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Taylor frankie paul set out to ignite a spark with a potential lover on season 22 of Bachelorettebut ultimately ended up setting everyone involved – including the 22 men – on fire before it could air.
Now these 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-husband Dakota Mortensen, with whom she shares a son. TMZ He also released a video of what led to Paul’s arrest in 2023 for another domestic violence incident involving Mortensen. She pleaded 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.
On Wednesday, NBC News reported that Paul is under investigation for a third alleged domestic violence incident involving Mortensen that occurred in 2024.
While a spokesperson for Paul said she was “very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes the safety and security of her family” following the network’s decision, the men who were once vying for her heart are now in limbo, as they’re unlikely to get their 15 minutes of fame anytime soon.
What makes matters worse is that suitors on ABC’s long-running reality dating show often take time away from their families, quit their jobs and put their lives on hold to appear on the series, which is filmed for several weeks. This leaves a lingering question: Was the whole experience a waste of time for these men?
Although most of the other contestants have remained tight-lipped about their true thoughts on the season’s cancellation, likely out of respect for Paul or because of their contracts with ABC, some have taken to their social media accounts to offer reactions.
Brad Ledford, a 29-year-old cowboy and businessman from Newport Beach, California, shared in a video on his Instagram Story this week, “I’m not going to delve into my full opinion overall Bachelorette Attitude. Obviously there are a lot of questions about this topic. I will say that I don’t care much about a TV show that isn’t on the air right now. There are real children, real family, and I want what’s best for them. I want what’s best for Taylor’s children. “I want the best for Taylor.”
He added: “God’s love has no limits. It knows no boundaries.” “He’s forgiven me for a lot of things, and he’s really 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, he’s there for them if they want it.”
Ledford concluded, “I think ABC made the right decision right now. I think the biggest issue is that some of these people on the show have been amazing. They have amazing stories, really good testimonials, some things that I think a lot of Americans could benefit from hearing. And I hope you’re all hearing that in some way, in one form or another. Maybe it’s on their own publications and their own platforms or on a show that they’re doing in the future or something like that, but there are some great players on the season.”
“In light of everything that happened, I’m just sending prayers to Taylor because that was her moment and her moment is blocked,” Doug Mason, a 28-year-old ocean lifeguard from San Diego, California, said in a video on his Instagram Story. “All we can do now is be optimistic. Let’s stay positive and show nothing but support to people in need.”
“We appreciate everyone reaching out,” Johnny LaRosa, a 30-year-old former professional baseball player from Massapequa, New York, wrote on social media. “Grateful for this experience. I have to say the group of guys were truly incredible. Nothing but respect for them. I love you boys, and any woman would be lucky to have 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 seen. 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.”
“Paused for now. Thank you for everyone’s support and thoughtful messages,” Matthew Carroll, a 43-year-old real estate broker from Carmel, Indiana, added on his social media. “I’m doing well. Hope to share more soon. Thanks to everyone who reached out,” Malik Evans, a 30-year-old tech executive from Brooklyn, New York, wrote on his Instagram Story.
Other contestants from the season also made funny videos, joking about the show not premiering, while others have also started opening up about their personal stories, as it doesn’t look like fans will be getting to know them through the show anytime soon.
Richard Van de Water, a 35-year-old photographer from Charleston, South Carolina, recently spoke on Instagram about becoming completely deaf in one ear as a teenager due to an accident involving a red rose stem (which the Bachelorette ironically distributes red roses on the show). “I hope you’ll still be around to hear me say it, and maybe I’ll still get a chance to share it on @bacheloretteabc @bachelornation. However, I hope it encourages someone else who may be struggling too,” he wrote in the caption of the post.
ABC ultimately made the decision to postpone the season once the 2023 video surfaced. “In light of the newly released video that surfaced today, we have made the decision not to move forward with a new season Bachelorette “At this time, our focus is on supporting the family,” a Disney Entertainment Television spokesperson previously said. THR.
However, this decision comes at a heavy cost. By not airing Season 22, the network could suffer a loss of $30 million or more.
Since the details surrounding what was revealed during Paul’s season remain mostly vague (aside from social media rumors), she teased the drama for THR At a press event in New York City days before ABC’s decision was announced.
the Mormon wives The star said she “definitely had a good experience” overall, with no major regrets. “There are some things I would like to do a little differently,” she said at the time. “However, I feel pretty good about experimenting with how I handled it and I was there, I did everything I could.” “I don’t regret anything, just things I could have done a little differently, but it’s very nice.”
