Rachael Kirkconnell of The Bachelor released a thorough apology regarding her racist behavior in the past and on social media. She appeared contrite for the hurt she has caused.
Rachael is a front-runner on the current season of The Bachelor, starring Matt James. When the season began airing, disturbing allegations about her past behavior started surfacing. Multiple women on Tik Tok said that Rachael had bullied them in school for liking Black men. She was also accused of brownfishing, liking MAGA posts and reposting a QAnon graph on Instagram. Most recently, photos of Rachael attending an Old South Antebellum-themed sorority party in 2018 were found online. The photos caused outrage from fans and former Bachelor contestants. Rachael did not comment on any of the scandals until now.
On Thursday, Rachael posted a lengthy text post on her Instagram addressing her racist behavior. "At one point, I didn't recognize how offensive and racist my actions were, but that doesn't excuse them," she began, "I was ignorant, but my ignorance was racist." Rachael also addressed that the year of the incident doesn't matter, contradicting Chris Harrison's controversial comments on the incident. "I am sorry to the communities and individuals that my actions harmed and offended. I am ashamed about my lack of education," she continued, "I am learning and will continue to learn how to be antiracist."
At a time when The Bachelor is under scrutiny for not casting enough people of color, the scandal surrounding Rachael didn't come as a huge shock to fans. Other contestants have been under fire for similar actions in the past. Chris Harrison's defense of Rachael was met with disgust and anger by fans who started a petition to fire him, and by Bachelor alums who were highly disappointed in the show. Stars like Jubilee Sharpe, Mike Johnson, Taylor Nolan, Katie Morton and others took to social media to denounce Chris' words and racism. Matt James only briefly commented on Rachael's behavior to tell fans not to judge people too harshly from rumors.
Rachael’s apology, which came a day after the show’s host’s own apology, did a thorough job in accepting responsibility for her actions and acknowledging how she needs to improve. What ultimately matters, though, is whether she chooses to put those words into action.
The Bachelor airs on Monday nights at 8pm EST on ABC.
Source: Rachael Kirkconnell