Taylor Frankie Paul set out to ignite a spark with a potential lover on season 22 of The Bachelorette, but ultimately it ended in flames for everyone involved — including the 22 men — before it even aired.
Now those men are destined to become ghosts, as ABC decided to pull Paul’s season days before its premiere following reports of an alleged domestic violence incident involving the show’s lead and her ex, Dakota Mortensen, with whom she shares a son. TMZ also released a video of what led to Paul’s arrest in 2023 for another domestic violence incident involving Mortensen. She pled guilty to aggravated assault at the time and the incident was detailed on Paul’s other reality series, Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
And on Wednesday, NBC News reported that Paul is under investigation for an alleged third domestic violence incident involving Mortensen that occurred in 2024.
While a spokesperson for Paul said she’s “very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security” following the network’s decision, the men who were once vying for her heart are now left in limbo, as they’re not likely to get their 15 minutes of fame anytime soon.
And what makes it worse is that the suitors on the long-running ABC reality dating show often take time away from their families, leave jobs and pause their lives to appear on the series, which films for several weeks. So this leaves one outstanding question: was the whole experience a waste of time for these men?
Though most of the other contestants have remained tight-lipped on their true thoughts about the season being pulled, likely out of respect for Paul or due to their contracts with ABC, some have taken to their respective social media accounts to offer reactions.
Brad Ledford, a 29-year-old cowboy and entrepreneur from Newport Beach, California, shared in a video on his Instagram Story this week, “Not gonna dive into my full opinion on the whole Bachelorette situation. Obviously a lot of questions about it. I will say that I could care less about a TV show not airing right now. There’s real kids involved, real family involved, and I want the best for them. I want the best for Taylor’s kids. I want the best for Taylor.”
“God’s love has no bounds. It knows no boundaries,” he continued. “He’s forgiven me for many things, and he’s already forgiven Taylor. I want Taylor to find that piece and I want her kids to have that peace in the future more than anything, and I think they can, you know, it’s there for them if they want it.”
Ledford concluded, “I think ABC made the right decision for right now. I think the biggest bummer is just that some of these guys on the show were incredible. They’ve got incredible stories, really good testimonies, some stuff that I think a lot of America could benefit from hearing. And I hope that y’all do get to hear that in some way, shape or form. Maybe it’s on their own posts and their own platforms or it’s on a show that they’re on in the future or something, but there’s some incredible guys on the season.”
Doug Mason, a 28-year-old ocean lifeguard from San Diego, California, said in a video on his Instagram Story, “In light of everything that’s happened, I’m just sending out prayers to Taylor because that was her moment and her moment was blocked. All we can do right now is be hopeful. Let’s stay positive and show nothing but support for people in need.”
“Appreciate everyone reaching out,” Johnnie LaRossa, a 30-year-old former professional baseball player from Massapequa, New York, wrote on social media. “Grateful for the experience. I’ve gotta say the group of guys were truly unbelievable. Nothing but respect for them. Love you boys, and any woman would be lucky to have each and every one of them!”
Clayton Johnson, a 36-year-old singer-songwriter from Nashville, Tennessee, also shared, “I can honestly say this was one of the best groups of men I’ve ever been around. So much integrity, respect and heart across the board. Even the tough moments never took away from that. Any woman would be lucky to be with any of these guys.”
Matthew Carroll, a 43-year-old real estate broker from Carmel, Indiana, added on his social media, “On pause for now. Thank you for everyone’s support and thoughtful messages.” And Malik Evans, a 30-year-old tech executive from Brooklyn, New York, wrote on his Instagram Story, “I’m doing okay. Hope to share more soon. Thank you to everyone who has reached out.”
Other contestants from the season have also made funny videos, joking about the show not premiering, while others have also started to open up about their personal stories, since it doesn’t seem like fans will be getting to know them via the show anytime soon.
Richard Van De Water, a 35-year-old photographer from Charleston, South Carolina, recently opened up on Instagram about becoming completely deaf in one ear as a teenager due to an accident involving a red rose stem, ironically, he said (the Bachelorette gives out red roses on the show). “I hope you’ll stick around to hear me tell it, and maybe I’ll still get a chance to share it on @bacheloretteabc @bachelornation. Nonetheless, I hope it encourages someone else who may be struggling as well,” he wrote in the post’s caption.
ABC ultimately made the decision to shelve the season once the 2023 video surfaced. “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 previously told THR.
However, that decision comes with a cost and a hefty one at that. By not airing season 22, the network could incur a loss of $30 million or more.
As the details surrounding what unfolded during Paul’s season remain mostly a mystery (aside from social media rumors), she did tease the drama to THR at a press event in New York City days before ABC’s decision was announced.
The Mormon Wives star said she “definitely had a good experience” overall, with no major regrets. “There are a few things I would do a little differently. However, I feel very good in the experience of how I treated it and was there, and gave it my all,” she shared at the time. “I have no regrets — just things I could have probably done a little differently, but very lighthearted ones.”
