- Matt James chose Rachael Kirkconnell during the ending of “The Bachelor” on Monday night.
- Kirkconnell was at the center of the off-screen drama of the franchise during the season.
- Photos of Kirkconnell surfaced at a plantation-themed party, which James called “incredibly disappointing”.
- Visit the Insider home page for more stories.
Matt James’ historic and controversial season of “The Bachelor” has finally come to an end.
Rachael Kirkconnell – the contestant who was at the center of the off-screen drama in the series – was chosen as James’s winner. James, the first Black “Bachelor” in the franchise’s 19-year history, gave Kirkconnell his final rose on Monday night’s episode.
Although he didn’t actually propose, James said to Kirkconnell during the final episode, “I see you as my wife. I see you as the mother of my children.”
Although James’ strong feelings for Kirkconnell have been clear throughout the season, the months that followed since filming brought many complications after photos of her at a plantation-themed party appeared on social media.
Rumors of Rachael Kirkconnell started circulating almost immediately after the start of the James season
Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell this season of “The Bachelor”.
Craig Sjodin / ABC via Getty Images
The 24-year-old graphic designer from Georgia, described as a “southern girlfriend” in her official “Bachelor” biography, made headlines when a TikTok user accused Kirkconnell of intimidating her for dating black men. Another TikTok user also accused her of liking racist photos.
On February 2, James released a statement defending Kirkconnell, leading many to believe that it would end.
“I haven’t spoken to anyone since the show ended, but I would say that you have to be very careful about what you’re doing on social media,” James told Entertainment Tonight at the time. “The rumors are dark and unpleasant and can ruin people’s lives. So, I would give people the benefit of the doubt, and I hope she has time to talk about it.”
—Rosé (@ TeaAndRoses21) February 4, 2021
But just a day later, pictures of Kirkconnell surfaced at a plantation-themed fraternity party in 2018. The photos showed Kirkconnell wearing a pre-war farm dress at an “Old South” party organized by Kappa Alpha while she was a student at Georgia College and Milledgeville State University.
Chris Harrison gave a controversial interview, defending Kirkconnell to former ‘Bachelorette’ star Rachel Lindsay
Chris Harrison and Rachel Lindsay.
Kelsey McNeal via Getty Images
Harrison was among Kirkconnell’s loudest advocates, saying the “awake police” wanted to catch her during a 13-minute interview with Rachel Lindsay on Extra.
“And again, I’m not defending Rachael. I just know that, I don’t know, 50 million people did this in 2018. It was a type of party that a lot of people went to, ”he added. “We are not looking through the same lens.”
After many reactions, which included a Change.org petition, Harrison apologized the next day, saying he realized that he had done “harm by saying the wrong thing in a way that perpetuates racism”.
Kirkconnell did the same, finally issuing a statement of its own to address the ongoing controversy.
“At one point, I didn’t recognize how offensive and racist my actions were, but that didn’t excuse them,” wrote Kirkconnell in her apology, which she posted on Instagram. “My age or when it happened does not justify anything. They are not good or acceptable in any sense. I was ignorant, but my ignorance was racist.”
But the damage from Harrison’s interview was done.
That same week, more than 30 participants in James’ season of “The Bachelor” posted a joint statement on their Instagram accounts condemning his comments and advocating a change in the franchise.
On February 13, Harrison announced that he was taking a step back in the ‘Bachelor’ franchise
James and Harrison this season of “The Bachelor”.
Craig Sjodin via Getty Images
Shortly after his interview went viral, Harrison apologized and later announced that he was taking a step back in the franchise.
“This historic season of ‘The Bachelor’ should not be hampered or overshadowed by my mistakes or diminished by my actions,” he added, revealing that he would not be participating in the special “After the Final Rose” at the end of James’ season and was dedicated to “to be educated on a deeper and more productive level than ever before.”
On February 22, James released another statement, calling Kirkconnell’s photos and Harrison’s interview “incredibly disappointing” The “Bachelor” star said the recent events were “devastating and moving”.
ABC announced that Harrison would not present ‘The Bachelorette’, being replaced by former protagonists
Harrison’s future in the “Bachelor” franchise remains uncertain.
The special “After the Final Rose” on Monday night was hosted by Emmanuel Quero, a former NFL football player who wrote the New York Times bestseller “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man”.
ABC also announced on Friday that former “Bachelorette” stars, Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe, would present the next season of “The Bachelorette” instead of Harrison.
Adams revealed in an Instagram story that she had spoken to Harrison, who she said was “very kind and congratulated me for being part of the next season.”