Bachelor Nation
Rachael Kirkconnell Hints Matt James ‘Blindsided’ Her With Breakup Post
Fans have been flooding Rachael Kirkconnell’s Instagram comments with supportive messages after Matt James unexpectedly announced their breakup. The Bachelor alum hasn’t spoken out about the split news, but she’s been “liking” certain comments that are quite telling.
Kirkconnell’s last Instagram post was a birthday tribute to James in December. Since it’s the most recent place to comment on her page, it’s been a hotspot for followers’ questions and concerns about the breakup.
One comment that Kirkconnell “liked” said, “The more I’m thinking about it the more I think he completely blindsided her with this. Give her some grace and let her respond in her own time.”
Rachael Kirkconnell/Instagram
Fans were extremely shocked by James’ Thursday, January 16, breakup announcement because he had just shared an Instagram video that featured Kirkconnell one day earlier. In the split post, he wrote, “Father God, give Rachael and I strength to mend our broken hearts. Give us a peace about this decision to end our relationship that transcends worldly understanding. Shower our friends and family with kindness and love to comfort us. And remind us that our Joy comes from you, Lord.”
Many fans were confused by the wording of the message and wondered if the North Carolina native was pulling a fast one on them. Widespread internet theories included speculation that the two had actually gotten engaged and were just trying to throw people off. However, Kirkconnell’s subsequent Instagram activity tells a different story.
Other public messages that she “liked” included one comment that said, “I’m so sorry,” as well as one that read, “Praying for you, babe. For your peace and healing.”
Kirkconnell and James got together on Season 25 of The Bachelor in 2020, but as the show was airing in early 2021, they split. The time apart happened after it came to light that Kirkconnell had attended an antebellum-themed party in college, prompting widespread backlash online about her racist history.
A month after the finale aired, the two started spending time together again. Kirkconnell eventually gave James an ultimatum to either fully commit to her or end their relationship. They stayed together for more than three years after that.
