The Bachelorette contestant breaks silence on cancellation of Taylor Frankie Paul’s season

One of Taylor Frankie Paul’s Bachelorette contestants has spoken out about the season’s cancellation.

The series, which was set to premiere on Sunday, was pulled by the network after a 2023 video emerged of the reality star hurling chairs at her ex-partner and kicking him in the presence of her daughter.

“Part of me is just so f***ing pissed,” the contestant told E! News. “We all gave up so much to go do this. We all came in with open hearts. We treated her kindly and respectfully and gave her a second chance.”

The cast member also claimed Taylor didn’t shy away from talking about Dakota during filming.

“[We] tried to let her turn over a new leaf and we all believed her when she said she did,” he continued.

“Obviously, the way she acted and the way she treated all of us in hindsight is just a waste of time, a waste of energy, a waste of emotional intelligence.”

As for how he reacted to seeing the video, which was published by TMZ earlier this week, the contestant added: “I’m getting emotional even just thinking about it. It’s pretty heavy for all of us.”

“But at the end of the day I pray that she gets help. I hope she gets the help that she needs.”

After the cancellation of her season of The Bachelorette, a spokesperson for Taylor told PEOPLE, “Taylor is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security.

The statement alleged: “After years of silently suffering extensive mental and physical abuse as well as threats of retaliation, Taylor is finally gaining the strength to face her accuser and taking steps to ensure that she and her children are protected from any further harm.”

“There are too many women who are suffering in silence as they survive aggressive, jealous ex-partners who refuse to let them move on with their lives. Taylor has remained silent out of fear of further abuse, retaliation and public shaming. She is currently exploring all of her options, seeking support, and preparing to own and share her story.”

The news came just days after production on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives was halted due to “some pretty serious stuff happening regarding [Paul’s] past.”

On March 16th, a spokesperson for the Draper City Police Department confirmed to PEOPLE that there was an ongoing “domestic assault investigation” regarding Taylor and Dakota.

The spokesperson said “allegations have been made in both directions,” referring to Taylor and Dakota, confirming that “contact was made with involved parties on [Feb.] 24 and 25.”

Taylor and Dakota share a two-year-old son named Ever together. She also shares daughter Indy, 8, and son Ocean, 5, with her ex-husband Tate Paul.

Taylor, 31, was previously arrested on suspicion of domestic violence in 2023 following an argument with Dakota, 33, after which she faced misdemeanor charges of assault, criminal mischief and commission of domestic violence in the presence of a child.

The first season of Mormon Wives, which quickly became popular on Hulu, recorded the consequences of her incarceration as well as her tumultuous relationship and pregnancy with her ex.

When the footage of the 2023 incident was released by TMZ on March 19th, Taylor’s spokesperson told PEOPLE: “It’s sad to see the latest installment of his never-ending, desperate, attention-seeking, destructive campaign to harm Taylor without any regard for the consequences for their child.

“Releasing an old video, which conveniently omits context, on their son’s birthday is a reprehensible attempt to distract from his own behavior. Thankfully, the public has seen this act before and knows who he is and sadly, many will recognize this pattern of manipulation, both in his actions on the show, and from their own experiences.”

In a statement shared with Entertainment Weekly, a rep for Dakota said his “number one priority here is protecting” their son.

“He knew there was a possibility it could come out, but he was not going to be the one to proactively do that because he has always wanted a decent relationship with Taylor. It’s been really hard to achieve that, but he wants to co-parent well,” the rep said.

“He was just hoping that if he says nothing, as he usually does, it would go away. He’s never done any kind of sitdown interview about his side. He kind of just lets it all happen to him, and I think he realizes with the severity of everything now that he just can’t do that.”

Ad