Taylor Frankie Paul was all set to become the talk of the town as the leading lady of The Bachelorette season 22. But in a jaw-dropping move, ABC pulled the plug just three days before the anticipated premiere. This sudden yank comes hot on the heels of a leaked video showing a February altercation with ex Dakota Mortensen – a moment that led to Paul’s arrest. The dramatic incident, which unfolded in front of their son Ever True, ended with a guilty plea from Paul and a spot on Hulu's hit, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
“In light of the newly released video that surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of The Bachelorette at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family,” a Disney Entertainment Television spokesperson said in a statement Thursday.
Before things took such a dramatic turn, Paul was busy with press events, including one where she spilled some tea to The Hollywood Reporter. With the buzz of spoilers floating around TikTok, she was quick to dismiss them, teasing fans with the notion, "I guess keep putting out those incorrect spoilers."
The drama doesn't stop there – rumors are swirling about whether Paul and Mortensen have reignited their romance. But in typical Bachelorette fashion, she kept her cards close to her chest about her final choice, only hinting at a "good experience." She also shared how her journey was unique, with social media playing a role even during filming.
The fallout from this scandal hasn't just clipped her Bachelorette wings. It's also put her other reality venture, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, into uncertain territory. The fourth season may have just hit Hulu, but production on the next is a guessing game, wrapped in a cloud of allegations.
Despite the chaos, Paul stands firm in her relationships with the other Mormon Wives stars, claiming no hard feelings. "I’ve always been good with all of them," she reiterated, suggesting any tension is not her doing. Navigating these media storms hasn't been easy, but Paul insists she's hanging in there just like any ordinary person would – "struggling, but trying to show up at the same time."