Bachelor’s Rachael Kirkconnell Was Afraid of Being Called Performative

THE BACHELOR - 2505 - With a rose ceremony looming, Matt has a few tough conversations, making it clear to the house that toxic behavior won't fly; but not everyone takes that news to heart and one woman finds herself in an emotional spiral of denial. Later, the group date showcases Matt's country roots and reveals who is comfortable getting down and dirty. Two one-on-one dates lead to a shopping spree for one woman and a delicious home-cooked meal for the other on The Bachelor, airing MONDAY, FEB. 1 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on ABC. (ABC/Craig Sjodin) RACHAEL, MATT JAMES
(ABC/Craig Sjodin) RACHAEL, MATT JAMES

The Bachelor front runner Rachael Kirkconnel has more to say about her racist behaviors. She promises to do better in the future and use her platform to share anti-racism resources.

“Over the last few weeks, since I put my statement out, I’ve gotten a lot of messages,” Rachael said in an Instagram video on Thursday (Feb 25). “I’ve gotten a lot of people asking me, ‘Well, what have you done to change since then?’ And I’ve also had a lot of people message me saying that they aren’t understanding why people are so upset, but they want to, and they’ve asked for resources, which I think is great. But then there’s also people messaging me saying, ‘You’ve done nothing wrong. Don’t listen to people.’”

Rachael was hesitant because “I don’t want people thinking it’s performative”

She adds, “I think the first big step in all of this is white people stepping up and taking accountability.” She believes that “things will never change if we all don’t work together” to work towards racial progress and unity.

“I’ve just been hesitant to post links and books and any resources because I don’t want people thinking that it’s performative or that it’s something that I don’t truly stand by,” she said. “And I get it. I hear you. There are things out there that completely validate your opinions and your anger toward me. But I’ve come to realize that sitting aside and hiding in the corner [to] avoid being called performative doesn’t help anyone or anything. Even if that is what people think when I speak on these subjects of injustice and racism, that’s not what really matters.”

Rachael wants to use her privilege and platform to “shine a light” on racial issues

She believes the “entire movement in this country” towards racial equality is “so much bigger than this.” She wants to use her “privilege” and her platform that “I so do not deserve” to “shine a light” on racial issues. She believes the entire experience was a “blessing in disguise” because “maybe it can wake a lot of people up.”

She urges people to “talk to each other” and have what can be uncomfortable conversations in order to “learn to unlearn.” She promises to post resources that have been recommended to and helped her.

“Please stop saying I did nothing wrong…that’s not true.”

Then, Rachael adds a warning:

“If you are in my comments or defending me anywhere, telling people that I did nothing wrong, that there’s nothing to be hurt about, there’s nothing to be angry about or offended about, please stop,” she added. “That’s not our place to tell people what they can and can’t be offended about. That’s wrong, and that’s part of the problem. Please stop saying that I did nothing wrong. That’s not true.”

Rachael thinks that too many people look at racism as a political problem. “It’s not,” she says, “It’s a humanitarian issue. It’s how we treat others around us.” She ends by thanking Bachelor Nation for holding her accountable. “I’m so sorry,” she apologizes again.

The Bachelor season is a mess

The ongoing saga began when photos of frontrunner Rachael Kirkconnell surfaced showing her dressed up for an antebellum themed formal with her sorority sisters. Sleuths on Tik Tok also documented a bunch of racist behavior, such as liking racist photos.

Subsequently, Rachel Lindsay interviewed Chris on Extra, where she works as a correspondent The conversation was contentious, with Chris insisting that Rachel not be “canceled” for his behavior. He also criticized “woke” culture and claimed stuff that happened in 2018 was like ancient history.

Afterword, the BIPOC cast members of The Bachelor posted a note of solidarity for Rachel. Kirkconnel apologized, but in the end, Rachel decided to quit working with the Bachelor franchise.

Chris apologized as well, and then announced he was stepping away from his The Bachelor duties for now. He will not host the live After the Rose special that airs after the finale.

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by rachael kirkconnell (@rachaelkirkconnell)

About mj santilli 34830 Articles
Founder and editor of mjsbigblog.com, home of the awesomest fan community on the net. I love cheesy singing shows of all kinds, whether reality or scripted. I adore American Idol, but also love The Voice, Glee, X Factor and more!