Secret Exes, Contestant Meltdowns and More — The Biggest Bachelor Nation Scandals Over the Years

Rachael Kirkconnell Is Accused of Racism and Bullying

Rachael came under fire during season 25 when a TikTok user accused the contestant of “bullying” her during high school for “liking Black guys.” Then, another TikTok video alleged Rachael “liked” racist social media posts, including an Instagram photo showing the Confederate flag.

Pictures then began circulating that showed the Georgia native attending an Old South antebellum-themed party in 2018.

Rachael issued a public apology on Thursday, February 11, but an insider told Life & Style on February 9 Matt has been “supportive” of the graphic designer.

“He has to be careful what he says on social and to the media, but he definitely wants to protect her and will be there for her when she does release her statement,” explained the insider.

In his book First Impressions: Off-Screen Conversations With a Bachelor on Race, Family, and Forgiveness, which was released in May 2022, Matt reflected on his experience navigating the difficult situation. 

“She and I spent two days together, and then on the third day, we had the hard conversation,” Matt wrote. “I shared how it felt seeing her, a woman I loved, embody a role that had once so antagonized me. My emotions welled up, and she met me at their peak.”

Matt explained that Rachael apologized for the “pain” he felt and explained her experiences. 

“She’d only been in the sorority a short time; she left the semester following the party,” he continued. “She didn’t know about the context of the party when she chose to attend; it was just another college event in her mind. She didn’t offer her ignorance as an excuse. Just a fact—she paired it with the facts of her remorse and regret. Tears streamed down both our faces.”

“I forgave her,” Matt wrote.