Trigger Warning: This article contains a discussion of domestic violence allegations.
When ABC was gearing up for the premiere of The Bachelorette, I doubt that this is what they had in mind. Taylor Frankie Paul has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. And now ABC could be experiencing some buyer’s remorse over casting the MomTok influencer.
Taylor and her former boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, are involved in a domestic abuse investigation. The former duo, whose relationship seems toxic, share one son, Ever. While each party is accusing the other of alleged abuse, Taylor and Dakota have been ordered to have psychological evaluations.
Dakota Mortensen allegedly told Bachelorette producers about TFP’s past
Now, there are reports that Dakota tried to warn ABC about Taylor. According to TMZ, two insiders in Taylor’s camp claim that Dakota spoke with producers for the dating show. He reportedly warned them about Taylor’s past behavior and alleged “abuse.”
The sources claim that producers were interested in having Dakota film for The Bachelorette, but that didn’t happen. Of course, Dakota was distressed that Taylor was going on a reality dating show. According to Dakota, he claimed in Season 4 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives that he slept with Taylor the night before she left to film.
Meanwhile, Dakota allegedly discussed his concerns about filming with Taylor with SLOMW producers. Moving forward, Dakota reportedly doesn’t see a way for the former duo to film together for the show. Amen to that!
However, Season 5 of SLOMW has paused filming, allegedly due to all the disturbing allegations. In addition, a source close to The Bachelorette claimed that producers were so eager to sign Taylor that they “cut corners” while vetting her. As you may recall, Taylor was arrested for an alleged domestic violence incident in 2023.
Amid this public relations nightmare for ABC, an insider claimed, “There are serious conversations happening about whether the show can move forward as planned.”
The Bachelorette Season 22 is set to premiere on March 22 at 8/7c 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 – ARE YOU SURPRISED THAT DAKOTA ALLEGEDLY TALKED TO PRODUCERS ON THE BACHELORETTE? WHAT DO YOU THINK HIS MOTIVES WERE?
