Bachelor Leader Matt James released a statement after Chris Harrison’s interview with Rachel Lindsay, in which the host defended competitor Rachael Kirkconnell amid a racism controversy. Matt was initially the franchise’s first voice to talk about Rachael, but he was followed by Chris’s intriguing interview with Rachel Lindsay, which led the host to step away from the franchise. Since then, Rachael has handled the controversy herself.
Since then, Matt has focused on his bachelor duties, but before the show aired in his hometown tonight with the four finalists (Bri Springs, Michelle Young, Serena Pitt and, yes, Rachael Kirkconnell), he spoke about everything that has transpired.
Here’s what Matt’s statement says, in full:
“The past few weeks have been one of the most challenging of my life, and while there are still several episodes of the season, it is important that I take the time to address the worrying information that has surfaced since we finished filming, including Rachael’s incredibly disappointing photos. Kirkconnell and the interview between Rachel Lindsay and Chris Harrison. The reality is that I am learning about these situations in real time and it has been devastating and painful to be frank. Chris’s failure to receive and understand the emotional work my friend Rachel Lindsay was in assuming to explain gracefully and patiently the racist history of Antebellum South, a painful story that every American should understand intimately, it was worrying and painful to watch. As blacks and allies knew immediately and understood, it was a clear reflection of a much bigger problem than The Bachelor franchise has failed to address properly for years.
This moment generated critical conversations and reports, raised important questions and resulted in inspiring demonstrations of solidarity on the part of the Bachelor nation. It also led me to reevaluate and process what my experience in The Bachelor represents, not only for me, but for all the color contestants, especially the black contestants of this season and the previous ones, and for you, the spectators at home.
I will continue to process this experience, and you will hear more from me in the end. My greatest prayer is that this is a turning point that will result in real and institutional change for the better. “
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