Trigger Warning: This article contains a discussion of domestic violence allegations.
Season 22 of The Bachelorette is set to premiere in days. Meanwhile, there is a scandal swirling around ABC’s leading lady, Taylor Frankie Paul. The MomTok creator has been open about her life, and it has been documented on The Secret Lives of Mormom Wives.
In addition, Taylor was a controversial pick to hand out roses. In 2023, she was charged with domestic violence in the presence of a child and assault. She received three years’ probation after pleading guilty to aggravated assault. Is history repeating?
Taylor Frankie Paul’s Bachelorette season is scheduled to go ahead as planned
Meanwhile, Utah police are investigating a domestic violence incident, once again involving Taylor and her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen. Plus, Dakota reportedly has been in contact with the Utah Division of Child and Family Services, accusing Taylor of allegedly abusing their son, Ever.
In addition, DCFS has ordered both Taylor and Dakota to undergo psychological evaluations. Production on Season 5 of SLOMW paused amid all of these disturbing allegations.
So, how did Taylor end up as the Bachelorette? An insider with connections to the series told TMZ that producers were eager to nab Taylor for the role. Reportedly, producers felt that the popularity of SLOMW could bring in more viewers for The Bachelorette. According to this insider, producers “cut corners” during the vetting process.
Meanwhile, the show apparently must go on, and The Bachelorette will premiere this Sunday. However, ABC has hired a public relations crisis manager to juggle all the messy fallout. Still, anyone who has seen SLOMW is aware of Taylor’s past and the unhealthy dynamic between Dakota and Taylor. During Season 4 of SLOMW, the night before Taylor flew out to film The Bachelorette, Dakota alleged that he and Taylor had sex.
The Bachelorette Season 22 premieres March 22 on ABC.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.
TELL US – DID THE BACHELORETTE DROP THE BALL WHEN CASTING TAYLOR? WILL YOU WATCH THE BACHELORETTE?
