Matt James: The Bachelor racism controversy has been "devastating and heartbreaking to put it bluntly"

People

In a statement posted to Instagram Monday evening, James responded to the "incredibly disappointing photos of Rachael Kirkconnell and the interview between Rachel Lindsay and Chris Harrison." James wrote that "Chris' failure to receive and understand the emotional labor that my friend Rachel Lindsay was taking on by graciously and patiently explaining the racist history of the Antebellum South, a painful history that every American should understand intimately, was troubling and painful to watch. As Black people and allies immediately knew and understood, it was a clear reflection of a much larger issue that The Bachelor franchise has fallen short on addressing adequately for years." He added: "This moment has sparked critical conversations and reporting, raised important questions, and resulted in inspiring displays of solidarity from The Bachelor nation. It has also pushed me to reevaluate and process what my experience on The Bachelor represents, not just for me, but for all of the contestants of color, especially the Black contestants of this season and seasons past, and for you, the viewers at home." ALSO: Former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay wouldn't be interested in replacing Chris Harrison because "I don't want to be muzzled."