Before the dates with his final three women even began (👋Michelle, Rachael, and Bri), Matt decided to do some digging into his "fear about what a long term-commitment really looks like” based on his experience with his family, specifically with his dad.
Earlier in the season, we met Matt's fabulous mom. Matt often described that he was raised by a single mother, so we understood that his dad wasn't involved in his childhood. But now, Matt and his dad, Manny, are sitting down for what will likely be a very difficult and intense conversation. Buckle up, friends.
Matt and Manny covered a lot of ground in their conversation. Matt flat out explained to his dad that he wasn't there for him growing up, which meant Matt missed out on having a present father. Manny told Matt that he didn't have a father figure either, because his dad was killed when he was only 5 years old.
Their entire discussion was really heartbreaking to watch. Matt showed an incredible amount of strength, not to mention extraordinary courage to air such a deeply personal and honest conversation on national television.
They ended the conversation after Manny apologized to Matt. Matt explained that he'd like Manny to be part of his life moving forward, and that he forgives him. It was a pretty remarkable ending to a deep, compelling, and undoubtedly difficult conversation.
Matt also opened up on Instagram about the conversation before it aired–asking that he hopes viewers watch "with nuance, care, and also an understanding that there are real systemic issues at play." He also added that he's "so proud" of himself for being vulnerable and that he's so proud of his mother. Well said, Matt!