Clare Crawley Throws Shade At Matt James Post-Rachael Kirkconnell Split

The 43-year-old seemingly threw shade at “Bachelor” alum Matt James following Rachael Kirkconnell’s emotional tell-all interview about their breakup.

Clare Crawley also revealed that Matt James was initially cast in her season of the reality television show, but her gut steered her in a different direction.

After taking a social media “detox,” Clare Crawley, who was the lead of season 16 of “The Bachelorette,” returned to Instagram on Wednesday with a pointed message that many believe was aimed at Matt James.

“Remembering that one time, I specifically asked producers to please not allow one specific guy on my season because I knew for a fact he was NOT looking for a serious relationship whatsoever, and I didn’t want him to waste anyone’s time,” she wrote on her Instagram Stories. “So instead, [they] made him the next ‘Bachelor.’”

While Clare didn’t mention Matt by name, the timeline speaks for itself. He was initially cast for her season of “The Bachelorette” in 2020, but never appeared. Instead, he was promoted directly to lead “The Bachelor” Season 25.

Clare had voiced concerns before filming even began, stating that she believed he wasn’t serious about finding love. Now, following Rachael’s revelations, Clare’s comment seems to suggest she may have been right all along.

Neither Matt nor Rachael has responded to her post, but one thing is clear. Clare is standing by her past instincts.

Clare’s cryptic post came just one day after Rachael Kirkconnell opened up about her split from Matt during an emotional appearance on the “Call Her Daddy “podcast.

Rachael revealed that one of the biggest issues in their relationship was Matt’s hesitancy toward taking the next step, despite his past reassurances. “We talked about family and kids more than anything,” she said through tears. “That sucks more than anything, I think.”

She even claimed Matt had encouraged her to start looking at engagement rings just months ago.

“It’s confusing to look back on now because when we would talk about things, he always seemed like we were on the same page privately and publicly,” she said. “It’s just one of those things you replay over and over again because the words were there … but the actions obviously were not.”

Just three hours after their breakup, Matt took to Instagram on January 16 to share a cryptic and emotional message about the end of their relationship.

“Father God, give Rachael and I strength to mend our broken hearts,” he wrote. “Give us a peace about this decision to end our relationship that transcends worldly understanding. Shower our friends and family with kindness and love to comfort us. And remind us that our Joy comes from you, Lord.”

However, according to Rachael, she had no idea he was going to post it. “He didn’t even text me to give me a warning, like, saying, ‘Hey, I’m posting this,’” she said.

The most painful part? She didn’t even get a chance to process the breakup privately before friends, family, and fans knew.

“It just hurt to know that’s how my friends found out, and my family and my little sister. I didn’t get to talk to them about it or grieve privately for, like, a day.”

While Matt hasn’t publicly responded to Rachael’s comments, she shared that he has privately expressed regret over how he handled the announcement. She also opened up about why she can’t see herself reconciling with James after their recent split, claiming, “I think when someone says those things that he said, you know, ‘I don’t think you’re my person. I don’t see us getting married,’ I think that’s when you have to call it quits.”

Their breakup, after nearly four years together, has rocked Bachelor Nation, especially following Rachael’s revelation that Matt had recently talked about engagement rings before calling it quits.

With tensions rising and new details surfacing, this split is proving to be just as dramatic as their on-screen love story.