Multiple contestants from Taylor Frankie Paul’s season of The Bachelorette are speaking out following news that ABC has canceled plans to air the dating series. The news comes after TMZ published footage showing Paul throwing a metal stool at ex-girlfriend Dakota Mortensen while her children were nearby.
So far, most contestants’ public statements have been brief and unspecific, but 28-year-old Doug Mason has made it clear that he sympathizes with Paul.
“Hey everyone, good morning. In light of everything that’s happened, I just send my prayers to Taylor because it was her moment and her moment was blocked,” he said in a video posted to his Instagram Story. “So all we can do now is be hopeful. I’m going to go for a run to see the sunrise. I hope you all have a great day. Let’s stay positive and just show support for those in need.”
Other contestants who have dealt with this situation include Brandon Peirce, Malik Evans, Johnny LaRossa, and Matthew Carroll.
Immediately after the news broke, Parth posted a blank screen on his Instagram story that simply said, “…” Evans posted the story, saying, “I’m okay. I hope to share more soon. Thank you to everyone who has reached out.” Other statements echoed this, with LaRossa writing, “Thank you to everyone who reached out. Thank you for this experience,” and Carroll posting a news article, writing, “We’re on pause for now. Thank you for your support and thoughtful messages.”
“We need to be better,” former “Bachelor” and “Bachelor in Paradise” contestant Leah Kayanan said on Tiktok Thursday, just before news of the cancellation. “In fact, we should all be responsible for the way we pour into this world.”
Paul rose to fame as a founding member of the Mormon TikTok group #MomTok, which produced its own Hulu reality show, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, in 2024. The footage didn’t leak until Thursday, days before the scheduled March 22 premiere of “The Bachelorette,” but the domestic incident was discussed on Season 1 of “Mormon Housewives,” and occurred just after filming the pilot, causing production delays. the rest of the season. Paul was arrested the night of the incident and later pleaded not guilty to aggravated assault, but charges of domestic violence in the presence of a child, child abuse and criminal mischief were dismissed.
“After years of enduring massive 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 protect her and her children from further harm,” Paul said through a spokesperson regarding the leak and retraction of The Bachelorette, calling Mortensen “aggressive” and “jealous.” Read the full statement here.
TMZ’s leak comes three days after production on Season 5 of Mormon Wives was paused due to a new domestic violence investigation based on allegations from both Paul and Mortensen.
