Ben Higgins and Ashley Iaconetti React to Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell’s ‘Weird’ Breakup

Even Bachelor Nation’s Ben Higgins and Ashley Iaconetti were caught off guard by Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell’s breakup.

“I do want to acknowledge that this is a very tough time for them, and also respect the fact that they broke up and that we’re not really owed too much information,” Higgins, 35, shared on the Thursday, January 16, episode of iHeartRadio’s “Almost Famous” podcast. “However, [there are] some weird things that stood out to me that I think are standing out to most people.”

For starters, Higgins expressed his perspective that James, 33, and Kirkconnell, 28, have separated themselves from The Bachelor after meeting on season 25.

“Matt especially was like, ‘I’m done, I’m moved on. This thing is what it was. We met together and the show is going to have no association with my life,’” Higgins explained. “And that is a very fine strategy. However, the breakup post is a picture of them at the Bachelor mansion, which is odd to me.”

While Iaconneti, 36, thought the picture — captured during the show’s infamous limo arrivals — could be symbolic of the moment they first met, Higgins questioned the choice.

“Personally, it feels like an interesting choice for this picture to announce a breakup when they have honestly done so much since then,” he said. “They have been posting or he has been posting on social media that seems like nothing is going on.”

On January 17, James shared news of his breakup with Kirkconnell after four years of dating. Earlier in the month, however, the pair were posting snaps from London on what appeared to be a fun, romantic getaway.

“Father God, give Rachael and I strength to mend our broken hearts,” he wrote via Instagram. “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.”

When first seeing the post, Iaconneti was hopeful that it wasn’t real.

“They have been together for four years,” she said. “That is a long time to date without a proposal. My initial thought was, ‘Oh man. I want this to be some prank.’ … As much as I would love to believe that, because I really, really was rooting for them, they went through so much together, I can’t imagine that he would use a prayer as a prank.”

While Kirkconnell has not publicly commented on the split, she “liked” a comment from a fan who speculated that “he completely blindsided her with this.” A source, however, told Us Weekly that Kirkconnell wasn’t blindsided by the split itself but rather James’ statement and post.

Higgins shared his theory as to why Kirkconnell may be waiting to share more via social media.

“From my experience, I would typically say the person most hurt and most confused is the one that is hesitant to share with the public,” he said. “If you’re confident in this decision, you’re sharing with the public. If you’re still in a place of mourning, healing, being a little angry, you’re not sharing this with the public.”