Former The Bachelor producer Sarah Gertrude Shapiro has praised Matt James for breaking up with Rachael Kirkconnell after her racially insensitive past came to light. Matt and Rachael sat down with After The Final Rose host Emmanuel Acho to talk about Rachael's surfaced Instagram likes, as well as her photos attending an antebellum-themed college party. The former couple was able to have an honest conversation, but a possible reconciliation seemed unlikely.
Over this past season of The Bachelor, Matt's feelings for Rachael were undeniable. For instance, she was the first and only woman on the season that Matt said "I love you" to. When his feelings for Rachael were reciprocated, she became a clear frontrunner for Matt's heart. After the news of Rachael's past, Matt tried to defend her by branding those allegations as just "rumors." Once he received more information, however, Matt no longer felt like he could continue a relationship with her. Even though Rachael was heartbroken, Matt had to do what was best for him.
In an interview with Us Weekly, former The Bachelor producer Sarah Gertrude Shapiro applauded Matt James for breaking up with Rachael Kirkconnell after hearing about her racially insensitive past. "I think that had a lot of integrity. I think it was a really smart decision on his part, and I think it’s going to make the franchise more interesting, honestly," Sarah admitted. She then added, "I know people were saying it was a bummer of a season, but I think if they start having these conversations in a big way, it’s just going to be more relevant." Sarah, who worked as a producer on the show in the 2000s, ultimately believes that the breakup will help move the series into a new, more modern direction.
Sarah, who created the TV series UnReal, believes that Matt's decision will help those who have exhibited similar problematic behavior. "I think it’s also so problematic for people to say, ‘How can she be racist if she’s dating a Black man?’ which is just the classic cringeworthy excuse," she continued. "You can be totally racist and be married to a Black man. You can be a total misogamist and be married to a woman. That’s just not an excuse. It was completely right that he broke up with her. I think it’s going to be less dated." Sarah is hoping Matt's decision not to continue a relationship with Rachael will change the future of the show. As the contestants keep changing with the times, so should the production process of The Bachelor.
With two new seasons of The Bachelorette coming this year, the viewers will be watching to see what ABC has done to improve since Matt's season. Overall, the casting on The Bachelor should dig a little deeper into the contestant's past to make sure that nothing problematic will arise that could potentially hurt the lead. With Katie Thurston's men already released, let's hope that she does not come across any significant problems on her season.
Sources: Us Weekly