Bachelor star Matt James reveals what Rachael Kirkconnell is doing to win his heart again
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - Matt James has addressed his decision to rekindle his relationship with Rachael Kirkconnell. The couple, who broke up after Kirkconnell was accused of being a racist due to controversial photos, unexpectedly revived their romance.
The Bachelor star has revealed why he gave Kirkconnell a second chance after ending their relationship earlier this year.
Kirkconnell came under fire and was dubbed "racist Rachael" on the internet after photos of her at an antebellum plantation-themed party in 2018 surfaced on the web.
James told WSJ Magazine how and Kirkconnell are "navigating" their romance. "I think the best way to put it is that we can have critical conversations about being in this relationship and what I need in a partner – especially if that woman isn't Black – to understand what comes with me and my life and being Black," the reality star revealed.
James added that it's "on people who care about being allies" to really do the work to truly be "anti-racist."
"And I think it's unfair to leave people without the ability to unlearn and be better," James continued.
The former football player was the first African-American male to appear as a lead in the Bachelor series. James also noted that he didn't want to speak for Kirkconnell when it came to the progress she's made in learning how to become "anti-racist."
"A lot of what I'm focused on right now is the work that I'm doing in the community and with the [marathon] training," the star told People, referring to the run he's currently preparing for.
James has received some backlash for his decision to reunite with Rachael Kirkconnell. Hopefully, this time around things works well for them.
Cover photo: Collage: screenshot/Instagram/Rachael Kirkconnell & Matt James