'Bachelor' star Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell giving their relationship another shot

By George Costantino

Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell are giving love another shot -- just out of the public eye this time.

James, 29, and Kirkconnell, 24, found love on the most recent season of "The Bachelor," but called it quits after old photos of Kirkconnell resurfaced, depicting her in unflattering instances, such as attending an "Old South" antebellum plantation-themed party in 2018. She also liked a social media post that showed a Confederate flag.

Now, James -- who revealed on the "After the Final Rose" special the two had split -- told The Wall Street Journal they are working at a reconciliation.

"I think the best way to put it is that we can have critical conversations about being in this relationship and what I need in a partner -- especially if that woman isn't Black -- to understand what comes with me and my life and being Black,” James explained. "It's on people who care about being allies to do the work to be truly antiracist."

Craig Sjodin/ABC, FILE

Rachael and Matt James in a scene from The Bachelor "After the Final Rose," March 15, 2021.

James added, "And I think it's unfair to leave people without the ability to unlearn and be better."

Kirkconnell also confirmed that the two were back together.

James also said the only thing he and the final three contestants -- Kirkconnell, Michelle Young and Bri Springs -- engaged in during their fantasy suite dates was conversation aimed at getting to know each other better.

As for the future of "The Bachelor," James' hope is that the producers are as diverse as the contestants and leads themselves.

"If you have different people of color all across the board, it's going to help you tell a story that’s more representative," he said. "If someone has never ... been with someone who doesn't look like them, they're going to have a hard time."