Rachael Kirkconnell was “blindsided” by her ex Matt James’ breakup announcement on Instagram.
After the “Bachelor” Season 25 lead shared the news on social media Thursday, fans flocked to his winner’s account to express their sadness and theories on what could have happened.
“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,” read one comment, which Kirkconnell “liked,” suggesting how she feels about the situation.
Despite her social media activity, the former graphic designer, 28, has yet to speak out on the split.
Her most recent post on Dec. 5, 2024, was a video compilation of her and James to commemorate his 33rd birthday.
“happiest of birthdays to my best friend, my teammate, my sous chef, the man that has my whole heart. you fill it (and my tummy) with so much love and laughter and i’m so thankful i get to dance through this life with you,” she captioned the touching montage.
“thank you for your never ending love and support and smooches and snuggles. to many more adventures, happy birthday my pumpkin.”
Kirkconnell’s friends and family were just as blindsided by the breakup, according to a new report.
“Everyone is confused and still trying to get to the bottom of what happened, but first and foremost, they’re supporting Rachael and making sure she’s OK,” a source told the US Sun Thursday.
“They didn’t know they were fully broken up. Rachael is being pretty quiet right now, but I know she was blindsided by Matt’s post.”
The insider added, “She didn’t know he was going to do that and definitely wouldn’t have approved of it if she did. And she thinks it’s just as weird as everyone else does. She’s humiliated that’s how the news came out.”
Kirkconnell was “the one who pulled the plug, full stop,” per the outlet, and James “knows what he did” for her to do so.
Early Thursday morning, the marathon runner posted a prayer on Instagram to announce their split after four years together.
“Father God, give Rachael and I strength to mend our broken hearts,” he captioned a photo from their time on the ABC reality dating show.
“Give us a peace about this decision to end our relationship that transcends worldly understanding. Shower our friends and family with kindness and love to comfort us.”
He concluded, “And remind us that our Joy comes from you, Lord.”
The post confused many fans, as just 12 hours before James had shared a video montage of him and Kirkconnell rating different foods during a recent London trip.
The now-exes met in 2020 on “The Bachelor” before Kirkconnell won James’ final rose.
However, the two broke up soon after when old photos of Kirkconnell at an Antebellum-themed party in college surfaced.
Kirkconnell and James got back together in 2021.
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