James was forced to address these allegations after a photo of Kirkconnell attending an Antebellum South plantation themed fraternity formal in 2018 went viral. Harrison also apologized to Lindsay for "not listening to her better on a topic she has a first-hand understanding of" and said that he "promised to do better.". While it's possible that he could just be a fan of the same kind of music or that they are still friendly after the show, it's much more likely that he was listening to the playlist because they're still together. "Just because she is speaking the loudest, doesn't mean she is alone. Rachael and Matt are such a loving couple, not to mention really good looking! The Bachelor 2021 winner was born to parents Darrell and Kim Kirkconnell. She has a weight of roughly 50 kg. Winning reality show The Bachelor season 25. James gave Kirkconnell, a graphic designer from Georgia, his final rose on Season 25 of "The Bachelor." ABC via Getty Images Kirkconnell publicly apologized in February for her "offensive . Here's hoping Rachael and Matt both find what they're looking for, whether it's with each other or not. 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. The reality star donned a blue patterned bikini with top and bottom cutouts while boating with Matt and friends. However, after winning the program, Rachael and Matt James did not pursue their relationship and drifted apart for a spell. Rachel Kirkconnell is a reality television personality who is the winner of season 25 of The Bachelor. 266 posts. While that wasn't enough to earn her Matt's first impression rose, she's rumored to go far in the season. 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 . 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. 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. Seeing that Kirkconnell had done the self-work, James decided to also be better going forward, the realtor wrote. During the live After the Final Rose special in March 2021, it was revealed that James had made the decision to end his relationship with Kirkconnell after her racially insensitive past was brought to light. While James only posted a photo of himself and Cameron to his grid, Kirkconnell commented, "Forever the third wheel. Cumming, Georgia is a city located just outside of Atlanta. Scroll down for Rachaels hottest bikini photos along with some swimsuit shots of hunky Matt! She has gained popularity as a result of her appearance on the popular show The Bachelor season 25. The men who appeared on Crawley and Adams' season of "The Bachelorette" soon posted a joint statement in support of Lindsay as well. 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. If you're in the room, you've got it.". I promised her that I was all in. Kirkconnell also noted that she would be sharing anti-racism resources in her Instagram bio, saying she hadn't in the past to avoid "being called performative. "That's not true.". Kirkconnell confirmed to the publication via email that they're back together. "Can I share something with you?" 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. Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell on Making Their Red Carpet Debut at 2021 ESPYS. Rachael Kirkconnell is a young and attractive graphic designer and television personality from the United States. She adores her brother and sister and loves them more than she loves herself. It was a discussion that also didn't sit well with Lindsay, she told Insider during an interview on January 29. In May, they confirmed they're back together, and they have since made their Instagram debut. Here's how it all went down from the very beginning, starting when James was first cast. "Empathy is needed and change is coming. ", Days after Lindsay shut down her Instagram account from incessant online bullying, "The Bachelor" executive producers released a statement calling the harassment "completely inexcusable. By excusing historical racism, I defended it. 925k Followers, 788 Following, 266 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Rachael Kirkconnell (@rachaelkirkconnell) rachaelkirkconnell. ", "You need to show me that there's been some change within you," she added. She appeared as a regular on the 25th season of The Bachelor and made it to the top four. You don't even have to try to get my attention. These Celebs Love Posting Naked Photos, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's Teen Daughter Shiloh's Transformation, Brit Awards 2023 Best, Worst Dressed Celebs: Red Carpet Photos, Her Swimsuits Don't Lie! After several group dates, Rachael scored one-on-one time with Matt during the February 1 episode of the show. Peacock Is Hot Right Now, But Is It Worth It? But, for the time being, they are both happily dating each other. "They decided to give. Matt James is opening up about how he and Rachael Kirkconnell reconciled. ", Kirkconnell of bullying one of her classmates, Kirkconnell then posted her own statement on Instagram, first real profile post-"Bachelor" in the Wall Street Journal, re-posted the photo on her Instagram Story, Rachael Kirkconnell won Matt James' season of "The Bachelor.". Verified. 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). She had done self-work that I hadnt reciprocated, he added. They both are together and dating each other happily. Were in a great place, she said that September at New York Fashion Week. ", Bristowe posted an Instagram video of her and Adams dancing to celebrate the news, along with the caption: "Let's go girls. Mike oversees several ministries and a Bible school, Who is Tom Thakkar? At the start of February, James issued a statement defending Kirkconnell. According to People, Kirkconnell re-posted the photo on her Instagram Story, writing "Today was a good day. Deadline's Dominic Patten exclusively revealed that Harrison received a "mid-range eight figure payoff" to leave Bachelor Nation for good. I'm completely in love with you.". It was the best decision I could have made. The couple were spotted cuddling and walking together on the beach after taking a dip in the ocean. By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and that you have read our Privacy Policy. Raise your hand if youre burnt to a crisp! Rachael wrote next to a July 2020 beach snapshot in a gorgeous sky-blue bikini. Matt James, who became the first Black lead of the dating reality series " The Bachelor ," told People on Wednesday that he's been seeing Rachael Kirkconnell, the woman he chose but then rejected after her past racially insensitive social media posts were unearthed. Value teamwork, diversity, growth mindsets and critical thinking. [4], Prior to appearing on The Bachelor, Kirkconnell was working as a graphic designer in Atlanta, Georgia.[5]. (Season 25 of The Bachelor filmed at Nemacolin Resort in the fall of 2020 and premiered in January.) Rachael Kirkconnell is the type of girl that can compete in and win any beauty contest. By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. "That is totally unacceptable. 's Rachael Kirkconnell, including her job. Kirkconnell Rachael was born into a lovely, joyful, and supportive American family. ", Harrison took to Instagram again and said he was "ashamed of how uninformed I was. Kirkconnell began her modeling career between 2017 and 2018 when she was seeking her degree. "While there have been rumors circulating, there have also been truths that have come to light that I need to address. Rachael Kirkconnell is a model, Instagram beauty, actress, and prominent reality star from Georgia. "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? Rachael, who formerly won Matt James' season of The Bachelor in 2021, has been sharing her love of fashion and trendy looks on social media since her time in the popular ABC franchise. Following that, she was given more opportunities as a model and brand promoter, allowing her to put more money in her pocket. We just needed to take that time away from everyone and really figure everything out, and I think that we were just so sick of the outside noise and we were like, You know what? 788 following. A multi-disciplinary UX designer currently focusing on in-vehicle HMI UX conceptualization and design. Georgeta Orlovschi: Know about Sebastian Stans Mother? Reacting to the rumors about Kirkconnell, Lindsay said she didn't understand how "Bachelor" background checks failed to find damaging information about contestants that was easily dug up by people, including Reddit users. Kirkconnell was adamant that James was the love of her life, and she was hopeful for a reconciliation in the future. Meanwhile, Lindsay said during her "Higher Learning" podcast that Harrison had "no problems" with their interview until the backlash began. The controversy effectively overshadowed Matt James' historic season as the first Black "Bachelor" star, with prominent alums of Bachelor Nation banding together to call for major change in a franchise that has long struggled with diversity issues. A post shared by rachael kirkconnell (@rachaelkirkconnell), "At one point, I didn't recognize how offensive and racist my actions were, but that doesn't excuse them," she said. "You all deserve more, but I promise to always stand by and support each of you in any way I can. "Forget having a necessarily good storyline. "It's unbelievably alarming to watch this. Through her social media, Rachael has either endorsed or promoted various brands including Dyed & Distressed andJewels By Jessica. As Matt's journey to find love continues to intensify, only time will tell whether the pair will fall in love for the first time with each other. ", Acho, who spoke to James and his three finalists including Kirkconnell during the special, added that he loves being "a bridge for reconciliation. I learned about myself, my past trauma, and my capacity for love.. The most striking aspect of her attractiveness is her eyes, which can stun any male superstar. While attending Georgia College & State University, she had her name on the Deans List twice. Host Chris Harrison has officially left the franchise after 19 years after defending Kirkconnell. "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. Rachael Kirkconnell Graphic Designer Portfolio. She is the girl that can compete in any beauty pageant and can win it. "That's something that kept me up at night. They are not OK or acceptable in any sense. "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. "You've got people who are cheering for you to end up with a specific person of a specific race," James said. "There's obviously a lot of things you won't see behind the camera hiring practices in crew, producers, [and] people being promoted. "I'm not pursuing any relationships right now outside of that. Although rumors had been swirling since January, it took about a month for Kirkconnell to address them on social media. Rachael wore a glittery gold bikini while exploring The Baths in Devils Bay, British Virgin Islands, on June 7, 2022. But, if youre not going to make it work, Im going to let you do your own thing,' Matt told thePomp podcast in May 2021, adding, Thats really all I needed. Harrison was also criticized on Twitter by many prominent "Bachelor" fans and writers, as well as Lindsay herself. Matt asked. "I really am already completely falling in love with you. Her father, Mr. Darrell Kirkconnell, and mother, Mrs. Kim Klosterman Kirkconnell, gave birth to her as the eldest daughter. During the "After the Final Rose" special, both Kirkconnell and James admitted they still had feelings for each other. 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. It turns out, neither of them have been in love. The unique design gave Rachael just the right amount of elegance as she posed in what appeared to be a luxurious hotel lobby while sipping on a cocktail. ", The former NFL football player, who wrote the New York Times' bestseller "Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man," said he had "never been more excited about an opportunity in my life! She won the show while also winning Matt James heart. Rachael once stated in an interview that she dislikes people who drive slow. Rachel Kirkconnell is a reality television personality who is the winner of season 25 of The Bachelor. I changed. She was like, If youre going to make this work, lets do it. Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnells Bachelor love story has been a journey on and off screen. Taking to. What began with TikTok rumors and photos at a plantation-themed fraternity party came to a head when host Chris Harrison stepped down after a controversial interview with "Bachelorette" star Rachel Lindsay in which he defended eventual season winner Rachael Kirkconnell's past racially-insensitive behavior. In 2019, she graduated with a degree in marketing. ", Later that weekend, James, Kirkconnell, Cameron and Cameron's girlfriend Camila Kendra enjoyed a double date in the Hamptons. Tom Thakkar is an accomplished comedian, actor, and writer. Rachael charmed the audience from the first week through the end of the show, which aired on January 4, 2021. She appeared on the show to find a partner that will help her to live life every day to the fullest. Rachael and Matt have had a strong connection since the beginning, and their one-on-one date only further solidified that. Nevertheless, Rachael is also known for having taken part in season 25 of The Bachelor. James was criticized after the interview aired. ", "Please stop saying that I did nothing wrong," Kirkconnell told her followers during the seven-minute video. Georgia, Cumming. "The Bachelor" is no stranger to scandal, but the last few months have been the messiest yet for the long-running series. "I've seen Rachael a handful of times," James said. I saw a picture of her at a sorority party five years ago and that's it. 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. James was originally supposed to be a contestant on Clare Crawley's season, but he was chosen as a "Bachelor" star last summer as the franchise faced a racial reckoning. ", Harrison said he realized he had caused "harm by wrongly speaking in a manner that perpetuates racism. Since rekindling their love, Kirkconnell and James have been traveling and showing lots of PDA. Shopping. The two didnt even get engaged to each other. Despite never having owned a pair of shoes that "cost more than $40," Rachael walked away from the evening with a pair of Louboutins and another rose from Matt. So I would give people the benefit of the doubt, and hopefully she will have her time to speak on that," he added. On February 4, just a few days after James defended her, photos of Kirkconnell at a plantation-themed party in 2018 appeared on Twitter. This article was originally published on Jan. 5, 2021, These Bachelor Nation Experts Want To Save The Franchise, Kat & Brooklyn's 'Bachelor' Drama Has Fans Asking For A 2-On-1 Date, 'Bachelor' Fans Are Convinced Ariel Spoiled Her & Zach's Relationship Status, All The Clues Zach & Charity Get Engaged On 'The Bachelor', Get Even More From Bustle Sign Up For The Newsletter. "My age or when it happened does not excuse anything. When Huffington Post writer Emma Gray praised Lindsay for how she handled the interview and dealt with the franchise, the "Bachelorette" star replied: "My days are numbered. including photos featuring the 24-year old graphic designer at an antebellum-themed party in college in 2018. 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". Kirkconnell has a decent height of 5 feet 6 inches. The former Bachelor, 29, and Kirkconnell, 24, were spotted hanging out at . During the After The Final Rose special the following month, James admitted that he and Kirkconnell still had feelings for each other. We decided to keep talking, to be open to our love building back.. Kirkconnells net worth is now close to $500000 USD. Originally from Cumming, Georgia, Rachael Kirkconnell was born on 26 September 1996 under the zodiac sign of Libra. "I'm just so, so, so happy and I'm so happy that you guys are happy. Reality Steve, one of the biggest Bachelor Nation bloggers, posted on Twitter that James and Kirkconnell hadn't fully broken up. Everything Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell Have Said About Her Controversial 'Bachelor' Scandal Dealing with the past. Rachael Kirkconnell. "But when it's up, I can't. Christina Aguileras Best Swimsuit Pictures, strong enough to later reunite as a couple, Scheana Shay: Why Husband Brock Took a Step Back From 'Pump Rules', VPRs Scheana Never Meant to Hurt Katie With Raquel, Tom Hookup, VPR's Raquel Leviss Reflects on Posting 'Polarizing' Tom Schwartz Photo, Why Love Is Blind's Deepti Is 'Not Ready' for a 'Serious Relationship', Summer House's Paige Explains Why Long Distance Works For Her and Craig, Summer Houses Carl, Lindsay Are Ready for Marriage, Babies, Jodie Woods Skipped Awkward Phase, Sister Jordyn Reveals, Jordyn Woods on Growing Up in the Public Eye: Believe in Yourself, Jordyn Woods Has Inseparable Bond With Boyfriend Karl-Anthony Towns. Rachael and Matt James after winning the show didnt follow their relationship and remained far from each other for a while. All Rights Reserved. ", James also confirmed he would not appear on the upcoming season of "Bachelor in Paradise," and said he wanted to focus on being "at the center of meaningful conversations. She began working as a graphic designer after college and stayed in the same profession for a time to earn a good living. Rachael Kirkconnell began attending school near her house with her siblings when she was younger and finished her schooling there. During the evening portion of the date, the pair revealed they were falling in love with one another. She has two younger siblings; a brother named Greyson and a sister named Trinity. According to her ABC bio, her favorite way to pass the time is by doodling, so it definitely seems like she's in the right profession. In the past, Rachael was accused by her high school classmates of having bullied them because they had been dating black boys. It's been great. By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. Chris Harrison appeared on "Good Morning America" on Thursday after his recent "Bachelor" scandal. She grew up there with her brothers and neighborhood pals. As the weeks unfold, she continues to impress the Bachelor. Although he didn't actually propose, James told Kirkconnell during the finale, "I see you as my wife. Insider reached out to reps for Harrison and ABC, but didn't immediately hear back. 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. All Rights Reserved, Bachelor alum Sarah Herron shares photo of late newborn 1 month after his death, Caelynn Miller-Keyes: Why Dean Unglert wants a vasectomy before having kids, Bachelor alum Sarah Herron says late son was worth every IVF shot in tribute, Bachelorette alum Dale Moss reacts to Clare Crawley getting married, Savannah Guthrie leaves 'Today' live broadcast early as Hoda Kotb remains absent, Kellyanne Conway and George Conway to divorce after 22 years of marriage, 'Annoyed' Aubrey Plaza mouths angry phrase during 'White Lotus' SAGs speech, Meghan, Harry brush off Frogmore eviction bombshell with night on the town, Aaron Carter's mom shares grisly new photos of late son's death scene, claims 'homicide', Kanye West and 'wife' Bianca Censori look surprisingly happy on dinner date, Kayla Lemieux, Canadian teacher with size-Z prosthetic breasts, placed on paid leave. Matt and Rachael packed on the PDA during a trip to Miami in May 2021. The reality star promised "you will hear more from me in the end," and said he hoped the recent controversy would lead to "real and institutional change for the better. She has a sister, Trinity, and a brother, Greyson. They spoke about their break-up, with James explaining that he couldn't do the work for Kirkconnell, and that she needed to educate herself more before they could be together. 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. "It just didn't sit right with me. "I'm contractually bound in some ways," she said. "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. That's insane.". 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. 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. I don't want to piss off Black people, I don't want to piss off white people, but I'm both of those. And it seemed like the feeling was mutual, because after they got a moment to chat, Matt said that he was "blown away" by the 24-year-old. Where does it end? "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. 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. 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. Kirkconnell was a contestant on Matt James' season of The Bachelor. ABC named the 29-year-old Wake Forest graduate the season 25 lead in June 2020, subsequently . She was brought up in Cumming, Georgia alongside her brother and sister. "I think it's unfair to leave people without the ability to unlearn and be better," he added. However, he did not propose. Their partnership has had its ups and downs. She then appeared as herself on other TV shows such as Entertainment Tonight, Morning Express with Robin Meade, and others. . On Jan. 17, Instagram fan account @bachelorsleuths noticed that Matt was listening to a playlist called "Night Drive" on Spotify which just so happened to have been made by Rachael. "I knew that I had to take a step back for you to put in the work you need to do, and that's something you need to do on your own," he added. Another TikTok user also accused her of liking racist photos. Reality Steve added to the speculation, tweeting that the two "aren't over.". Jack Hough works as an associate editor at Barron's. Life & Style is part of the a360media Entertainment Group.Copyright a360media 2023. She has a sister, Trinity, and a brother, Greyson. Craig Sjodin/ABC via Getty Images. 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. A lot of steps that won't get as much limelight but are as equally important," he explained.