In a definitive statement that puts an end to swirling speculation, Rachael Kirkconnell has confirmed she is not back together with Matt James, marking what appears to be the final chapter in their Bachelor Nation love story.

Initial Breakup Announcement

The Bachelor Nation was caught off guard in mid-January when Matt James made an abrupt announcement about his split with Rachael. The suddenness of the announcement left many fans stunned, and the timing suggested that even Rachael herself might have been taken aback by the public declaration.

Addressing Reconciliation Rumors

Following the breakup announcement, speculation began circulating when fans believed they had spotted the former couple together in New York’s Kips Bay area. However, Rachael took to social media to definitively address these rumors.

In a brief but clear comment on a Deuxmoi Instagram post, Rachael stated simply: “hmm wasn’t me lol.” This marked her first public comment on the breakup since Matt’s January 16 announcement, though she had been engaging with supportive fan comments through likes.

TMZ Interview Revelations

In a significant development, TMZ caught up with Rachael at LAX on January 27, where she provided more context about the situation while maintaining appropriate boundaries. During this impromptu interview, she addressed several key points:

• She emphasized she is currently “protecting her peace”
• Confirmed that infidelity was not a factor in the breakup
• Hinted at future revelations about the true cause of their split

Future Developments and Podcast Appearance

The next chapter in this story is set to unfold on January 28, when Rachael appears on the highly anticipated episode of the Call Her Daddy podcast. This platform could provide Rachael with the opportunity to share her perspective on the breakup in greater detail.

Bachelor Nation Relationship History

This isn’t the first time Rachael and Matt have faced relationship challenges. Their journey began during The Bachelor Season 25, where they initially fell in love. The couple’s relationship has been a significant part of Bachelor Nation history, marked by both romantic highs and controversial lows.

Their initial connection on the show was immediate and powerful. Matt, making history as the first Black Bachelor, chose Rachael as his final contestant, though he notably did not propose at the final rose ceremony. Instead, the couple chose to continue their relationship outside the show’s format, a decision that initially seemed to work in their favor.

Previous Controversies and Reconciliation

The couple’s first major challenge came in early 2021 when controversial social media posts from Rachael’s past surfaced. This led to their first breakup, which was heavily discussed during the “After the Final Rose” special. However, what made their relationship unique in Bachelor Nation was their ability to work through these issues privately and reconcile.

Following their reconciliation, the couple appeared stronger than ever. They moved to New York City together and became one of Bachelor Nation’s success stories, regularly appearing at high-profile events and building their brand as a couple. Their social media presence showcased a relationship that seemed to have successfully weathered its early storms.

Recent Public Appearances

Prior to their January 2025 breakup, Rachael and Matt had maintained an active presence in the public eye. They attended numerous events together, including:

• The 57th Academy of Country Music Awards (March 2022)
• Nobu Dubai’s Grand Opening (January 2023)
• Various New York Fashion Week events (September 2024)
• Multiple charity functions and red carpet appearances

Impact on Bachelor Nation

The end of Rachael and Matt’s relationship marks a significant moment for Bachelor Nation. Their journey represented more than just another reality TV romance; it sparked important conversations about growth, accountability, and the possibility of genuine change within the franchise’s community.

Bachelor Nation relationships often face unique challenges, with the added pressure of public scrutiny and social media speculation. Rachael and Matt’s ability to maintain privacy while navigating their relationship’s end demonstrates a level of maturity that many fans and fellow Bachelor alumni have praised.

Looking Ahead

As both Rachael and Matt move forward separately, their upcoming projects and appearances will likely draw significant attention. Rachael’s scheduled appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast is just the beginning of what industry insiders expect to be a series of public engagements for both parties.

While fans continue to speculate about the reasons behind their split, both Rachael and Matt have demonstrated a commitment to handling their separation with dignity. Their approach to this public breakup could set a new standard for how reality TV couples navigate relationship endings in the public eye.

As this story continues to develop, fans eagerly await Rachael’s upcoming podcast appearance, which promises to provide more insight into the circumstances surrounding their split. While the full details may never be public, Rachael’s commitment to sharing her truth while maintaining dignity and respect for their past relationship demonstrates a mature approach to this public breakup.