James, who after 25 seasons was announced as the show’s first Black male lead in June 2020, posted a statement on social media Monday evening ahead of the show’s hometown date episode. The episode was expected to heavily feature the face of the series’ racial reckoning: Rachael Kirkconnell, the 25-year-old contestant whose social media actions as well as photos of her at a southern Antebellum ball in 2018 ignited the entire controversy itself. “The past few weeks have been some of the most challenging of my life," James, wrote via Instagram. “And while there are several episodes left of the season, 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.” Kirkconnell is a frontrunner this season, and Harrison came to her defense in a 13-minute interview with former BacheloretteRachel Lindsay. Harrison’s defense of Kirkconnell’s racist actions resulted in a swift and loud backlash that seemed to build over time, with a petition to have him removed as host gaining traction. Harrison announced his plans to “step aside,” but no one knows exactly what that means. James was harder on Harrison than he was on Kirkconnell—likely to avoid spoiling his season. “Chris’ failure to receive and understand the emotional labor that my friend Rachel Lindsay was taking on by graciously and patiently explaining the racist history of the Antebellum South, a painful history that every American should understand intimately, was troubling and painful to watch,” James explained. He continued, echoing statements made by members and fans of Bachelor nation in the past, “As Black people and allies immediately knew and understood, it was a clear reflection of a much larger issue that The Bachelor franchise has fallen short on addressing adequately for years.” James further explained that he hopes this sparks a growth moment for everyone involved: “This moment has sparked critical conversations and reporting, raised important questions, and resulted in inspiring displays of solidarity from The Bachelor nation.” For him, he has taken moment to step back and reflect on the real meaning of what it means to step into the position of the lead, saying, “it has also pushed me to reevaluate what my experience on The Bachelor represents, not just for me, but for all of the contestants of color, especially the Black contestants of this season and seasons past, and for you, the viewers at home.” In a final note, James requests patience and time and promised that we will hear from him in the end. He has hope for systemic change in the franchise from the inside out: “My greatest prayer is that this is an inflection point that results in real and institutional change for the better.” Next, meet Matt James’ contestant Bri Springs.
