Matt James, the star of this season of “The Bachelor,” is now discussing the controversy regarding finalist Rachael Kirkconnell, host Chris Harrison, and former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay.
In an official Instagram post, the first Black lead in “Bachelor” history broke his silence in a lengthy statement.
“The past few weeks have been some of the most challenging of my life,” James began his statement.
“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,” the television personality said, “including the incredibly disappointing photos of Rachael Kirkconnell and the interview between Rachel Lindsay and Chris Harrison.”
He continued to explain how this situation’s reality has led him to feel the past several weeks.
“The reality is that I’m learning about these situations in real-time, and it has been devastating and heartbreaking, to put it bluntly,” James said.
“Chris’s 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 wrote.
James explained how the controversy had caused many to engage in “critical conversations” and uniting cast members in solidarity.
The 29-year-old said that he is continuing to “process the experience” and hopes the franchise will move in a positive direction.
“My greatest prayer is that this is an inflection point that results in real and institutional change for the better,” James ended his statement.
Related
Rachel Lindsay revealed how she felt after “Bachelor” franchise host Chris Harrison announced that he would be “stepping aside” for the time being.
Lindsay, the first Black Bachelorette, called out Harrison for his comments about contestant Rachael Kirkconnell’s past racist actions.
During an interview with Lindsay, Harrison said everyone should have “a little grace, a little understanding, a little compassion" for Kirkconnell, despite social media posts found that depicted racist themes.
Lindsay said she thinks it was the “right decision” for Harrison to step aside from being the host temporarily.
The 35-year-old star also expressed how she was “stunned” after her shocking interview with Harrison.
Related
Harrison announced that he’ll be taking a break from his hosting duties on “The Bachelor” and apologized for the “pain my words have caused.”
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