ABC and Warner Horizon were aware of Taylor Frankie Paul’s guilty plea for assault when they cast her as the lead in season 22 of The Bachelorette. This came after her rise to fame on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives with her fellow influencers from “MomTok.”
The initial charges were serious, involving domestic violence and child abuse, but they were dropped in exchange for a guilty plea to aggravated assault. Reports indicate that a video of the incident showed her daughter being hit when a metal chair was thrown at her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen.
Despite this, ABC continued to push forward with promoting Paul and the new season. A preview aired after the Oscars, attracting over 5 million viewers—an encouraging sign given the show’s recent decline in viewership and long hiatus. The big question is: If the video hadn’t surfaced, would ABC have still proceeded with airing the season?
It’s likely they would have. The Bachelor franchise has a history of scandal—each revelation treated with a mix of concern and opportunism. This trend shows a troubling pattern: leveraging drama, even disturbing incidents, to boost ratings. If a video of child harm had to emerge for the show to reconsider airing, what does that say about its ethics?
Sadly, this issue isn’t new. The franchise has seen numerous scandals: cast members facing backlash for aggressive behavior, past contestants revealing racist or homophobic tendencies, and long-time host Chris Harrison leaving after making insensitive comments. Even the hopeful narratives spun on-screen often hide some unsettling truths.
In response to these issues, ABC promised better vetting and support for their cast. Yet, problems persist, with the network and studio pointing fingers at each other instead of taking accountability.
Behind the scenes, things have been troubling as well. Criticism has aimed at the show’s lack of diversity, especially in lead roles. Creator Mike Fleiss left in 2023 amid allegations of bullying and discrimination. His replacements also faced accusations of creating a toxic work environment, pointing to systemic issues within the franchise.
Sadly, all this usually plays out as “shocking drama” on-screen, contributing to the franchise’s endless cycle of content. However, the audience is tuning out. Recent seasons of both The Bachelor and The Bachelorette have seen their lowest ratings yet.
Network TV is struggling overall, but some shows are thriving. For instance, within ABC’s lineup, Dancing With the Stars and American Idol have regained popularity. Paul was seen as a chance for The Bachelorette to reclaim its former glory, especially after plans for the 2025 edition were put on hold due to controversy.
Despite being aware of the serious allegations against Paul, ABC forged ahead with filming and promoting the season. Recently, the network stated it wouldn’t air The Bachelorette “at this time,” while suggesting there might be a future for the season. This feels insincere, especially when they cite concerns for Paul’s family—an odd justification given the circumstances.
It’s clear: the once-glamorous charm of the Bachelor franchise is fading. ABC and the franchise may need to part ways for good. The time has come for a fresh start.
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ABC,Taylor Frankie Paul,The Bachelor,The Bachelorette,Warner Bros. Television
