[Warning: Potentially Triggering Content]
The Bachelorette producers did not know what they were getting into when they cast Taylor Frankie Paul as the lead!
As we reported, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star is in the middle of massive scandal after news broke over the weekend that production halted due to a fight between her and ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen.
Now, look, there are two different versions of the story circulating about the alleged domestic dispute at this time. Sources close to production claim Taylor got physical with Dakota at his home last month, allegedly choking him and more during a fight about his past relationships, including his hookup with her friend Shinia Powell. Police were called, and they reportedly interviewed him and saw proof of his injuries.
Related: Mormon Wives Stars ‘Terrified’ To Film With Taylor After Domestic Dispute!
He also contacted Utah’s Department of Children and Family Services multiple times, claiming Taylor abused their nearly 2-year-old son, Ever. The MomTok star denies it, though. Her sources also claim that what really happened is that she and Dakota got into an argument in a car three weeks ago, and he attacked her. Not the other way around.
It is a very serious situation – one that the people over at The Bachelorette supposedly did not see coming. A source connected to the ABC dating show with direct knowledge explained to TMZ on Tuesday that producers really wanted Taylor as the next lead, which is understandable. We mean, like her or not, she is, or was, one of the most popular reality stars last year despite all her previous swinging and domestic violence scandals. Mormon Wives is also a super successful series. And with the Bachelor franchise losing more and more viewers each season, why not try to revive it by riding the coattails of MomTok?
According to TMZ, producers believed she could expand their audience due to the popularity of Mormon Wives — so sources claim they “cut corners” in the vetting process. Girl… They’ve been cutting corners in that process for a long time, allegedly! But come on, there’s no way they didn’t know about her history! Even a source close to Taylor argues that her personal issues were already well-known and documented on Mormon Wives, so it’s hard to believe they’re totally blindsided! Producers must have known the risk when they considered her to be the lead and decided to take the chance anyway! Unfortunately for them, the risk possibly didn’t pay off! People aren’t too happy anymore about Taylor!
So what happens next? The show must go on! TMZ reports The Bachelorette will continue as planned and premiere on Sunday. ABC hired a public relations crisis manager to deal with the fallout, but insiders say producers feel embarrassed for not catching this ahead of filming. Hey, they should be used to major scandals by now! It’s nothing new for them!
Thoughts, Perezcious readers? Will you still watch this season of The Bachelorette? Sound OFF in the comments (below)!
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Consider calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233, or text START to 88788, or go to https://www.thehotline.org/.
[Image via Bachelor Nation on ABC/YouTube, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives/Hulu]
The post Will <i>The Bachelorette</i> Go On? Producers Stunned By Allegations Surrounding New Lead Taylor Frankie Paul! appeared first on Perez Hilton.