James chose Rachael as his Bachelor winner during season 25, which aired in early 2021. However, by the After the Final Rose special in March of that year, James said they had broken up after Rachael’s past racially insensitive social media activity resurfaced. The couple reconciled a month later.

Matt James, who was the franchise's first Black "Bachelor," took to social media on Thursday to announce that he and 28-year-old Rachael Kirkconnell, broke up — again. "Father God, give Rachael and I strength to mend our broken hearts,

Matt James, the 'Bachelor' franchise's first Black male lead, says he and his co-star-turned-girlfriend Rachael Kirkconnell have ended their relationship.