Even Bachelor Nation Ben Higgins and Ashley Yaconetti They were caught by surprise James died and Rachel Kirkconnell's Break up.
“I want to acknowledge that this is a very difficult time for them, and also respect the fact that they broke up and that we're not owed a lot of information,” Higgins, 35, shared on Thursday, January 16. An episode of “Almost Famous” on iHeartRadio Podcast. “However, (there are) some weird things that stood out to me that I think stand out to most people.”
Initially, Higgins expressed his view that James, 33, and Kirkconnell, 28, had split. Bachelor's degree After the meeting in season 25.
“Matt in particular was like, 'I'm done, I've moved on.' That thing is what it was. 'We're getting together and the show's not going to have anything to do with my life,'” Higgins explained. “And that's a very good strategy. However, the breakup post is a photo of them in the Bachelor mansion, which is weird to me.
While Iaconetti, 36, thought the photo – taken during the arrival of the infamous limousine – could be a symbol of the moment they first met, Higgins questioned the choice.
“Personally, it seems like an interesting choice to have this photo announce the breakup when they've honestly done so much since then,” he said. “They were posting or he was posting on social media and nothing seemed to happen.”
On January 17, James He shared the news of his breakup With Kirkconnell after four years of dating. However, earlier in the month, the pair was posting Snapshots from London What seemed like a fun, romantic vacation.
“Father, give Rachel and me the strength to mend our broken hearts,” he wrote. Instagram. “Give us peace about this decision to end our relationship that is beyond earthly understanding. Shower our friends and family with kindness and love for our comfort. And remind us that our joy comes from You, Lord.”
When Iaconneti first saw the post, he hoped it wasn't real.
“They've been together for four years,” she said. “It's been a long time now without a proposal. My initial thought was, 'Oh man.' I want this to be some joke. … As much as I would love to believe it, because I was really rooting for them, they've been through a lot together, I can't imagine That he would use prayer as a joke.
While Kirkconnell has not commented publicly on the split, she “Like” comment From one fan who speculated he “totally shocked her with this.” But a source said Us Weekly Kirkconnell was not surprised by the split itself but rather… James's statement and publication.
Higgins shared his theory about why Kirkconnell waited to share more on social media.
“In my experience, I would say usually the person who is most affected and the most confused is the person who is reluctant to share what they said with the public,” he said. “If you're confident in that decision, you share it with the audience. If you're still mourning or healing or a little angry, you don't share that with the audience.”