James died and Rachel Kirkconnell's Bachelor's The love story has been a journey, both on and off screen.
ABC later named Matt the lead of Season 25 in June 2020 Revealing that the series received a record number of entries from the contestants. Among the 38 women who had the opportunity to meet Matt was Rachel, a graphic designer from Georgia. While she did not receive the desired first impression (Abigail Herringer I did), caught Matt's attention on the first night. (Season 25 Bachelor's degree It was filmed at Nemacolin Resort in the fall of 2020 and premiered in January 2021.)
While Matt and Rachel were dropping L-bombs on the series, she was making headlines for her past racially insensitive actions, including photos of her at an Old South-themed frat party in 2018. The controversy escalated after that. Chris Harrison Request from fans You have a “blessing” for Rachel As they deal with the scandal. The Georgia native broke her silence in February 2021, two days after the host's interview and more than a month since she was initially shot. Rachel's mother, Kim Kirkconnell, also She defended her daughter He hinted at how the situation would affect their possible happy ending.
“If he chooses Rachel and stands by her, then you know Matt really loves her,” Kim said. The sun. “If he chose Rachel, and then left her, it wasn't meant to be, and there's someone else there for her.”
during The Bachelor: After the Final Rose In March 2021, fans learned that Matt and Rachel had gone on hiatus while the show was airing. One month later, the duo rekindled their relationship. Matt and Rachel dated for four years before him They announced their split In January 2025.
Scroll for the full timeline of Matt and Rachel's relationship:
