From breakups to makeups and all the things in between, Bachelor Nation has seen all of it — and it hasn’t at all times been fairly.
Loyal followers of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette usually put within the work to uncover secrets and techniques from contestants’ pasts as they seek for love on the ABC actuality franchise. Throughout Matt James‘ historic season, which kicked off in January 2021, frontrunner Rachael Kirkconnell sparked main controversy when viewers known as her social media historical past into query.
The graphic designer got here underneath fireplace shortly after season 25 of The Bachelor premiered when one TikTok person accused her of being racist in highschool. Because the season continued, extra details about Kirkconnell’s previous got here to mild in separate TikTok posts and photos of her at an antebellum-themed frat celebration in 2018 resurfaced on-line. She broke her silence in a prolonged Instagram assertion in February 2021.
“Whereas there have been rumors circulating, there have additionally been truths which have come to mild that I want to deal with. I hear you, and I’m right here to say I used to be flawed,” she wrote. “At one level, I didn’t acknowledge how offensive and racist my actions have been, however that doesn’t excuse them. My age or when it occurred doesn’t excuse something. They aren’t acceptable or okay in any sense. I used to be ignorant, however my ignorance was racist.”
Kirkconnell mentioned that she was “sorry to the communities and people that [her] actions harmed and offended” and blamed her ignorance on her “lack of training.” She additionally inspired Bachelor Nation followers to make use of her errors as a “teachable second.”
Earlier than the fact star addressed the controversy, host Chris Harrison requested viewers to have “compassion” for Kirkconnell throughout an interview with the franchise’s first Black Bachelorette, Rachel Lindsay.
“I’ve seen some stuff on-line. Once more, this decide, jury, executioner factor the place persons are simply tearing this woman’s life aside … Till I truly hear this girl have an opportunity to talk, who am I to say any of this … I noticed an image of her at a sorority celebration 5 years in the past that’s it,” Harrison mentioned on the time. “My guess? These women received dressed up and went to a celebration and had a good time, they have been 18 years previous. Now, does that make it OK? I don’t know Rachel, you inform me. Have been all of us trying by means of [that lens] in 2018?”
Harrison confronted backlash for his feedback, with followers and members of Bachelor Nation taking intention. After posting an apology on-line, the Bachelor host introduced in February 2021 that he was taking a brief break from internet hosting Matt James‘ season. “I’ve consulted with Warner Bros. and ABC and might be stepping apart for a time period and won’t be a part of for the After the Ultimate Rose particular,” the Texas native mentioned in a prolonged Instagram put up. “I’m devoted to getting educated on a extra profound and productive degree than ever earlier than.”
Kirkconnell isn’t the primary contestant to be criticized for racially insensitive conduct. Hannah Brown, the season 15 Bachelorette, issued a public apology in Could 2020 when she was caught saying the N-word whereas singing alongside to DaBaby‘s “Rockstar” on Instagram Dwell.
“I don’t wish to be ignorant anymore,” Brown mentioned on the time, telling her followers to not “defend” her conduct. “I don’t wish to be an ignorant white woman who makes use of the N-word. However I additionally don’t need be somebody who goes on their platform intoxicated and engages with their platform that manner. … I’ve realized that there are issues that I can’t say. … There may be a lot extra historic context that I didn’t know that makes it a lot extra inappropriate.”
The Alabama native concluded, “I’ll maintain doing no matter I can to study extra and help the answer in all this. … Lots of people hurting and lots of people offended, rightfully.”
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