Matt James & Rachael Kirkconnell: See Photos Of ‘The Bachelor’ Couple

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April 28, 2021 12:45PM EDT

See photos of Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell during their relationship, which began on season 25 of ‘The Bachelor.’

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Matt James & Rachael Kirkconnell

Matt James & Rachael Kirkconnell — Matt James & Rachael Kirkconnell met on season 25 of ‘The Bachelor’ in 2020. Matt fell fast and hard for Rachael, and she was his final pick at the end of the show. Although they decided not to get engaged, they left the show as a couple and continued their relationship away from the cameras.

However, as the show was airing, Rachael was the center of controversy when photos surfaced of her in 2018, where she was attending an Old South, antebellum-themed party. Due to the racist nature of the events that Rachael attended, she faced extreme backlash from ‘The Bachelor’ viewers. Naturally, the situation took a major toll on Rachael and Matt’s relationship. When they appeared on ‘After the Final Rose’ in March 2021, it was revealed that they had broken up weeks earlier. At the time, Matt explained that he wanted to give Rachael the space to work on educating herself, which she vowed to do.

By the beginning of April, Matt and Rachael were spotted hanging out in New York City. However, at the same time, another woman came forward and claimed that SHE was also seeing Matt. Rachael was reportedly blindsided by the news, but she and Matt eventually continued to pursue their relationship, and were seen together again in California at the end of April. Shortly after that, Matt confirmed that they had been seeing each other and that they were not pursuing relationships with anyone else.

Keep scrolling through the gallery to see more photos of Matt and Rachael together.

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Matt James & Rachael Kirkconnell At Panera Event

Matt James & Rachael Kirkconnell At Panera Event — Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell model Panera’s ‘Swim Soups’ bathing suits inspired by their ‘You Pick 2’ menu in June 2023. They hugged each other while posing for photos at the event.

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Matt James & Rachael Kirkconnell At 2022 ACM Awards

Matt James & Rachael Kirkconnell At 2022 ACM Awards — Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell attend the 2022 ACM Awards on March 7 in Las Vegas. Rachel wore a sparkly dress, while Matt was decked out in double denim for the occasion

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Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell At The 2021 ESPY Awards

Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell At The 2021 ESPY Awards — Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell looked incredible on the red carpet for the 2021 ESPY Awards. Matt rocked a slim plaid suit, and Rachael wore a gorgeous black gown.

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Rachael Kirkconnell & Matt James Cuddle Up

Rachael Kirkconnell & Matt James Cuddle Up — Matt James gives Rachael Kirkconnell a giant hug on the finale of ‘The Bachelor’ after giving her his final rose. She looked gorgeous in a glittery gown.

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Rachael Kirkconnell Accepts Matt James’ Final Rose

Rachael Kirkconnell Accepts Matt James’ Final Rose — Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell look overjoyed as she accepts his final rose during the finale of ‘The Bachelor.’ Look at his laugh!

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Rachael Kirkconnell & Matt James Enjoy a Date Night

Rachael Kirkconnell & Matt James Enjoy a Date Night — Rachael Kirkconnell and Matt James enjoy a one-on-one date night on ‘The Bachelor.’ Making pottery together clearly was a winning idea!

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Matt James & Rachael Kirkconnell On ‘After the Final Rose’

Matt James & Rachael Kirkconnell On ‘After the Final Rose’ — Matt James & Rachael Kirkconnell have a tense conversation on ‘After the Final Rose’ following ‘The Bachelor’ finale. He explained why he was so hurt by her decision to attend an antebellum-themed party in her past, and revealed why he had to give her space in the aftermath of the controversy.

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Matt James & Rachael Kirkconnell On 1-on-1 Date

Matt James & Rachael Kirkconnell On 1-on-1 Date — Matt James & Rachael Kirkconnell go shopping during a one-on-one date on ‘The Bachelor.’ He helped her pick out clothes and even gifted her with a pair of expensive shoes on the date.

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Matt James & Rachael Kirkconnell Shopping

Matt James & Rachael Kirkconnell Shopping — Matt James & Rachael Kirkconnell pose for a photo while admiring one of her looks on their shopping date. It was her first one-on-one date of the season, which happened during episode five.

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Matt James & Rachael Kirkconnell On A Group Date

Matt James & Rachael Kirkconnell On A Group Date — Matt James gives Rachael Kirkconnell a smile as she reads a story during a group date on ‘The Bachelor.’ The date took place during the show’s third episode.

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Matt James & Rachael Kirkconnell At Rose Ceremony

Matt James & Rachael Kirkconnell At Rose Ceremony — Rachael Kirkconnell is all smiles while accepting a rose from Matt on ‘The Bachelor.’ She wore a gorgeous black dress and her hair in a ponytail for the rose ceremony.

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