Matt James, the first Black Bachelor, has finally broken his silence after Chris Harrison stepped away from the show after defending a contestant’s racist behavior.
“The past few weeks have been some of the most challenging of my life, 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,” he wrote. “The reality is that I’m learning about these situations in real-time, and it has been devastating and heartbreaking, to put it bluntly.”
Kirkconnell is the frontrunner on the series — but pictures of her at a plantation-themed party leaked online… and well as some questionable tweets.
“This moment has sparked critical conversations and reporting, raised important questions and resulted in inspiring displays of solidarity from The Bachelor nation,” he continued. “It has also pushed me to reevaluate and process 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.”
‘THE BACHELOR’ MATT JAMES SEASON
