The journey for the men seeking love with Taylor Frankie Paul on “The Bachelorette” has reached an abrupt end.
Reports suggest that five contestants from the show might pursue legal action against ABC and Warner Bros. Discovery now that the season has been canceled.
According to sources who spoke to a media outlet, these contestants expressed their concerns over safety issues, feeling that the producers allowed an unsafe environment by keeping them close to Paul, especially given her troubling past.
Recently, a concerning video surfaced showing Paul throwing a chair during a domestic incident with ex-girlfriend Dakota Mortensen, which led the network to scrap the upcoming season, initially set to air on Sunday.
The contestants reportedly put significant aspects of their lives on hold—like quitting jobs—for a shot at love, thinking they would gain valuable exposure through the show. However, now, they’re feeling the repercussions, not only in potential loss of fame but also in safety.
It’s worth noting that this cancellation could cost ABC millions, with sources estimating potential losses around $50 million due to both production expenses and possible lawsuits related to the situation.
After the incident, a Disney spokesperson stated they would not proceed with the new season of “The Bachelorette” due to the video release. In the meantime, reruns of “American Idol” will fill the airtime instead.
In an industry commentary, someone pointed out that this show primarily targets women and raised concerns over what messages are being sent when a mother and child are involved in such incidents.
During the 2023 altercation, Paul’s daughter, who was just five at the time, was present. Paul faced several misdemeanor charges, but ultimately, all charges were dropped after settling with Mortensen later that year.
Paul’s representatives claimed the video was taken “out of context” and described Mortensen’s actions as a misguided attempt to seek attention, indicating little regard for their child’s welfare. Mortensen, however, has countered this narrative, emphasizing her focus on their son’s safety.
Requests for comments from ABC and “The Bachelorette” have gone unanswered.
