Ex-‘Bachelorette’ Producer Claims ABC Wasn’t ‘Blindsided’ by Taylor Frankie Paul Allegations

ABC has officially pulled the plug on The Bachelorette Season 22 with Taylor Frankie Paul as the lead. While the season premiere was set for March 22, 2026, it’s now been cancelled following allegations against Paul and a video showing alleged past abuse. According to an ex-Bachelorette producer, ABC couldn’t have been “blindsided” by the allegations. Here’s why.

An ex-‘Bachelorette’ producer doesn’t believe that ABC was ‘blindsided’ by the allegations against Taylor Frankie Paul

Taylor Frankie Paul will no longer be the lead of The Bachelorette Season 22.

The controversy surrounding Paul largely stems from a highly publicized February 2023 domestic violence incident involving her then-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen. According to court documents and police reports, Paul faced assault accusations following a heated argument in which she allegedly threw objects, including metal barstools, inside the home. One item allegedly struck her child, leading to charges that included aggravated assault, domestic violence in the presence of a child, and child abuse. Video evidence described in filings also alleged she kicked and struck her partner during the altercation, according to Fox13.

Paul later entered a plea deal. She pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, while other charges were dismissed. She was also required to complete counseling and evaluations.

Additionally, police confirmed that there’s currently an open domestic assault investigation involving Paul and Mortensen in 2026, according to People.

Ex-Bachelorette producer Michael Carroll spoke to TMZ before news of the season’s cancellation broke. The producer noted that to become a lead on the show, the rules were “unbelievably strict.” The show performed background checks, medical checks, and mental capacity checks on potential leads. According to the producer, anyone with charges against them was also not chosen. He didn’t explain whether this has changed in recent years.

The producer then noted that The Bachelorette producers more than likely knew about any past legal troubles.

“The casting department, at least with executive producers, was completely aware of who this person [was], especially because it seems to me like a publicity grab to get this contestant,” the producer explained to TMZ. “So, they’re quickly going to do all of this and do the quickest vetting they can do, but they’re going to know everything.”

“There’s no way that ABC could’ve been blindsided with this,” Carroll continued. “They are in total cahoots with executive producers up until the moment of filming, and they are, day one, at least in the control room. So, they’re going to know exactly who this person is.”

The producer noted that it’s more permissible nowadays to have “someone with a past” as the lead. He believes that producers were willing to roll the dice on Paul and give her a chance despite her past.

Previously, a source connected to the show told TMZ that producers were, in fact, “blindsided” by the allegations surrounding Paul. ABC has reportedly hired a public relations crisis manager to handle the situation.

‘The Bachelorette’ Season 22 contestants allegedly feel ‘betrayed’

A source close to The Bachelorette cast told People that the cast members feel “betrayed” by the allegations surrounding Taylor Frankie Paul.

“They’re extremely disappointed,” the source alleged. “They felt betrayed when they found this out because they all went into this to genuinely get to know Taylor.”

However, another insider alleged that Paul is “on great terms with the men from The Bachelorette.”

An additional source close to The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives cast told the publication that Paul’s castmates also hope to distance themselves from her.

“None of the women want to be associated with her,” the source alleged.

Taylor Frankie Paul’s representatives released a statement

Following the news of The Bachelorette cancellation, Taylor Frankie Paul’s representatives released a statement to The U.S. Sun.

“Taylor is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security,” the statement reads.

“After years of silently suffering extensive mental and physical abuse as well as threats of retaliation, Taylor is finally gaining the strength to face her accuser and taking steps to ensure that she and her children are protected from any further harm.”

“There are too many women who are suffering in silence as they survive aggressive, jealous ex-partners who refuse to let them move on with their lives.”

“Taylor has remained silent out of fear of further abuse, retaliation, and public shaming.”