‘Bachelor’ Star Rachael Kirkconnell: ‘Please Stop’ Defending Me, ‘My Ignorance was Racist’

The Bachelor‘s Rachael Kirkconnell took to Instagram on Thursday to respond to the “racism” controversy, which included attending an “Old South”-themed party in 2018 dressed up as a Native American. In a video, Kirkconnell, told her fans to “please stop” defending her, adding, “My ignorance was racist.”

“I think that the first big step in all of this is white people stepping up and taking accountability. Things will never change if we don’t all work together in working towards this racial progress and this unity that we want,” Kirkconnell said.

“I want and need to use my privilege, and my platform that I so do not deserve, just to shine a light on these issues, and try and do what I can to take a step in the right direction.”

Kirkconnell, who is one of the remaining finalists still vying for Matt James’ — the first black bachelor — final rose, went on to speak directly to her followers who have been defending her, asking them to “please stop.”

“If you are in my comments or defending me anywhere, telling people that I did nothing wrong, that there’s nothing to be hurt about, there’s nothing to be angry about or offended about, please stop,” said Kirkconnell. “That’s not our place to tell people what they can and can’t be offended about. That’s wrong, and that’s part of the problem.”

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“I am learning and will continue to learn how to be antiracist, because it’s important to speak up in the moment and not after you’re called out,” she added. {snip}

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