Controversy erupted as Taylor Frankie Paul’s 2023 assault case resurfaced Sept. 10, 2025 – right as ABC named the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star the first-ever non-Bachelor Nation Bachelorette for Season 22 in 2026.
Taylor Frankie Paul Named Bachelorette Sept. 10 – 2023 Arrest Immediately Sparks Backlash
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ABC revealed the 31-year-old Hulu reality star as The Bachelorette Season 22 lead during Alex Cooper’s Call Her Daddy podcast Sept. 10, 2025. The announcement marks a franchise-first – never before has The Bachelorette cast a lead from outside Bachelor Nation. Paul rose to fame on TikTok’s MomTok group and currently stars on Hulu’s Emmy-nominated series.
Within hours, fans flooded social media with clips and court documents from Paul’s Feb. 17, 2023 domestic violence arrest. Herriman, Utah police charged her with aggravated assault, 2 counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child, child abuse, and criminal mischief after an explosive argument with then-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen.
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Charging documents state Paul threw a wooden playset, phone, and metal barstools at Mortensen during the incident. Video evidence showed her kicking him, putting him in a chokehold, and striking him with a barstool. One barstool struck her 5-year-old daughter, who was on the couch. Her 2-year-old son was also in the room.
Why Bachelor Fans Worry More Than Casual Viewers About Paul’s Controversial Past
Longtime Bachelor Nation viewers expressed concerns about the network’s vetting process, while casual reality TV audiences appeared more willing to embrace Paul’s redemption narrative. The divide reflects competing values – franchise traditionalists prioritize squeaky-clean leads, but younger viewers gravitate toward messier, more authentic stories.
Paul reached a plea deal in Aug. 2023, pleading guilty to aggravated assault. All other charges were dismissed with prejudice. The court placed her on 3-year supervised probation requiring substance abuse and domestic violence evaluations, treatment completion, and random drug testing.
“It was such a hard time. I never intentionally hurt my daughter,” — Taylor Frankie Paul, Call Her Daddy interview.
Lock These 4 Details Before The Bachelorette Season 22 Airs 2026
Season 22 of The Bachelorette premieres in 2026 on ABC, but several developments before then will shape the narrative. Paul’s ongoing custody case with Dakota Mortensen and Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 3 dropping Nov. 13, 2025 both matter for context.
| Step | Detail | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Watch Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 3 on Hulu for Paul-Mortensen breakup context | Nov. 13 |
| 2 | Follow Dakota Mortensen custody court case developments on social media | Now |
| 3 | Check ABC’s official Bachelorette Season 22 casting announcements for potential suitors | Dec. 2025 |
| 4 | Monitor fan backlash and advertiser reactions to Paul’s casting on X and Instagram | Before Jan. 2026 |
Watch For These 5 Signals Before Jan. 2026 As Bachelorette Controversy Builds
ABC faces mounting pressure between now and the 2026 premiere. Key indicators will reveal whether the network doubles down or adjusts course based on public sentiment.
Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 3 drops Nov. 13 with all 10 episodes at once. Watch how Hulu frames Paul’s breakup with Mortensen – if the show portrays her sympathetically, it signals Disney corporate support across platforms.
Custody court filings between Paul and Mortensen could surface before Dec. 31. Mortensen filed in June 2025 requesting custody, child support, and parenting time decisions. The case was listed in the track reserved for significant custody disputes involving allegations of child abuse or domestic violence.
Fan petition signatures demanding ABC recast The Bachelorette will matter if they exceed 50K by Dec. 15. Social media boycott campaigns gain traction when they reach critical mass before filming begins.
ABC’s advertiser commitments for The Bachelorette Season 22 become public knowledge in early 2026. Watch for major brands pulling spots or issuing statements – that signals real financial pressure on the network.
Paul’s social media follower count and engagement rates between Sept. 2025 and Jan. 2026 will show whether controversy converts to viewership. If her TikTok following jumps above 6M from the current 5.5M, it proves notoriety drives interest.
Will Taylor Frankie Paul’s Casting Change Bachelor Nation Standards Forever?
The Bachelorette historically cast leads from previous Bachelor seasons – women who competed for roses and captured audience hearts. Paul’s selection shatters that 22-year pattern entirely.
Networks increasingly prioritize social media reach and cross-platform buzz over traditional franchise rules. Paul brings 5.5M TikTok followers and 1.6M Instagram followers – metrics that translate to built-in viewership and advertiser appeal. Her Emmy-nominated Hulu show proves she’s TV-tested.
The stakes matter most for future seasons. If Season 22 ratings exceed Season 21’s numbers, ABC will abandon the old playbook forever. If ratings tank and advertisers flee, the franchise returns to safer casting. Will Bachelor Nation reward the gamble or punish the network for prioritizing controversy over tradition?
SOURCES
- https://www.realitytea.com/2025/09/12/bachelorette-taylor-frankie-paul-custody-court-battle-ex-dakota-mortensen/
- https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/secret-lives-mormon-wives-star-taylor-frankie-paul-bachelorette-rcna230282
- https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/bachelorette-taylor-frankie-paul-season-22-secret-lives-mormon-wives-1236366945/
Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.
Remember that time Taylor Frankie Pauls assault case made headlines? Now shes the Bachelorette. Anyone else feeling torn about her past resurfacing before the show airs? Will fans overlook it or will it affect her journey to find love?
Its like reality TV is the ultimate redemption stage, right? One moment youre in the tabloids for all the wrong reasons, and the next, youre handing out roses like theres no tomorrow. Taylor Frankie Paul really knows how to spin a narrative. But hey, isnt that the beauty of the Bachelorette? Drama, scandal, and a sprinkle of fairy-tale romance all rolled into one messy package. Who wouldnt tune in to see if fans will forgive and forget or if her past will be the final roses thorn? Let the love games begin! Who do you think will steal the spotlight this season? Share your bets!
Ever hear about Taylor Frankie Pauls assault case resurfacing before the Bachelorette? Fans must be buzzing! Will this overshadow the show, or will Pauls controversial past add some spicy drama? Opinions, anyone?
Remember when Taylor Frankie Paul was named the Bachelorette? Fans are split on whether her past should define her future. Will this controversy overshadow the upcoming season, or will viewers give her a chance to redeem herself? Whats your take on separating someones personal life from their public persona?
Remember when Taylor Frankie Paul was the talk of the town back in 2023? Now shes the Bachelorette, but her past assault case resurfaces. Will fans give her a second chance or is forgiveness too much to ask for in the world of reality TV drama?
Ever wonder if Taylor Frankie Pauls past will overshadow her journey as the Bachelorette? Fans are divided on whether her 2023 assault case should define her future. Will this controversy make or break her upcoming season?
Taylor Frankie Pauls past is part of her story, sure, but shouldnt define her whole journey as the Bachelorette. I mean, weve all got skeletons in our closets, right? The real question is, can she rise above the drama and show the world who she truly is? People love a good comeback story, so maybe this controversy will just add some spicy drama to the upcoming season. Who doesnt love a little scandal mixed in with romance, am I right? Its like reality TV gold waiting to happen. Lets see if Taylor can turn this obstacle into an opportunity. Whos ready for the drama-filled ride?
Remember when Taylor Frankie Paul was all over the news for that assault case in 2023? Now shes the Bachelorette? Wonder how fans are reacting to her controversial past resurfacing. Will drama unfold on the upcoming season? Exciting or a disaster waiting to happen? Whats your take?
Anyone else remember when Taylor Frankie Paul won hearts on reality TV? Now their assault case resurfaces before the Bachelorette premiere. Will fans overlook the past, or is forgiveness a rarity in this drama-filled world of roses and broken hearts?