Politics
Who The Bachelor’s Matt James’ dad?
BACHELOR Matt James and his father have had an estranged relationship their whole lives.
Matt has openly spoken about his distance from his dad and praised his mom for raising him.
Manny James[/caption]
Who The Bachelor’s Matt James’ dad?
Matt James’ father’s name is Manny James.
Matt James grew up with his mom, Patty, and his brother, John, in North Carolina.
In a 2019 interview, the reality star said that his dad has been “absent” throughout his life.
It’s unclear when Matt last spoke to his dad ahead of their on-screen reunion, and not much is known about what Manny does for a living or if he has a new family.
Manny James was absent for Matt James’ upbringing[/caption]
In an interview on The Tamron Hall Show in January 2021, Matt opened up about how his father’s alleged infidelity affected his parents’ relationship, and ultimately, his closeness with his father.
“There [are] very tough conversations that I have with individuals that allude to where I’m at in my life and why it’s been so difficult for me to be in a relationship,” he said.
Matt and Manny James will confront each other on The Bachelor[/caption]
“A lot of that stems from my dad and my mom’s relationship. I saw what infidelity looked like at a young age. I saw family members that were against the relationship and doubling down on it after seeing the infidelity between my dad and my mom.”
What has Matt James said about his dad on The Bachelor?
Matt has made references to his family dynamic throughout season 25 of The Bachelor.
In one episode, Matt revealed the his parents split “before he could remember.”
In the “Women Tell All” special on March 1, Matt told host Chris Harrison, whose job is currently up in the air amid a racism scandal, about how his parents’ divorce when he was a kid affected his view on love.
Matt James was raised by his mother Patty[/caption]
“There’s still a lot of fear based on what I’ve seen in my family in the past,” he said.
“I don’t want to make the same mistakes that caused my family to be torn apart.”
Does Matt James’ dad appear on The Bachelor?
Popular Bachelor blogger Reality Steve originally alleged that Matt would receive a surprise visit from his seemingly-estranged father in the hometown dates episode.
Based on Bachelor trailers, it appears he will make a visit in the Fantasy Suites episode.
In a preview for the Bachelor, Matt is seen sitting outside with Chris Harrison trying to get some fresh air. Chris asked Matt if he is okay, to which he replies: “No, I’m not.”
Matt confronts his father, saying “when I needed you, you weren’t there” while asking him not to make excuses. Manny then asks, “Do you know what I went through with your mom?” and reminds Matt that “nobody’s perfect.”
Reality Steve alleges that the reunion does not end on bad terms.
He wrote: “Either he’d just met him or was just told his dad is there to speak with him.
Reality Steve continued: “I know immediately people will think this is a low blow by the show because clearly they didn’t consult Matt beforehand. Which is why I think that this meeting between Matt and his dad probably ends cordially at least.”
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“But when it’s over, Matt probably feels better. I can’t imagine for the life of me that Matt calls it a disaster/walks off set/f-bombs production for bringing him on, etc.”
Matt – who made history as the first black Bachelor – admitted that he “struggled” growing up as bi-racial.
The ex-athlete told host Chris Harrison: “My mom is white, my dad is black.
“It was hard for me because I didn’t want to do things to upset white people and then I didn’t want to do anything to upset black people.”
