The cast members of Taylor Frankie Paul’s season of The Bachelorette are speaking out after ABC canceled the show in light of Paul’s domestic violence scandal.
Singer-songwriter Clayton Johnson wrote on his Instagram Stories on Thursday: “Honestly, this was one of the best groups of guys I’ve ever met. So genuine, respectful and heartfelt across the board. Even in the tough moments, that never went away.”
“Any woman would be lucky to be with a man like this. True loyalty. True respect. True men. I love you.”
Brad Redford responded to the news of Season 22’s cancellation by posting on his Instagram Story, “…”
Photographer Richard Van de Water subtly referenced the Bachelor Nation scandal by promoting country music star Ella Langley’s new song, released Friday.
“That’s all I have to say,” he said.
ABC postponed season 22 of The Bachelorette on Thursday after footage of a domestic violence incident involving her and ex Dakota Mortensen in 2023 was leaked.
“In light of the new video that was just released today, we have made the decision not to move forward with a new season of ‘The Bachelorette’ at this time. We are focused on supporting our families,” the network told Page Six in a statement.
In the video, the “Secrets of a Mormon Wife” star can be seen becoming physically aggressive and throwing a chair at Mortensen while his young daughter Indy is sitting in the room.
At one point, Mortensen, who has a 2-year-old son Ever with Paul, tells him, “Your daughter just got hit in the head with a metal chair,” and a then-5-year-old girl can be heard crying in the background.
Shortly after, Paul addressed ABC’s decision in a statement, claiming he had been subjected to “extensive emotional and physical abuse.”
“Taylor is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes the safety and security of her family,” a spokesperson for the reality TV star told Page Six.
“After enduring years of extensive emotional and physical abuse and threats of retribution in silence, Taylor has finally found the strength to confront her accusers and is taking steps to ensure she and her children are protected from further harm,” the statement continued.
“Too many women suffer in silence while surviving ex-partners who are aggressive, jealous and refuse to move on with their lives.”
“Taylor remains silent out of fear of further abuse, retaliation, and public shaming. She is now exploring all options, seeking support, and preparing to own and share her story,” the spokesperson concluded.
A spokesperson for Paul also condemned the 2023 release of the footage, calling it “selectively edited” and adding that it “conveniently omits context.”
Representatives labeled the clip as part of Mortensen’s “endless, desperate, high-profile, destructive campaign to harm Taylor without regard for the consequences to the child.”
Mortenson responded to Paul’s claims in his own statement: “As anyone who has seen the video will know, this is a very upsetting situation. Unfortunately, I am no stranger to baseless claims about me and our relationship, which I categorically deny. I am focused on my son and his safety, and I hope Taylor does the same.”
After the altercation, Paul was arrested and charged with three felonies: one count of aggravated assault and two counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child. She was also charged with one misdemeanor count each of child abuse and criminal mischief.
Paul pled guilty to aggravated assault charges in 2023, and the lesser charges were dropped.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.
