Rachael Kirkconnell ‘Still in Total Shock’ Two Weeks After Matt James’ Breakup Announcement
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Rachael Kirkconnell has recently expressed her astonishment at the breakup with Matt James, nearly two weeks after James posted a cryptic breakup announcement on Instagram. During an episode of the podcast “Call Her Daddy,” Kirkconnell shared that she learned about the split while on a flight. She recounted the moment when she saw James’ post just as the plane was taking off, leaving her in a state of shock as she grappled with the news without any means of communication for the next 12 hours.
In her candid conversation with host Alex Cooper, Kirkconnell admitted to still processing the breakup, emphasising that she had refrained from making any public statements as she navigated her emotions. She revealed that before the breakup, she believed that they were in sync about their relationship status, discussing plans for the future, including engagement rings. Kirkconnell’s openness on the podcast came shortly after paparazzi footage captured her first public outing post-breakup at LAX.

Addressing the speculations surrounding the breakup, Kirkconnell asserted that there was no infidelity involved, firmly stating that a reconciliation with James was off the table. The pair had been at a crucial juncture in their relationship, having left “The Bachelor” as a couple in 2020 but facing challenges stemming from controversy surrounding Kirkconnell’s attendance at a plantation-themed event. Despite reconciling after the initial turmoil, their relationship ultimately reached a breaking point.

Kirkconnell’s reflections on the breakup shed light on James’s concerns about certain aspects of their compatibility and the challenges they faced in their relationship. In an interview with PEOPLE in February 2024, James had expressed excitement about their future together, affirming their shared commitment towards marriage. However, the dynamics of their relationship took a turn as they grappled with differences that proved insurmountable, culminating in their decision to part ways.
The couple’s inner circle, including James’ friend T.J. Holmes, shared insights on the private conversations about marriage that had taken place, indicating that the public statements about the relationship were aligned with their private discussions. While the split marked a significant shift in their journey as a couple, both Kirkconnell and James now focus on healing and moving forward individually.
As the public speculates on the details surrounding the high-profile breakup, Kirkconnell’s candid revelations and James’s previous remarks provide glimpses into the complexities that led to their separation. Their shared history on reality television and subsequent challenges have drawn attention to the intricacies of maintaining a public relationship under intense scrutiny. As Kirkconnell continues to navigate the aftermath of the breakup, her openness offers a glimpse into the resilience required to navigate the complexities of love and loss in the public eye.
In a world where relationships are often glamorised, Kirkconnell and James’ story serves as a poignant reminder of the nuanced realities that shape romantic unions. As they each embark on individual paths of self-discovery and growth, their experiences highlight the importance of introspection and authenticity in navigating the complexities of love and relationships.
