Kim also told The Sun that Rachael’s family is “considering taking legal action” against the TikTok user who first accused Rachael of bullying her for dating Black men. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. I would just give them a chance to kind of have their piece, whether that is someone who was gone night one or someone who went home last night. The user also claimed that Rachael hasn’t voted in the past four general elections, sharing a screenshot of her voting history. Ahead is what we know about Rachael’s Bachelor racism controversy and what stars like Matt and Chris Harrison think about it. All rights reserved. The Bachelor airs Mondays at 8 p.m. on ABC. 'The Bachelor's Rachael Kirkconnell Finally Breaks Her Silence After Racist Photos of Her Emerge the editors 2/11/2021 Derek Chauvin trial jury: What we know about the jurors selected so far "Bachelor" contestant Rachael Kirkconnell has apologized for past actions which she called "racist and offensive.". According to the screenshots, her father donated to WinRed, a fundraising platform that supported Trump in the 2020 Presidential Election. Rachael—a 24-year-old graphic designer from Cumming, Georgia, and a contestant on season 25 of The Bachelor with Matt James—is under fire for past behavior that led fans to believe that she’s a racist. Reality Steve also confirmed in March 2021 that Rachael will discuss her scandal during the “After the Final Rose” special. Fox News Flash top entertainment headlines for February 11, "Bachelor" host Chris Harrison came under fire earlier this week, Sharon Osbourne wrestles with returning to 'The Talk' amid extended hiatus: 'I don't know whether I'm wanted', Chrissy Teigen responds to critics after topless pic interrupted by her son Miles catches backlash, Alice Evans compares Ioan Gruffudd divorce proceedings to a 'phenomenal scam', Fox News Flash top entertainment headlines for March 17, Andrew Cuomo's celebrity fans silent on governor's sexual harassment scandal, 'The Talk's hiatus extended to 'review' events following growing Sharon Osbourne scandal. Even so, fans were shocked earlier this year by the emergence of photos of Bachelor star Rachael Kirkconnell attending an Antebellum-themed party. The scandal continued when TikTok user @feministmama posted her own video, in which she exposed Rachael for liking racist social media posts and associating herself with controversial groups.The user shared three social media screenshots that Rachael liked: one of two women in front of a Confederate flag, one of three women dressed in sombreros, ponchos and mustaches, and one of a woman in a “Make America Great Again” hat. Pic credit: ABC. (ABC/Craig Sjodin), "I deserve to be held accountable for my actions," she concluded. Though some fans defended Rachael and her presence at the period as her merely paying homage to the looks and styles of the period, it doesn’t erase the fact that Rachael and her fellow partygoers chose to specifically romanticize the Antebellum … The resurfaced photos ended up having a much larger impact on the "Bachelor" franchise than just Kirkconnell and James. BACHELOR contestant Rachael Kirkconnell has come under fire for her social media history, including a photo she posted wearing an antebellum-style dress. ?” Maddy wrote alongside a video of Rachael and Matt. Rachael is originally from Cumming, Georgia, and “is a southern sweetheart with a close-knit family,” according to her Bachelor bio. This season’s problematic Bachelor suitor, Rachael Kirkconnell, ... including photos featuring the 24-year old graphic designer at an antebellum-themed … Fox News Flash top entertainment and celebrity headlines are here. After Harrison’s interview with Rachel Lindsay, many contestants from Matt’s Bachelor season took to their Instagram with a statement denouncing Rachael’s racism. “We are the women of Bachelor Season 25,” the shared statement read. While the season was airing, photos of Rachael attending an 'Antebellum' plantation party, with deep ties to the Confederacy, in 2018, resurfaced Despite picking Rachael at the end of the Bachelor season, only to have a “honeymoon” phase and break up a short while later, Matt isn’t too concerned that … But it … ... when photos surfaced of her attending a fraternity formal with an antebellum plantation theme in 2018. I want to ensure our cast and crew members, to my friends, colleagues and our fans: this is not just a moment, but a commitment to much greater understanding that I will actively make every day.”, A post shared by Matt James (@mattjames919), In an interview with Entertainment Tonight in February 2021, Matt was asked about Rachael’s past social media behavior. Kirkconnell condemned her past actions which included attending an "Old South"-themed party in 2018 at a plantation and dressing up in a Native American costume. But after filming ended, James changed his mind. 🌹 Follow all the latest news and stories on The Bachelor What is the antebellum … Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. And until I actually hear this woman have a chance to speak, who am I to say any of this? The photos showed Rachael and her friends in Antebellum-style dresses as they posed for a group photo. Until I actually hear this woman have a chance to speak, who am I to say any of this? Her Bachelor bio reads: "With beautiful eyes and personality to match, Rachael is a southern sweetheart with a close-knit family. "The Bachelor" contestant Rachael Kirkconnell has apologized for her "offensive and racist" actions after photos of her at an antebellum plantation-themed fraternity formal resurfaced online. Host Emmanuel Acho put Bachelor contestant Rachael Kirkconnell in the hot seat during the Monday, March 15, episode of After the Final Rose, addressing her past racially charged Instagram photos. ", 'BACHELOR' FRONT-RUNNER SARAH TROTT EXITS SHOW AFTER TENSION WITH OTHER WOMEN, "It's not a good look ever," Lindsay stated. If you are a person who doesn’t understand the offense in question, I urge you to learn from my mistakes and encourage you to use them as a teachable moment.”, Rachael went on to suggest that she doesn’t share the same political views as her family. “As for my family, I love them and how they raised me to be my own individual. We are deeply disappointed and want to make it clear that we denounce any defense of racism.”, The statement continued, “Any defense of racist behavior denies the lived and continued experiences of BIPOC individuals. copyright 2021 © all rights reserved by stylecaster. A post shared by rachael kirkconnell (@rachaelkirkconnell), Weeks after her past social media posts went viral, Rachael broke her silence in an Instagram post in February 2021. “While there have been rumors circulating, there have also been truths that have come to light that I need to address. Rachael Kirkconnell, one of many women competing for Matt James' heart on this season of The Bachelor, has yet again found herself in a compromising position after new photos emerged of the Georgia native allegedly attending an "Old South" Ball in an antebellum plantation dress.. Overall, he’s the third Black lead after season 13 Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay and season 16 Bachelorette Tayshia Adams.”It’s an honor,” Matt told Good Morning America in June 2020 after he was announced as the season 25 Bachelor. Earlier this month, Rachael Kirkconnell, one of many women competing on season 25 of ‘The Bachelor’ that features Matt James, the first Black lead on the reality show, found herself in hot water after new photos emerged of the Georgia native allegedly attending an "Old South" Ball in an antebellum plantation dress. "Because she's celebrating the Old South. Matt is also the first Black Bachelor in the Bachelor franchise’s 15-plus-year history. In her first public statement since facing criticism for resurfaced photos and her alleged past social media behavior, The Bachelor … The Bachelor's Rachael Kirkconnell has apologized. He specifically addressed photos which allegedly depict the contestant attending an antebellum … "I was ignorant, but my ignorance was racist," she wrote. See her sorority's old south antebellum party photo and Matt James' response. Rachael Kirkconnell Credit: Instagram Who is Bachelor contestant Rachael Kirkconnell? I don’t think one apology means that I deserve your forgiveness, but rather I hope I can earn your forgiveness through my future actions.”. 'Bachelor' contestant Rachael Kirkconnell apologizes for 'offensive and racist' actions after photos of her at a plantation-themed party surfaced online. During Matt James's season of The Bachelor, photos of finalist Rachael Kirkconnell attending a racist antebellum-themed plantation party in 2018 surfaced, causing a massive controversy within the franchise. According to The Sun, the party was described as an “Antebellum plantation-themed ball” by Kappa Alpha, a fraternity that has been criticized as racist due to its support of Confederate General Robert E. Lee as a “spiritual leader.” The party was held during the university’s “Old South Week,” which was an event previously held on plantations and used Confederate flags for decoration. (ABC/Craig Sjodin), Lindsay pointed out the photo "was from 2018 at an Old South antebellum part ... that's not a good look. Rachael Kirkconnell has been caught in some not-so-great photos. when Lindsay noted that the picture was “not a good look,” Harrison asked, “Is it [not] a good look in 2018 or is it not a good look in 2021?” which led Lindsay to respond that Rachael’s photos weren’t a good look ever. Rachael, who is currently competing for Matt James' final rose, posted a … “I am beyond grateful to have Rachel as a mentor during this season,” he wrote on his Instagram Stories. Rachael Kirkconnell, one of many women competing for Matt James' heart on this season of The Bachelor, has yet again found herself in a compromising position after new photos emerged of the Georgia native allegedly attending an "Old South" Ball in an antebellum plantation dress.. ", Rachael Kirkconnell and Matt James on their one-on-one date. Throughout the last days of filming, Matt knew he wasn't quite ready to get down on one knee and propose to either Rachael or … They are not acceptable or okay in any sense. Rachael Kirkconnell is speaking out.. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, “my statement and apology is for the people of color that i have offended, if you do not identify as BIPOC then it is not your apology to accept or not. "I will never grow unless I recognize what I have done is wrong. See her sorority's old south antebellum party photo and Matt James' response. The 24-year-old, who is a Season 25 frontrunner and dating the franchise's first Black bachelor Matt James, issued the lengthy mea culpa on social media Thursday. Harrison directly addressed his controversial interview, in which he defended the "Bachelor" frontrunner Rachael Kirkconnell after photos emerged of her at a plantation-themed fraternity party in 2018. Bachelor season 25 contestant Rachael Kirkconnell broke her silence after photos surfaced of her at a plantation-themed party. Chris Harrison wants people to show Rachael Kirkconnell “a little grace.” The Bachelor host weighed in on the controversial contestant during an interview with former Bachelorette, Rachel Lindsay. Photos of Kirkconnell attending an "Old South" antebellum plantation-themed party in 2018 have since gone viral. Kirkconnell, who is currently the frontrunner to win Matt James’s heart, has “just been thrown to the lions,” Harrison told Extra.. Kirkconnell … ", Harrison debated, "Well, Rachel is it a good look in 2018? On The Bachelor’s finale, it was revealed that Matt James dumped Rachael Kirkconnell after reports of racism surfaced against her. The finale of "The Bachelor" ended with Matt James giving Rachael Kirkconnell his final rose, but their relationship was short-lived after images of her attending an Antebellum themed party emerged. I am learning and will continue to learn how to be antiracist, because it’s important to speak up in the moment and not after you’re called out. The Bachelor’s Rachael Kirkconnell addresses racist photos: ... Kirkconnell responds to the controversy, which includes photos of her attending an antebellum-themed college party in 2018, and allegedly liking and sharing social media posts with the Confederate flag and Qanon conspiracies. 'Bachelor' contestant Rachael Kirkconnell apologizes for past racist actions 'Bachelor' host Chris Harrison recently apologized for defending the contestant's photos. Chris Harrison apologized for 'speaking in a manner that perpetuates racism.' Or, is it not a good look in 2021? What I now realize I have done is cause harm for wrongly speaking in a manner that perpetuates racism, and for that I am so deeply sorry," he wrote. So far, Matt James' season of The Bachelor … “As I was thinking about what I wanted to say, I couldn’t help but think about how sick people must be of reading these kinds of statements; how a person didn’t realize the trauma that their actions would inflict on other people. He denied that Rachael’s social media posts were reflective of who she is. I don't think one apology means that I deserve your forgiveness, but rather I hope I can earn your forgiveness through my future actions. Market data provided by Factset. Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. ©2021 FOX News Network, LLC. "I am sorry to the communities and individuals that my actions harmed and offended. “We all need to have a little grace, a little understanding, a little compassion,” he said at the time. “It is important that I take the time to address the troubling information that has come to light since we wrapped filming, including the incredibly disappointing photos of Rachael Kirkconnell and the interview between Rachel Lindsay and Chris Harrison.”. A TikTok user made unverified claims she was bullied by Kirkconnell for dating Black men. The Bachelor contestant Rachael Kirkconnell has apologized after photos surfaced of her attending an antebellum plantation-themed fraternity formal in 2018. RACHAEL Kirkconnell has been left “heartbroken and devastated” over the antebellum photo scandal and is not a racist, her mom has insisted in an exclusive interview with The Sun. Rachael is originally from Cumming, Georgia, and "is a southern sweetheart with a close-knit family," according to her Bachelor bio. The latest season of The Bachelor had a shocking conclusion and now Matt James is opening up to explain why it had to end the way it did.. Matt gave his final rose to Rachael Kirkconnell… On Feb. 4, photos of Kirkconnell attending an Old South antebellum party in 2018 leaked online. Legal Statement. “I’m just going to lean into myself and how my mom raised me and hopefully when people invite me into their homes on Monday night they’re going to see that I’m not much different from them and they see that diverse love stories are beautiful.”. “I have not spoken to anybody since the show ended, but I would say that you have to be really careful about what you are doing on social media,” he said. Less than a week after his apology, Harrison took to his Instagram in February 2021 to announce that he was temporarily “stepping aside” as the Bachelor franchise’s host. “The historic season of The Bachelor should not be marred or overshadowed by my mistakes or diminished by my actions. Read on to see the image and find out more about it. To that end, I have consulted with Warner Bros. and ABC and will be stepping aside for a period of time and will not join for the After the Final Rose special,” he wrote in an Instagram post. Check out what's clicking today in entertainment. “Twenty-five women who identify as BIPOC were cast on this historic season that was meant to represent change. I hear you, and I’m here to say I was wrong,” she wrote. Despite calls for Rachael to … “We have seen the devastation and heartbreak this has caused for Rachael…Rachael has felt hopeless and frustrated about not being able to address the issue and speak her side.”. Rachael is one of 32 women who met Matt, a 29-year-old real estate agent from Raleigh, North Carolina, on the premiere of The Bachelor season 25 in January 2021. Is "The Bachelor" 2021's Rachael Kirkconnell a racist? “At one point, I didn’t recognize how offensive and racist my actions were, but that doesn’t excuse them. The Bachelor's Rachael Kirkconnell addresses racist photos: "Stop saying that I did nothing wrong" By Sophie Lewis February 26, 2021 / 12:32 PM / … The Sun reported that men who attend “Old South” parties often wear costumes similar to Confederate soldiers and plantation owners. “No one should have to go through what she has been through,” Kim said. During The Bachelor aftershow, Matt James revealed he and winner Rachael Kirkconnell broke up shortly after the season ended due to her racially insensitive photos that resurfaced. ", 'BACHELOR' HOST CHRIS HARRISON APOLOGIZES FOR 'SPEAKING IN A MANNER THAT PERPETUATES RACISM', She pledged to "continue to learn how to be antiracist" and that "it's important to speak up in the moment and not after you're called out. In February 2021, Rachael went viral again after a 2018 photo resurfaced of her at an old south Antebellum-themed party at the University of Georgia. Rachael Kirkconnell developed an early connection with Matt James on The Bachelor and was even brought to tears when he led the cast in a group prayer in episode one. The Bachelor's Rachael Kirkconnell has apologized.. Kirkconnell, who's a contestant on the current season of the long-running reality series, has faced accusations of racism since last month, when photos surfaced of her attending a fraternity formal with an antebellum plantation theme in 2018. “Rumors are dark and nasty and can ruin people’s lives. We stand with her, we hear her, and we advocate for change alongside her.”. Rachael Kirkconnell is currently on The Bachelor with Matt James. Let us fill you in. Rachael is originally from Cumming, Georgia, and "is a southern sweetheart with a close-knit family," according to her Bachelor bio. So I would give people the benefit of the doubt, and hopefully she will have her time to speak on that.”, He continued, “There’s a lot of stuff going around about the women that were involved in the show. “Your advocacy of BIPOC people in the franchise is invaluable, I stand with you and the rest of the women advocating for change and accountability.”, Matt officially released his statement on Rachael’s racism controversy in an Instagram post in February 2021. “The past few weeks have been some of the most challenging of my life, and while there are several episodes left of the season,” he wrote. Rachael Kirkconnell from 'The Bachelor' came under fire for attending a racist sorority party—read her apology, Chris Harrison's defense of … "Though Rachael says she is a hopeless romantic to her core, she has never been in love and … Matt James chose Rachael Kirkconnell in "The Bachelor" Season 25 finale but announced their split during the "After the Final Rose" special following her racism controversy. (ABC/Craig Sjodin). If you’ve been keeping up with The Bachelor Rachael Kirkconnell racism saga, you probably know that the latest racist photos discovered were of Rachael at an ‘Old South’ sorority formal.. Bachelor frontrunner Rachael Kirkconnell has been caught in the middle of a social media storm over the past few weeks, following the resurfacing of racially insensitive photos from her past. Matt James’s season of The Bachelor went from cute to controversial in the blink of an eye. Market data provided by Factset. “I am dedicated to getting educated on a more profound and productive level than ever before.”, He continued, “I am dedicated to getting educated on a more profound and productive level than ever before. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. All rights reserved. Graphic designer Rachael , 24, is considered a favorite to win over Matt James , the hit ABC dating show’s first ever Black Bachelor… There’s no doubt that Matt’s Bachelor season is historic, which makes Rachael’s Bachelor racism drama that much more infuriating given who may be her future husband. James -- the first Black Bachelor in franchise history-- gave his final rose to Rachael Kirkconnell in the hopes of them having a future together. After the video went viral, Maddy shared another video of screenshots of DMs from other women who had similar experiences with Rachael when it came to dating Black men. My age or when it happened does not excuse anything. After The Bachelor season 25 premiere, TikTok user @maddyybierster, a former high school classmate of Rachael’s, posted a video in which she claimed that Rachael bullied her for dating Black men. “girlieee, remember when you bullied me in high school for liking black guys?? "I am an imperfect man, I made a mistake, and I own that," Harrison said on "Good Morning America." In an interview with The Sun in February 2021, Rachael’s mom, Kim Kirkconnell, opened up about the effect the controversy has had on her daughter. ", Rachael Kirkconnell is a 24-year-old graphic designer from Alabama. ", 'BACHELOR' STAR BEN HIGGINS REVEALS HOW FAITH HAS GUIDED HIM THROUGH ADDICTION, REALITY TV FAME. Just because she is speaking the loudest, doesn’t mean she is alone. I was ignorant, but my ignorance was racist.”, She continued, “I am sorry to the communities and individuals that my actions harmed and offended. Cosmopolitan - "I'm not going to sit here and say I didn't know any better." I will never grow unless I recognize what I have done is wrong. The Bachelor contestant Rachael Kirkconnell is speaking out about the continuing controversy surrounding her. They have always encouraged me to have my own views, opinions, and beliefs,” she wrote. Legal Statement. The Bachelor's Rachael Kirkconnell has apologized.. Kirkconnell, who's a contestant on the current season of the long-running reality series, has faced accusations of racism since last month, when photos surfaced of her attending a fraternity formal with an antebellum plantation theme in 2018. Rachael Kirkconnell, a contestant on the current season of "The Bachelor," has apologized after facing accusations of racism after photos … Longtime "Bachelor" host Chris Harrison came under fire earlier this week for attempting to defend Kirkconnell in an interview with former "Bachelorette" lead Rachel Lindsay on Extra. RACHAEL Kirkconnell has been left “heartbroken and devastated” over the antebellum photo scandal and is not a racist, her mom has insisted in an exclusive interview with The Sun. @Feministmama also shared screenshots of Rachael‘s parents supporting Donald Trump and other Republican politicians. So I would give people the benefit of the doubt, and hopefully, she will have her time to speak on that.". Because there's a big difference. He also confirmed that he won’t be hosting Matt’s “After the Final Rose” special. Though the photos alone are plenty incriminating, many viewers were left not only wondering what a so-called “Antebellum party” is, but also what exactly makes these parties so racist. BACHELOR contestant Rachael Kirkconnell has come under fire for her social media history, including a photo she posted wearing an antebellum-style dress. "While I do not speak for Rachael Kirkconnell, my intentions were simply to ask for grace in offering her an opportunity to speak on her own behalf. I am ashamed about my lack of education, but it is no one’s responsibility to educate me. The pics show Kirkconnell with friends dressed in Native American clothing as a costume, as well as attending an antebellum plantation … Is "The Bachelor" 2021's Rachael Kirkconnell a racist? If I went to that party, what would I represent at that party?". Bachelor’s Rachael Kirkconnell: 5 Things to Know Read article In her caption, Rachael noted that her apology wasn’t meant for white people. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The claims against Rachael were especially shocking, as she appeared on The Bachelor’s most historic season — Matt was the first Black man to be named the Bachelor. I am ashamed about my lack of education, but it is no one's responsibility to educate me. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. please be respectful to those who have been affected,” she wrote. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. It must get so exhausting. Photos emerged of the 24-year-old attending an antebellum plantation-themed fraternity formal in 2018. Rachael’s mom went on to tell The Sun that she thinks the situation has “gotten even more out of hand” and that Rachael is “suffering the consequences” since she can’t speak out about the show. "This is, again, where we all need to have a little grace, a little understanding, a little compassion," Harrison said at the time. Photos have now emerged of Rachael Kirkconnell at an antebellum plantation-themed fraternity formal in 2018 #TheBachelor #BachelorNation 10:36 PM - 04 Feb 2021 Reply Retweet Favorite He said in early February: "Rumors are dark and nasty and can ruin people's lives. RACHAEL Kirkconnell has been left “heartbroken and devastated” over the antebellum photo scandal and is not a racist, her mom has insisted in an exclusive interview with The Sun. 'The Bachelor' host Chris Harrison apologized after defending contestant Rachael Kirkconnell, who reportedly attended an antebellum plantation-themed party in 2018. Related: Bachelor: Rachael Kirkconnell Accused of Brownfishing & Sharing QAnon Graph. I want to put my energy towards preventing people from making the same offensive mistakes that I made in the first place, and I hope I can prove this to you moving forward.”, She ended her statement: “Racial progress and unity are impossible without (white) accountability, and I deserve to be held accountable for my actions. ), After Rachael came under fire for her attendance at an Antebellum-themed party, Chris Harrison defended her in an interview with Rachel Lindsay (the first Black lead in the Bachelor franchise) on Extra. So far, Matt James' season of The Bachelor has had just as much drama on-screen as off it. A photo of Rachael Kirkconnell in antebellum dress, allegedly at an Old South party, has resurfaced and landed her in hot water. ©2021 FOX News Network, LLC. Rachael Kirkconnell’s mother, Kim Kirkconnell, spoke out in support of her daughter after the Bachelor contestant came under fire earlier this year for racially insensitive actions. BACHELOR contestant Rachael Kirkconnell has come under fire for her social media history, including a photo she posted wearing an antebellum-style dress. “The reality is that I’m learning about these situations in real time, and it has been devastating and heartbreaking to put it bluntly,” he continued. Rachael Kirkconnell holds hands with Bachelor Matt James on ABC's "The Bachelor." Everyone has a story, and I would just be receptive to that.”, After Rachael and Chris Harrison’s apology, Matt took to his Instagram in February 2021 to thank Rachel Lindsay for the holding the Bachelor franchise accountable. James also addressed the photo controversy in an interview with Entertainment Tonight. These experiences are not to be exploited or tokenized.”, The group ended their statement by praising Lindsay for how she handled her interview: “Rachel Lindsay continues to advocate with ‘grace’ for individuals who identify as BIPOC within this franchise. Here’s how to watch it for free.