Rachael Kirkconnell, a former contestant on “The Bachelor,” recently opened up about her unexpected breakup with Matt James during a trip to Tokyo. Speaking on the podcast “Call Her Daddy,” Kirkconnell disclosed that James cited concerns about compatibility and certain qualities he felt unfit for a future wife as reasons for the split. She explained that he expressed feeling unready to propose and questioned whether he could envision himself marrying her.
Kirkconnell, who had been dating James for four years, described the breakup as “out of nowhere.” During their relationship, she shared that she often took the initiative to apologize during disagreements, even when she felt she wasn’t in the wrong. She explained that the breakup followed a tear-filled dinner where she felt overwhelmed and emotional, particularly after struggling to find a restaurant that met James’ expectations as a food influencer.
The breakup announcement came as a surprise to Kirkconnell, who received a notification about James’ Instagram post detailing their split just as her flight took off from Tokyo. Her friends and family reportedly found the news shocking and were working to understand what went wrong, with Kirkconnell feeling blindsided by the announcement.
In his post, James shared a heartfelt message asking for strength and peace for both of them, a decision that left Kirkconnell feeling humiliated. The couple initially met during James’ season of “The Bachelor” and faced challenges regarding racial issues before rekindling their romance.
This breakup highlights the complexities of relationships that are often magnified in the public eye. While Kirkconnell’s experience is undoubtedly painful, it serves as a reminder that growth often follows heartbreak, allowing individuals to reassess their needs and desires in future relationships. As both Kirkconnell and James move forward, they have the opportunity to learn, heal, and find happiness on their own terms.