Rachael Kirkconnell made it clear that she and Matt James did not rekindle their romance after rumors started swirling over the weekend.
Instagram gossip account Deux Moi posted an anonymous tip on Sunday, January 27, stating that Kirkconnell, 28, was spotted with James, 33, in New York City.
“Just left my apartment in kips bay and walked past matt james and rachael kirkconnell,” the post alleged. The comments section was quickly flooded with messages from Bachelor Nation. However, Kirkconnell was quick to set the record straight.
“Hmm wasn’t me lol,” she wrote.
Rachael Kirkconnell Endorses Suggestion She Was Blindsided by Matt James
Earlier this month James shocked Bachelor fans when announcing that he and Kirkconnell had split after four years together.
“Father God, give Rachael and I strength to mend our broken hearts. Give us a peace about this decision to end our relationship that transcends worldly understanding,” he captioned an Instagram post on January 16. “Shower our friends and family with kindness and love to comfort us. And remind us that our Joy comes from you, Lord.”
James announced the split alongside a photo of him and Kirkconnell from his Bachelor season, which aired in 2021. While James gave Kirkconnell his final rose at the end of season 25, their relationship was quickly rooted in controversy after her past racially insensitive social media activity resurfaced. They split prior to the After the Final Rose special, which aired in March 2021, but reconciled months later.
While Bachelor Nation seemed blindsided by James and Kirkconnell’s split, a source told Us Weekly exclusively earlier this month that it’s not that big of a surprise.
“The split may seem abrupt, but this has been brewing for a while. It was a long time coming,” the insider shared. “Matt just couldn’t commit to her.”
Bachelor’s Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell: A Complete Timeline
The source noted that it “was hard” for Kirkconnell “to trust” James near the end of their relationship. They are “both very upset” over the split, but Kirkconnell is “ready to move on,” the source added. She knows “it’s for the best.”
It appears some of the discourse in their relationship came from a proposal — or lack thereof.
“Rachael really wanted to get married and settle down and they were not on the same page,” the same insider continued. “She felt like she was waiting around, and he would never give her what she wanted.”
Prior to their split, James spoke candidly to Us about taking the next step in his relationship with Kirkconnell.
“We’re doing great. I feel like when you feel pressure, it’s when you don’t wanna do something,” James said in June 2024. “I’ve never really felt pressure [to get engaged] because it’s something that I’ve always wanted to do. It’s something that we’re gonna do at some point. That’s why we’re together and what we’re working toward. I’m excited about our future.”
