The Bachelor season finale and After the Final Rose special aired Monday night after weeks of controversy and racism allegations. 

This season featured Matt James, who is the show’s first Black bachelor in its 19-year-history. 

James selected Rachael Kirkconnel as the winner, but he later revealed the relationship ended. 

Kirkconnel was at the center of controversy after photos of her at an old south plantation party surfaced online. 

 

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The controversy grew when former Bachelor host Chris Harrison defended Kirkconnel’s actions. He temporarily stepped down as the host in February and he will not be hosting the next season of The Bachelorette.

 

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Emmanuel Acho, a former NFL linebacker and author of Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man, was brought in to host the After the Final Rose television special. 

In it, James spoke to Kirkconnel about her racist actions and how it impacted their relationship. 

“The most disappointing thing for me was having to explain to you why what I saw was problematic and why I was so upset. … And so when I questioned our relationship, it was in the context of you not fully understanding my blackness,” James said. ” I don’t want to be emotionally responsible for those tears, because it’s like, the work and the reconciliation that needs to be done is one thing I can’t do for you.” 

The franchise has had many problems with racism, including casting, stereotypes and harmful storylines for contestants of color.