The latest The Bachelor meltdown is not happening on screen, as Bachelorettes fight to win Matt James heart.
It’s happening offscreen, with front-runner Rachael Kirkconnel at the center of the storm.
Internet sleuths dug up evidence that Rachael may be a racist
It all started when TikTok users found evidence of the Georgia native liking social media posts with the confederate flag, racist stereotypes, and Qanon conspiracy theories. Additionally, last week, a post on Reddit showed Rachael at a 2018 “Old South” college formal, a plantation-themed party.
Host Chris Harrison called outraged fans the “Woke Police” Rachel Lindsay was having none of it
As the controversy escalated, Bachelor host Chris Harrison had a chat with former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay, the first Black contestant, on Extra. He defended the photos as being from a long time ago and intimated that Rachael as potentially being a victim of “Cancel Culture.” He actually considers 2018 “a long time ago.” He called the people criticizing Rachael the “woke police” and then yammered on about “tearing down statues.” Hoo boy.
After the resulting and predictable backlash to Chris basically showing his right-wing a** he issued an apology on social media.
A backlash ensued, Chris apologized
“I took a stance on topics about which I have been better informed,” Chris wrote in his Instagram post. “What I now realize what I have done is cause harm by wrongly speaking in a manner that perpetuates racism.”
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But while Chris decried “woke culture” and “cancel culture” women from the current season of The Bachelor who identify as BIPOC put out a group statement on each of their Instagram accounts.
The Bachelor BIPOC cast members stood behind Rachel
“We are the women of Bachelor Season 25. Twenty-five women who identify as BIPOC were cast on this historic season that was meant to represent change,” they statement read. “We are deeply disappointed and want to make it clear that we denounce any defense of racism. Any defense of racist behavior denies the lived and continued experiences of BIPOC individuals. These experiences are not to be exploited or tokenized.”
“Rachel Lindsay continues to advocate with ‘grace’ for individuals who identify as BIPOC within this franchise,” the statement continued. “Just because she is speaking the loudest, doesn’t mean she is alone. We stand with her, and we advocate for change alongside her.”
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Lindsay responded to the post:
“To see women who are currently under contract, who are currently on television, who are being fearless in stepping out and using their platforms to talk about things that are important to them and demanding things that they want to see from the very franchise who is giving them this platform — it’s amazing,” she said.
“The franchise was called out in summer 2020. They responded by having their first Black Bachelor after 40 seasons and 18 years,” said Lindsay. “And then you have the face, the spokesperson of that franchise say the things that were said this week and it lets you know the work isn’t done.”
Because of the controversy, Rachel will not be renewing her Bachelor contract
And on Friday, Rachel said she will not be renewing her contract with The Bachelor franchise. She currently hosts a Bachelor Nation podcast, and is part of “The Bachelor” family with cameo appearances on-screen in various episodes throughout seasons.
“I’m f****** tired. I’m exhausted. I have truly had enough,” Lindsay said on the Feb. 12 episode of her Spotify Original Podcast from The Ringer, “Higher Learning” with Van Lathan.
“My entire reason for doing ‘The Bachelorette’ — and I was lucky that it worked out for me in the most beautiful way in finding Bryan — is that I wanted to be representative as a Black woman to this audience. And I wanted to pave the way for more people to have this opportunity,” Lindsay said on the podcast. “In some ways that has happened. I wanted the franchise to be better. I have a love-hate relationship with it. I’m connected to it. It did stuff for me, and I’ll never forget that.”
Last summer, amid the Black Lives Matter movement, Rachel said she would walk away, if a Black Bachelor wasn’t cast. Days after her comments, Matt James was announced as the first Black star of the show.
And FINALLY Rachael Kirkconnel apologizes, says her ignorance was racist
And finally, after all the bruhaha, Rachael speaks out on the controversy to apologize.
“While there have been rumors circulating, there have also been truths that have come to light that I need to address. I hear you, and I’m here to say I was wrong, At one point, I didn’t recognize how offensive and racist my actions were, but that doesn’t excuse them. My age or when it happened does not excuse anything. They are not acceptable or okay in any sense. I was ignorant, but my ignorance was racist.”
“I am sorry to the communities and individuals that my actions harmed and offended. I am ashamed about my lack of education, but it is no one’s responsibility to educate me. I am learning and will continue to learn how to be antiracist, because it’s important to speak up in the moment and not after you’re called out. If you are a person who doesn’t understand the offense in question, I urge you to learn from my mistakes and encourage you to use them as a teachable moment.”
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