Trigger Warning: This article contains a discussion of domestic violence allegations.
Will viewers eventually see Taylor Frankie Paul hand out roses on her season of The Bachelorette? Reports are swirling that the series could air after all. As you may know, the Bachelorette was pulled days before the premiere after a troubling video of Taylor was leaked.
In the disturbing footage, Taylor was seen hitting her ex-boyfriend, and baby daddy, Dakota Mortensen. She also threw metal chairs at him while her daughter was present. After Taylor pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, the other charges she faced were dropped.
Reports suggest The Bachelorette could still broadcast
ABC licenses the series from Warner Bros, which produces the show. According to Page Six, sources claim that ABC could owe Warner Bros between $50 and $70 million if it doesn’t air Taylor’s season. “ABC left a window in their statement to bring [the show] back,” an industry source alleged. “They haven’t canceled it – they simply paused it.”
The insider said of casting Taylor, whose domestic abuse arrest was public, “Execs are under pressure to deliver ratings. The bottom line is money and [stars who have] the ability to make money.”
Meanwhile, another source thinks that The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star could win over the public if she rehabs her image. “I really feel that America loves a comeback story … if Taylor has got the right desire to fix this situation. We’ve been reading about toxic relationships all our lives, and this seems to be a very toxic relationship she has to figure out, and so does [Mortensen],” the insider claimed. “ABC has got to figure out how to get this show on the air, and if you’re [Paul], you’re trying to rehab yourself,” the source added.
Right now, Dakota has a temporary restraining order against Taylor and has temporary custody of their son, Ever. Both are involved in a separate open domestic abuse investigation. Meanwhile, if Taylor’s Bachelorette journey airs, will anyone watch?
The Bachelorette is streaming on Hulu and Disney+.
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 – SHOULD TAYLOR’S SEASON OF THE BACHELORETTE AIR? WOULD YOU WATCH IT?
