‘Bachelor’ alum Rachael Kirkconnell ‘blindsided’ by Matt James’ split announcement after 4 years together

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: 'The Bachelor' alum Matt James took to Instagram on Thursday, January 16, to announce his breakup with co-star Rachael Kirkconnell after dating for four years.

The two had met on Season 25 of the show in 2020 and temporarily split in 2021 but reconciled months later, per Page Six.

However, an insider told Life&Style of the presence of "red flags" in the relationship. The source also claimed James, 33, "blindsided" Kirkconnell, 28, with his announcement.

Why did Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell split?

Sharing a photograph of the moment the couple met outside the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington, Pennsylvania, during the Season 25 premiere, Matt James wrote, "Father God, give Rachael and I strength to mend our broken hearts. Give us peace about this decision to end our relationship that transcends worldly understanding. Shower our friends and family with kindness and love to comfort us. And remind us that our Joy comes from you, Lord.”

The insider held James responsible for the failed relationship, telling the publication, "From the moment they started their romance, Matt and Rachael have always had a questionable relationship."

“Now that they’ve broken up for the second time, everyone wants to know one thing: ‘Was Rachael blindsided?’” they continued.

"(The) short answer is yes, but her friends say she should have seen this coming. There were many red flags. The biggest being that he’s had commitment issues from day one," the insider spilled.

Kirkconnell has also hinted at being blindsided by the sudden breakup. Before James turned off comments in the announcement post, a fan wrote, "The more I’m thinking about it, the more I think he completely blindsided her with this. Give her some grace and let her respond in her own time.

Kirkconnell reacted to this comment with a 'like'.

Internet reacts to Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell's breakup

Fans of the couple were taken aback by the breakup announcement shared by Matt James on social media.

"Matt James from the bachelor posting that he and Rachael broke up at 6am on ig is crazy work😭😭 but i’m in shock because i really liked them together," wrote a user.

"Hard launching your breakup in an instagram prayer is one thing, but they were together for like 5 years and the pic of them he uses is a production still....id throw up. like he literally google imaged 'matt and rachael bachelor' and said thats good enough," shared another.

"Me over analyzing the weird instagram post matt james made announcing his breakup with rachael kirkconnell," expressed a third with a gif.

"Matt James wasted everyone’s time, including Rachael’s, but I told y’all this would happen 4 years ago," jibed one user.

"How can I be expected to do anything today when Matt James and Rachael broke up with the most insane break up caption I have ever seen," commented another.

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