The fallout surrounding “The Bachelorette” continues to accentuate, and now, a well-known face from Bachelor Nation is weighing in. Former contestant Jillian Anderson is talking out after ABC made the stunning choice to drag the upcoming season following the discharge of a resurfaced video involving Taylor Frankie Paul, elevating critical questions concerning the present’s casting course of.
Jillian Anderson Calls Out ABC Vetting After ‘Bachelorette’ Scandal
As controversy swirls, Anderson didn’t maintain again when sharing her ideas on how the scenario might have slipped via the cracks.
“As a former Bachelor contestant, I can inform you that ABC completely vets each a part of your private historical past,” she wrote on X. “On condition that [Taylor Frankie] Paul already had a public profile, it’s onerous to imagine they didn’t know precisely who she was going into this season.”
‘The Bachelorette’ Pulled After Surprising Video Of Taylor Frankie Paul Surfaces
The drama escalated on Thursday, March 19, when TMZ revealed a 2023 video that allegedly exhibits Paul throwing chairs at her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen. The clip rapidly went viral, prompting ABC to take swift motion. “The Bachelorette,” which had been slated to premiere Sunday, March 22, was abruptly pulled from its schedule.
In response to the scenario, Disney Leisure Tv launched an announcement confirming the community’s choice to halt the season.
“In gentle of the newly launched video simply surfaced as we speak, we’ve got made the choice to not transfer ahead with the brand new season of ‘The Bachelorette’ right now, and our focus is on supporting the household,” a Disney Leisure Tv spokesperson mentioned in an announcement obtained by PEOPLE.
Taylor Frankie Paul Breaks Silence
As scrutiny grows, Paul’s team has shared her side of the story via an announcement obtained by PEOPLE.
“Taylor may be very grateful for ABC’s assist as she prioritizes her household’s security and safety,” her group mentioned. “After years of silently struggling in depth psychological and bodily abuse in addition to threats of retaliation, Taylor is lastly gaining the power to face her accuser and taking steps to make sure that she and her youngsters are shielded from any additional hurt.”
“There are too many ladies who’re struggling in silence as they survive aggressive, jealous ex-partners who refuse to allow them to transfer on with their lives,” the group continued. “Taylor has remained silent out of worry of additional abuse, retaliation, and public shaming. She is presently exploring all of her choices, in search of assist, and making ready to personal and share her story.”
Investigation And Previous Allegations Add Context
The controversy comes amid an ongoing “home assault investigation” involving Paul and Mortensen, in response to the Draper Metropolis Police Division, which confirmed that “allegations have been made in each instructions,” and that “contact was made with concerned events on [Feb.] 24 and 25.”
The decision to pull “The Bachelorette” additionally follows reviews that “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” paused manufacturing on its fifth season on account of “some fairly critical stuff occurring concerning [Paul’s] previous.”
Paul was beforehand arrested in 2023 on suspicion of home violence after an argument with Mortensen, throughout which she confronted misdemeanor prices, together with assault, prison mischief, and fee of home violence within the presence of a kid.
Taylor Frankie Paul’s Rep Blasts Ex For ‘Consideration-Searching for’ Video Launch
Following the discharge of the video, her spokesperson strongly criticized the timing and context of the footage. “It’s unhappy to see the most recent installment of his unending, determined, attention-seeking, damaging marketing campaign to hurt Taylor with none regard for the implications for his or her youngster,” the assertion learn.
“Releasing an outdated video, which conveniently omits context, on their son’s birthday is a reprehensible try to distract from his personal habits,” they added. “Fortunately, the general public has seen this act earlier than and is aware of who he’s, and sadly, many will acknowledge this sample of manipulation, each in his actions on the present and from their very own experiences.”
When you or somebody you recognize is experiencing home abuse, you aren’t alone. Assist is out there via the Nationwide Home Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or by visiting thehotline.org. Help is free, confidential, and obtainable 24/7 for anybody in want.
