Rachael Kirkconnell has, in a way, broken her silence.
Earlier this week, Bachelor Nation was stunned to learn that Kirkconnell and Matt James had broken up after four years of dating.
Meanwhile, Kirkconnell herself was stunned by what might now be known.
To be clear, the reality star herself has not issued any public statements since news of the split went viral.
However, the 28-year-old Is She’s been active in the comments section of her latest Instagram post – ironically, six weeks ago she wrote a birthday message for James – and at least some examples seem to suggest so.
For example, Rachel liked this comment from a follower: “The more I think about it the more I think he completely blindsided her with this. Show him some kindness and let him answer in his own time.”
She also liked a comment that read, “I’m so sorry.”
Kirkconnell’s reactions came after James confirmed the couple had broken up, an announcement that came just hours after she posted content from a joint London trip.
“Oh God, give Rachel and I the strength to mend our broken hearts,” he wrote in an Instagram post on Jan. 16, along with a photo of their first meeting on The Bachelor.
“Give us peace regarding this decision to end our relationship beyond worldly understanding.”
The former series lead added:
“Show kindness and love to our friends and family to console us. And remind us that our happiness comes from you, Lord.
As previously mentioned, Rachel praised Matt on his 33rd birthday, calling him her best friend and “the person I have my whole heart for.”
Looking forward to “many more adventures” with her lover, Kirkconnell also wrote at the time:
“You have filled it (and my belly) with so much love and laughter and I am so grateful that I get to dance with you throughout this lifetime. Thank you for your never ending love and support and kisses and hugs.
For those who need a refresher, James and Kirkconnell went their separate ways after being embroiled in a race-based controversy shortly after Matt’s season of The Bachelor aired on ABC.
In 2022, James reflected on his romantic journey, telling People Magazine:
“It felt like the world was against us.
“Some people felt the situation was blown out of proportion and others felt it was not given enough attention. We were just trying to enjoy each other and move our relationship forward without contacting people we didn’t even know.”
Quite fair, of course.
We wish both parties nothing but the best moving forward.