Showing uniformity. Matt James attended to the controversy surrounding Chris Harrison‘s Bachelor stepdown following his remarks concerning period 25 candidate Rachael Kirkconnell and also accusations of bigotry.
“The past few weeks have been some of the most challenging of my life, and while there are several episodes left of the season,” James, 29, created through Instagram on Monday, February 22. “It is important that I take the time to address the troubling information that has come to light since we wrapped filming, including the incredibly disappointing photos of Rachael Kirkconnell and the interview between Rachel Lindsay and Chris Harrison.”
The ABC Food Tours creator, that was called the initial Black Bachelor in June 2020, disclosed that he has actually been refining the rumor given that Harrison’s debatable meeting with Lindsay, 35, previously this month. In his discussion with the previous Bachelorette lead, the Bachelor Nation host, 49, pertained to Kirkconnell’s protection after she was charged of racist activities.
“The reality is that I’m learning about these situations in real time, and it has been devastating and heartbreaking to put it bluntly,” James clarified. “Chris’ failure to receive and understand the emotional labor that my friend Rachel Lindsay was taking on by graciously and patiently explaining the racist history of the Antebellum South, a painful history that every American should understand intimately, was troubling and painful to watch.”
He kept in mind that “Black people and allies immediately knew and understood” what was incorrect with Harrison’s response to inquiries concerning Kirkconnell’s previous activities– consisting of participating in a plantation-themed university occasion in 2018 and also “liking” images that had a confederate flag behind-the-scenes.
“It was a clear reflection of a much larger issue that The Bachelor franchise has fallen short on addressing adequately for years,” James stated. “This moment has sparked critical conversations and reporting, raised important questions, and resulted in inspiring displays of solidarity from The Bachelor nation.”
On an individual note, he stated it has “pushed me to reevaluate and process what my experience on The Bachelor represents, not just for me, but for all the contestants of color, especially the Black contestants of this season and seasons past, and for you, the viewers at home.”
The Wake Forest University alum pledged that followers will certainly “hear more from me in the end” as he remains to refine what has actually taken place.
“My greatest prayer is that this is an inflection point that results in real and institutional change for the better,” he ended.
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