The first Black bachelor on ABC’s The Bachelor, Matt James, admitted that he felt pressure to pick a Black woman. James was asked by comedian Arsenio Hall if he felt pressured to choose a Black woman while appearing on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on Sept. 24. Hall was guest-hosting the show.
James, whose mom is white, said that he felt pressure from both sides.
“It was a lot,” he said. “On both sides, because, you know, my dad’s Black and my mom’s white. There was pressure on both sides. But ultimately, your heart leads you where love is and that’s what I followed.”
The Bachelor star said he found love with 25-year-old Rachael Kirkconnell, who is white and was accused of exhibiting racist behavior on social media.
Kirkconnell was in attendance at an antebellum-themed party in college back in 2018. She also reportedly liked and shared posts with the Confederate flag and pro-Trump rhetoric. Kirkconnell admitted to doing racist things in her apology statement last February.
“At one point, I didn’t recognize how offensive and racist my actions were, but that doesn’t excuse them,” said Kirkconnell. “My age or when it happened does not excuse anything. They are not ok or acceptable in any sense. I was ignorant, but my ignorance was racist.”
The couple broke up initially after Kirkconnell’s past was revealed. However, the couple has since gotten back together. James stated Kirkconnell is educating herself about racism and doing the work. He posted a bible verse to Instagram in honor of her birthday on Sept. 26.
“Be strong and courageous,” he wrote. “Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you – Deuteronomy 31:6. Happy Birthday to my emergency contact @rachaelkirkconnell ❤️🥳🎂. I love you.”
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Kirkconnell also boasted about James on Instagram regarding his appearance on Dancing With The Stars.
“My man is officially trading in his skateboards sneaks for some dancing shoes! reminding you guys that @dancingabc is on TONIGHT (8 pm EST)! can’t wait for you guys to see how hard this guy has been working and what they’ve come up with, you won’t want to miss it… I promise he’s come a long way 😉 don’t forget to VOTE and text “MATT” to 21523 and go to my story for the link to vote some more!!! love you the most @mattjames919, already so so proud of you ♡, ” she wrote.
James told Hall that he and Kirkconnell are taking taking things slow but that they are “very much in love” and very happy.
