering the optics that she was white and vying for the heart of the first Black Bachelor. Where does it end? ", Harrison sat down for his first interview following the controversy with Michael Strahan on "Good Morning America. By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and that you have read our Privacy Policy. I was ignorant, but my ignorance was racist.. Amara Trinity Lawrence: Know about Martin Lawrence Daughter? I'm getting threatened. "She was like, 'If you're going to make this work, let's do it. On Wednesday, Cosmopolitan published an excerpt of the former Bachelor's upcoming book, First Impressions, in which he. She raises her popularity with her name on behalf of her appearance on the famous show The Bachelor season 25. Published on April 26, 2021 06:47 PM. 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. "While I do not speak for Rachael Kirkconnell, my intentions were simply to ask for grace in offering her an opportunity to speak on her own behalf," he continued. After several group dates, Rachael scored one-on-one time with Matt during the February 1 episode of the show. Rachael once stated in an interview that she dislikes people who drive slow. like what?!!? We also stand united with the women of Season 25 of the Bachelor, who had denounced the same; moreover, we stand united with Rachel Lindsay, who has led the way. He texted me after. Rumors about Rachael Kirkconnell first emerged on TikTok. The Bachelor: a Complete Timeline of Rachael Kirkconnell's - Insider We won't post to any of your accounts without asking first, AFF-USA/Shutterstock; Insets Courtesy of Rachael Kirkconnell/Instagram. "I've seen Rachael a handful of times," James told People on April 28. ", "I am an imperfect man, I made a mistake and I own that," Harrison told Strahan. Photos emerged of Matt James' contestant Rachael Kirkconnell at a plantation-themed party. I changed. "That just rocked me," the Georgia native told another contestant after his prayer. Nick Name. Rachael Kirkconnell is an American reality star and graphic designer who made headlines after she was spotted at an Antebellum themed party in 2018. According to her. MEGA 21/41 May 2021 Matt. It speaks volumes and I just have to say that I am really hurt by this response.". The 24-year-old reality TV personality is American by nationality and belongs to Caucasian ethnicity. Top editors give you the stories you want . Terms of Use Bachelor's Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell: A Complete Relationship Harrison went on "Extra" to speak about the controversy with Rachel Lindsay, the first Black Bachelorette, and asked that people show Kirkconnell "grace." ", "Well the picture was from 2018 at an Old South antebellum party, so I think, you know, that's not a good look," Lindsay replied. ", "I am really hurt and disappointed and confused at the ignorance when it comes to race," she said. Lindsay went on to say she was "f------ tired" of the franchise's ongoing issues with diversity, and that she was done with Bachelor Nation. Courtesy of Rachael Kirkconnell/Instagram The 24-year-old graphic designer has been spending a lot of time with the 29-year-old former reality star after rekindling their romance last month. Since she describes herself as a "hopeless romantic to her core," it seemed from the start that she was looking for the real deal. Tom Thakkar is an accomplished comedian, actor, and writer. Experienced areas include e-commerce mobile applications (B2C, early start-ups/traditional industries), and annotation platform for medical AI training (B2B, innovation lab within a global company). Scroll down for Rachaels hottest bikini photos along with some swimsuit shots of hunky Matt! Where does it stop? "I've seen Rachael a handful of times," James said. Heading into Season 25, Rachael had something big in common with Matt, in addition to her strong work ethic. [4], Prior to appearing on The Bachelor, Kirkconnell was working as a graphic designer in Atlanta, Georgia.[5]. "The Bachelor" is no stranger to scandal, but the last few months have been the messiest yet for the long-running series. Thanks for contacting us. I don't want to piss off Black people, I don't want to piss off white people, but I'm both of those. . They are not OK or acceptable in any sense. She has a sister, Trinity, and a brother, Greyson. And as soon as she met Matt, the sparks flew between the couple. Kirkconnell Rachael was born into a lovely, joyful, and supportive American family. "At the end of the day, love is what makes your life more special than others," she told The Bachelor. Rachael Kirkconnell Bio, Wiki, Net Worth, Partner, Age, Height "Your advocacy of BIPOC people in the franchise is invaluable, I stand with you and the rest of the women advocating for change and accountability," he added. Over the show, she cleared that she has never been in love. 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. 925K followers. She began working as a graphic designer after college and stayed in the same profession for a time to earn a good living. James, who was the first African American male lead in the show's history, chose her over fellow finalist Michelle Young. Rachael Kirkconnell with incredible beauty and artistic abilities revitalized the city of beautiful girls. She has a sister, Trinity, and a brother, Greyson. And this is a franchise that has been a part of my life for the better part of 20 years and I love it. The reality star has previously said she felt Garrett was intentionally cast to "add controversy.". She secured a rose and was safe for another week. Nude Selfies! ", A post shared by Kaitlyn Bristowe (@kaitlynbristowe). Rachael added that the three of them could've spent time together, but Matt shared, "I know, but at the time, I didn't know I had to include Rachael in those things. "She's celebrating the Old South. Affinity designer ipad crop canvas free download Originally from Cumming, Georgia, Rachael Kirkconnell was born on 26 September 1996 under the zodiac sign of Libra. It's like, how do I please everybody?". "My age or when it happened does not excuse anything. She is a hopeless romantic and had never been in love before her appearance onThe Bachelor2021. By Chris Murphy @christress. During the more than 13-minute interview, where Lindsay is a correspondent for Extra, Harrison defended Kirkconnell. She has a perfectly toned, slim body that weighs around 43 kg. However, specific details about her salary and earnings are currently unavailable. It was a discussion that also didn't sit well with Lindsay, she told Insider during an interview on January 29. 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. Rachael Kirkconnell and her Bachelor boyfriend Matt James sure look amazing in swimwear. 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.