In a candid conversation on his podcast “Amy and T.J.” on January 29, 2025, T.J. Holmes, the co-host of Good Morning America, discussed the controversial relationship between Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell, which played out during the 25th season of The Bachelor. Holmes took a moment to reflect on the drama surrounding the couple, particularly the controversy involving Kirkconnell’s past and how it affected their relationship.
Holmes, known for his candid approach to discussing news and celebrity matters, mentioned how he and Kirkconnell found humor in the situation, despite the heavy public scrutiny she faced at the time. He noted that, while he mostly spent time with Matt James during that period, he had ample chances to connect with Rachael, and their conversations allowed them to reflect on the scandal in a lighter way.
T.J. Holmes Opens Up About His Conversations With Rachael Kirkconnell
T.J. Holmes revealed that he shared a laugh with Rachael Kirkconnell about the ongoing controversy that surrounded her during the season. Holmes explained that he often had to cover the sensitive situation on Good Morning America, reporting the unfolding story every day. In one of the lighter moments, Holmes said they both chuckled about the pressure she was under during the backlash.
“We had a good old laugh,” Holmes recalled, admitting that he had to cover her story almost daily on Good Morning America. He noted the intense media attention surrounding the drama, especially after Kirkconnell’s college photos resurfaced from an “Old South”-themed party, which was seen by many as offensive.
Rachael Kirkconnell’s Controversial College Photos and Apology
Rachael Kirkconnell, who had been a fan-favorite on The Bachelor, became embroiled in a scandal when photos surfaced of her attending a college party in 2018 that was themed around the “Old South.” The images caused an uproar, as many perceived them as racially insensitive due to the historical implications of the “Old South,” a period associated with slavery and segregation in the United States.
Kirkconnell responded to the backlash through a public apology in February 2021. She addressed the situation via Instagram, admitting that her actions were wrong and apologizing for any harm caused to people of color. “I was ignorant, but my ignorance was racist,” she wrote in her apology. Her words were met with both support and criticism, but she expressed her commitment to learning from her past mistakes and educating herself on the implications of her actions.
Chris Harrison’s Controversial Comments and His Departure from The Bachelor
During the same period, Chris Harrison, the longtime host of The Bachelor, found himself at the center of a separate controversy. Harrison faced backlash when he defended Kirkconnell in an interview with Extra, urging fans to extend “grace” to her amid the scandal. His comments were perceived as dismissive of the racial issues at hand, leading to public outcry.
Following the controversy, Harrison announced that he would be stepping down from his role as host of the Bachelor franchise. His departure marked the end of a significant era for the show, which had been hosting The Bachelor and The Bachelorette for nearly two decades.
Matt James Breaks Up with Rachael Kirkconnell: The Impact of the Scandal
Amid the growing controversy, Matt James, the first Black Bachelor, made the decision to break up with Rachael Kirkconnell. James, who had grown up in the South, explained that the photos and the underlying racial implications forced him to take a step back. During an emotional After the Final Rose special in March 2021, James explained the difficult conversation he had with Kirkconnell and how it led to their breakup. He stated that he felt Kirkconnell needed to educate herself about the significance of the images and their broader societal context.
“As someone who grew up in the South, it takes me to a place that I don’t often like to think about,” James shared. “It was in that moment and the conversation that I had, that Rachael might not understand what it means to be Black in America. If you don’t understand that something like that is problematic in 2018, there’s a lot of me that you won’t understand.”
This heart-wrenching decision was rooted in the deeply personal and painful experiences of growing up Black in America. James’s words served as a poignant reminder of the challenges Black people face in the country.
Rachael Kirkconnell’s Journey of Growth and Redemption
Despite the challenges and public backlash, Rachael Kirkconnell has taken significant steps to educate herself about race and racism. She has been vocal about the work she has put in to understand the gravity of her past actions, and she has apologized directly to communities of color. She has also made it clear that her apology was not meant for those who were unaffected by her actions, emphasizing that the work she was doing was for the people she had hurt.
“My statement and apology is for the people of color that I have offended,” Kirkconnell wrote. “If you do not identify as BIPOC then it is not your apology to accept or not. Please be respectful to those who have been affected.”
The Future of Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell’s Relationship
After their breakup, Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell’s relationship remained a topic of public interest. While their split was filled with difficult moments, both individuals continued to grow and develop, both personally and as public figures. As of now, it remains unclear if the two will reconcile, but it’s evident that their journey together had a significant impact on their individual paths moving forward.
The story of Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell reminds us that reality TV shows are not just entertainment; they reflect real-life experiences and issues, particularly when it comes to race and the societal pressures that influence people’s lives.
FAQs
1. What was the controversy surrounding Rachael Kirkconnell on The Bachelor? Rachael Kirkconnell faced backlash when old photos of her attending an “Old South”-themed party in 2018 resurfaced. The theme was seen as racially insensitive, and it sparked a public debate about racism and privilege.
2. How did Rachael Kirkconnell respond to the scandal? Rachael Kirkconnell apologized publicly on Instagram, admitting her ignorance and acknowledging that her actions were racist. She committed to learning and growing from the incident.
3. Why did Matt James break up with Rachael Kirkconnell? Matt James broke up with Rachael Kirkconnell because of the photos and the deeper implications surrounding racial issues. He felt that Rachael needed to educate herself on what it means to be Black in America.
4. What happened to Chris Harrison after the controversy? Chris Harrison faced backlash for defending Rachael Kirkconnell and urging fans to show “grace” toward her. His comments were deemed insensitive, and as a result, he stepped down from his role as the host of The Bachelor.
5. Are Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell back together? As of now, Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell are not together. They have both continued on their separate journeys of personal growth, but their relationship remains a topic of public curiosity.
