Rachael Kirkconnell recently revealed on the Call Her Daddy podcast that a seemingly minor incident at a restaurant contributed to her recent split from Matt James. The former Bachelor couple, who had been together for four years, were in Japan earlier this month when the tension began. While initially “nothing was wrong,” Kirkconnell admitted feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to find suitable dining spots for filming, as it was integral to James’ career.
James had even posted a restaurant review from a previous trip to London on January 15th, just one day before their breakup. Kirkconnell explained that she felt immense pressure to “find good spots.” On the night in question, she spent an hour searching for a dinner location in Japan and eventually asked James for assistance. His dismissive response, “It doesn’t matter,” triggered her emotional reaction.
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Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell before their split. Image: People.com
The restaurant they chose wasn’t what Kirkconnell had envisioned, leading her to tears. She recounted that James remained silent throughout the meal and their subsequent return to the hotel. When James later questioned her emotional state, he expressed concern about her reaction to seemingly minor issues, questioning her ability to handle more significant life challenges. Kirkconnell felt punished for crying and confused by his lack of empathy.
The following day, seemingly minor annoyances escalated into a larger conflict, culminating in their breakup. James reportedly cited incompatibility and concerns about her emotional responses as reasons for ending the relationship. He specifically mentioned her “accountability and saying sorry” as a major point of contention.
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Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell during their time on “The Bachelor.” Image: Craig Sjodin via Getty Images for People.com
Kirkconnell left for the airport shortly after the breakup, only to see James’ cryptic Instagram post announcing their split just two hours later. The public announcement came as a shock, especially considering their recent discussions about wedding rings and engagement plans. In February 2024, James had affirmed their shared goal of marriage, stating their alignment on future plans. He even expressed his intention to make a proposal to Rachael “something special.” The recent turn of events highlights the unexpected and often tumultuous nature of relationships, even those seemingly destined for long-term commitment.
