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“Bachelor” stars Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell have broken up.

James, 33, confirmed his split from his girlfriend of four years on Instagram Thursday morning.

“Father God, give Rachael and I strength to mend our broken heart. Give us a peace about this decision to end our relationship that transcends worldly understanding,” James wrote, alongside a photo of the pair meeting on his controversial season of “The Bachelor.”


  Rachael Kirkconnell, Matt James at the Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix in 2023. Variety via Getty Images Rachael Kirkconnell, Matt James at the Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix in 2023. Variety via Getty Images

  Rachael Kirkconnell and Matt James. ABC via Getty Images Rachael Kirkconnell and Matt James. ABC via Getty Images

“Shower our friends and family with kindness and love to comfort us,” he continued. “And remind us that our Joy comes from you, Lord 💔”

James tagged Kirkconnell, 28, in his post and turned the comments off.


  Matt James’ Instagram post. Instagram/Matt James Matt James’ Instagram post. Instagram/Matt James

He had posted a video of the pair eating pizza in London the day before he confirmed their split.

Kirkconnell has yet to comment on the breakup.


  Rachael Kirkconnell and Matt James in the Bahamas in March 2024. Getty Images for Atlantis Paradise Island Rachael Kirkconnell and Matt James in the Bahamas in March 2024. Getty Images for Atlantis Paradise Island

Her last post on her Instagram feed about James was on Dec. 5, when she wished him a happy birthday with a sweet video montage of the pair.

“happiest of birthdays to my best friend, my teammate, my sous chef, the man that has my whole heart,” Kirkconnell wrote. “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. thank you for your never ending love and support and smooches and snuggles. to many more adventures, happy birthday my pumpkin ♡”


  Rachael Kirkconnell and Matt James at the 2021 Sports Humanitarian Awards. Getty Images Rachael Kirkconnell and Matt James at the 2021 Sports Humanitarian Awards. Getty Images

The former couple fell in love on “The Bachelor” Season 25, which aired in early 2021. They didn’t get engaged during the finale, but they remained a couple over the next four years.

While the season was airing, Kirkconnell found herself at the center of a big controversy. Photos of her attending an antebellum-themed party in college circulated online, leading to major outrage from fans.

James — who was the first black Bachelor — briefly broke up with Kirkconnell amid the fallout, but they got back together after the finale following Kirkconnell’s public apology


  Rachael Kirkconnell and Matt James Instagram Rachael Kirkconnell and Matt James Instagram

Longtime host Chris Harrison defended Kirkconnell while giving an interview with Rachel Lindsay, who was the franchise’s first black Bachelorette in 2017. Harrison stepped down from his post and later exited the franchise for good. He’s been replaced by Jesse Palmer.


  Chris Harrison on “The Bachelorette.” ABC Chris Harrison on “The Bachelorette.” ABC

  Rachel Lindsay at a Spotify event in LA in November. Getty Images for Spotify Rachel Lindsay at a Spotify event in LA in November. Getty Images for Spotify

In the years after the scandal, James and Kirkconnell appeared to be in a great place as a couple.

“I’ve learned a lot. And at the end of day, everything that we’ve been through has prepared us for the future,” James told People in 2022.


  Rachael Kirkconnell and Matt James at the Boss spring 2023 runway show in Miami. Wireimage Rachael Kirkconnell and Matt James at the Boss spring 2023 runway show in Miami. Wireimage

“It felt like the world was against us,” James continued. “Some people felt like the situation was blown out of proportion and others felt like it hadn’t gotten enough attention. We were just trying to enjoy each other and grow our relationship without having to deal with people we didn’t even know weighing in.”

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