Matt James, who was the franchise's first Black "Bachelor," took to social media on Thursday to announce that he and 28-year-old Rachael Kirkconnell, broke up — again. "Father God, give Rachael and I strength to mend our broken hearts,

Matt James, the 'Bachelor' franchise's first Black male lead, says he and his co-star-turned-girlfriend Rachael Kirkconnell have ended their relationship.

Rachael Kirkconnell's past antebellum-themed party controversy ignited backlash during Matt James' historic season as The Bachelor's first Black lead. The scandal strained their relationship, leading to a breakup, reconciliation, and eventual renewed scrutiny after their recent split.