Rachael Speaks, Matt Moves

Despite a fresh heartbreak, The Bachelor alum Matt James isn’t letting a breakup keep him down. The 33-year-old reality star was seen navigating the brisk New York City air on Tuesday, January 28, just hours before his ex, Rachael Kirkconnell, publicly addressed their split on the Call Her Daddy podcast.

Dressed for the chill, James sported a black hooded puffer jacket, gray gloves, and dark athletic wear, appearing composed amid the post-breakup buzz. His outing came shortly after Kirkconnell, 28, opened up about their breakup with host Alex Cooper, revealing key details about their final conversation.

The couple, who met during season 25 of The Bachelor in 2021, had chosen to pursue a relationship outside the show. However, James confirmed their split via an emotional Instagram post on January 16. Accompanied by a nostalgic photo from their time on the show, James wrote, “Father God, give Rachael and I strength to mend our broken hearts.”

Kirkconnell, speaking candidly on the podcast, shared that James had doubts about their long-term compatibility. “At the end of the day, there are things that we aren’t compatible with, and the whole accountability and saying sorry and all that was really the main thing,” she admitted.

In a surprising revelation, Kirkconnell also disclosed that James made their breakup public just three hours after they parted ways—news she learned about while preparing to leave Tokyo. “We’re literally getting ready to take off, and my phone blows up,” she recounted, explaining how a friend’s text alerted her to James’ post.

While both are now moving forward separately, their public split continues to make waves in the world of reality TV romance.