Celebrity
The couple initially called it quits after a racism scandal that rocked Bachelor Nation.
Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnells relationship hasnt exactly been smooth sailing sincethey fell in love onThe Bachelor.
As Season 25 aired, Kirkconnell faced backlash forracist photos that surfaced of her at an antebellum-themed partyin 2018.
Shortly after, fans unearthed images of the 24-year-old dressed as a Native American.
The scandal rocked Bachelor Nation.
Then the picture dropped.
But even after seeing the pictures, Matts feelings didnt change.
Celebrity gossip, no matter how sensitive, wouldnt shape my opinion of her.
At the time, she seemed more stressed about the controversy than he was.
Her voice on the other end was strained and unsteady, he continued.
I assured her that I knew who she was.
Still, the former Bachelor saw value in having a serious discussion face-to-face.
I needed to see Rachaels face for the hard conversation ahead, he wrote.
Rachael laid it all on the table.
She didnt offer her ignorance as an excuse, the Season 25 lead continued.
Just a factshe paired it with the facts of her remorse and regret.
Tears streamed down both our faces.
She apologized for the pain I felt.
But despite offering forgiveness, it became clear to Matt that he and Rachael needed to take time apart.
I needed to slow the train down, he wrote.
However, the two werent apart for long.
In February 2021,Kirkconnell issued a public apology on Instagram.
I was ignorant, but my ignorance was racist, she added.
Shortly after, the former couple decided they were open to building back their love.
It was a mistake, he wrote.
Rachael got wind and was justifiably hurt and feeling betrayed.
After that, there was silence.
But the silence didnt last long.
We met in the parking garage in her car, far from the public eye.
Their four-hour conversation was ultimately what they needed to jump back in.
I decided to be better going forward.
She had done self-work that I hadnt reciprocated.
Im not pursuing any relationships right now outside of that.
I said I was going to focus on my relationship with her and that means focusing on it.
Theyve been together ever since.
