An insider told E! News everything you need to know about where their relationship stands.
Matt James' season of The Bachelor swiftly became a controversial one when racist images of contestant Rachael Kirkconnell surfaced of her at an "Old-South" party. Many are confused as to where their relationship now stands, and E! News has all the answers, and - spoiler alert - it isn't looking great for the two.
Before any of this went on in real-time, the first Black Bachelor, James, chose Kirkconnell as his final lady. He decided that he wanted to be with her post-show, but that an engagement was not on their best path.
After filming wrapped was when the racist images surfaced, and the two reunited for the first time on the After Final Rose episode of the show. There they announced they were no longer together, James essentially saying that Kirkconnell had some work to do when it comes to learning about systemic racism.
Since then, there have been rumors that the two have reconciled, but a source from E! News begs to differ.
Most recently, the couple met up last week in New York City, the source saying that the two are far from together. "Matt and Rachael are no longer speaking and Rachael is really upset about the situation that happened," they revealed. "She is devastated and feels totally played by Matt. Rachael really trusted that they could have a future together and is heartbroken."
They also said that Kirkconnell has "expressed how upset she is, and thinks it's best they no longer speak." James feels the same way and is enjoying the single life, and focusing on himself.
Back in March, Rachael poured her heart out in an Instagram post, writing in part, "i knew from the first night i met matt that he was something special, and i was praying to share something exceptional between the two of us if that's what was meant to be. while i never expected this outcome, i respect his decision completely. of course i wish circumstances were different, but i still feel blessed for the time we did have together and the memories we made."
The next Bachelorette is Katie Thurston, who will be the star of the 17th season of the show. Thurston's season will debut on Monday, June 7, at 8 pm on ABC.
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