7 Shocking Facts About Rachael Kirkconnell’s Life After Her Blindsiding 2025 Breakup With Matt James

Rachael Kirkconnell, the controversial but beloved winner of *The Bachelor* Season 25, has re-entered the spotlight in 2025, not for a new romance, but for the shocking and public end of her four-year relationship with former Bachelor Matt James. As of late 2025, the reality TV personality is navigating a new chapter of single life, openly discussing the heartbreak, her evolving career as a social media influencer, and her perspective on the future.

The news of the split, which Matt James announced in early 2025, sent shockwaves through *Bachelor Nation*, as the couple was widely seen as one of the franchise's most enduring success stories despite their tumultuous start. Kirkconnell has since revealed that she was "completely blindsided" by the breakup, a candid admission that has only amplified public interest in her life post-reality TV. This deep dive uncovers the most current and essential facts about Rachael Kirkconnell’s journey from reality TV winner to a high-profile influencer focused on personal growth and self-discovery.

Rachael Kirkconnell: Full Biography and Profile

Rachael Kirkconnell is an American television personality and social media influencer best known for winning the heart of the first Black Bachelor, Matt James, on Season 25 of the ABC reality dating show.

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• Full Name: Rachael Kirkconnell
• Date of Birth: September 26, 1996
• Age (as of late 2025): 29 years old
• Hometown: Cumming, Georgia (GA)
• Nationality: American
• Education: Graduated from Georgia College & State University in 2019 with a degree in Marketing.
• Career: Graphic Designer, Reality Television Personality, Social Media Influencer, Creative Director.
• Known For: Winner of *The Bachelor* Season 25 (Matt James' season).
• Relationship Status (Current Date, December 2025): Single, following her early 2025 breakup with Matt James.
• Estimated Net Worth: While a precise figure is not publicly confirmed, her status as a top-tier Instagram influencer with over 1.2 million followers and numerous brand deals places her estimated net worth in the low-to-mid seven-figure range.

The Shocking 2025 Breakup: Blindsided and Chronically Single

The biggest story surrounding Rachael Kirkconnell in 2025 is the unexpected end of her long-term relationship with Matt James. The couple, who first met on the set of *The Bachelor* in 2020, had managed to overcome significant public scrutiny and a brief initial split to build a seemingly stable life together over four years.

The Final Chapter of a Tumultuous Romance

Their love story was anything but traditional. After Matt James selected Rachael as his final choice on Season 25, the couple broke up before the "After the Final Rose" special due to the resurfacing of Kirkconnell’s past racially insensitive social media activity. They later reconciled, choosing to keep their relationship largely private before becoming more public in recent years.

The early 2025 announcement of their definitive breakup, made by James, came as a major surprise to *Bachelor Nation* fans. Kirkconnell later opened up on a podcast, revealing the depth of her shock. She confessed that she was "completely blindsided" by the decision. She also disclosed that despite their long relationship, they had never lived together, a detail that provided a new perspective on the dynamics of their private life.

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Rachael’s Post-Breakup Mindset: Choosing Solitude

In the months following the split, Rachael has been remarkably candid about her emotional state and her approach to dating. She shared a powerful sentiment on *The Squeeze* podcast, stating that she would "rather live life alone" if she couldn't have a partner who matched the kind of connection she had with James. This revealed a profound respect for the relationship she lost and a high standard for any future partner.

Furthermore, in a separate interview in late 2025, she described herself as "chronically single" and admitted she was not ready to jump back into the dating pool, even joking that she felt like a "virgin" again due to the long period of being exclusively committed to James. Her focus has shifted entirely to her career and personal growth, marking a clear "golden era" of self-focus.

The Lingering Shadow of Controversy and Evolution

No discussion of Rachael Kirkconnell is complete without addressing the controversy that defined her *Bachelor* journey and continues to shape her public narrative. The scandal centered on racially insensitive actions from her past that surfaced online while her season was airing.

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Details of the Antebellum Scandal

The primary controversy involved photos of Kirkconnell attending an "Old South" antebellum-themed party in 2018. Other disputed claims included dressing up in a Native American costume. The fallout was immense, leading to a public reckoning for the franchise and the temporary departure of long-time host Chris Harrison, who defended Kirkconnell in an interview with former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay.

Kirkconnell took responsibility for her actions, issuing an apology where she acknowledged her ignorance but stressed that "my ignorance was racist." This public apology and her subsequent commitment to learning and growth became a central part of her narrative and a major factor in her reconciliation with Matt James.

A Shift Towards Social Activism and Career

Since the controversy, Kirkconnell has actively worked to shift her public image from reality star to a figure engaged in "social activism and education." While she is primarily known as a reality star and a highly successful Instagram influencer, her career has diversified. She has been noted for promoting Black-owned businesses on her social media platforms, demonstrating a commitment to her stated values.

Her professional endeavors include brand collaborations, such as a major partnership with the clothing line Showpo. She has also been identified as a "creative director," leveraging her marketing degree and experience in the digital space. This combination of influencer status, brand partnerships, and a stated commitment to social issues has allowed her to maintain a prominent and lucrative career, even after the end of her high-profile relationship. She maintains a large social media following, solidifying her status as a key figure in the post-*Bachelor* reality TV ecosystem.