Fans of “The Bachelorette” are eager to learn whether Taylor Frankie Paul’s season will ever be released to the public. A Disney executive has provided some insight into ABC’s plans for the lost season, offering a glimpse into the network’s current approach.
Rob Mills, executive vice president of unscripted at Walt Disney TV, shared his thoughts in an interview with TheWrap on April 22. He emphasized that ABC is prioritizing the well-being of Taylor, her family, and everyone involved. According to Mills, the network is focusing on ensuring that everyone is taken care of on a personal and human level.
“We take everything a day at a time,” Mills said. “We’re sort of really still processing everything.”
He also mentioned that ABC is planning for future cycles of the “Bachelor” franchise and is looking at all possibilities. This includes considering how to move forward with the content that was already filmed but never aired.
The decision to pull the plug on the season came after a shocking video was shared by TMZ. The footage depicted a violent altercation involving Taylor Frankie Paul and her ex-partner, Dakota Mortensen. In the video, Paul is seen yelling, hitting, kicking, and throwing furniture at Mortensen while a child is heard crying. This incident led to significant public concern and scrutiny.
In 2023, Utah police launched an investigation into a “domestic assault” involving Paul and Mortensen. Both individuals made allegations during this time, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
One question fans are asking is whether anyone from the lost “Bachelorette” season will return. Specifically, there has been speculation about one of the 22 men Paul dated in the season potentially starring in Season 30 of “The Bachelor.”
Mills addressed these rumors, stating that ABC is open to any possibilities. He pointed to the success of “The Golden Bachelor” as an example of how the format can tell different types of stories.
“The most important thing is just telling somebody’s story who has a great journey ahead of them,” Mills emphasized.
Will Taylor Frankie Paul face charges in the Utah investigation?
Paul will not face criminal charges relating to the Utah investigation into the alleged assault, the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office confirmed on April 14, citing evidentiary reasons.
“Based on the information provided to our office for screening, we are unable to proceed with the prosecution of Taylor Frankie Paul at this time,” according to the declination letter from the district attorney’s office to the West Jordan Police Department and Draper Police Department, which were obtained by USA TODAY.
Before the office’s announcement, she faced several charges, including one felony count of aggravated assault and two felony counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child and one misdemeanor count each of child abuse and criminal mischief.
The reality TV star was arrested on Feb. 17, 2023, on misdemeanor charges of assault, criminal mischief, and commission of domestic violence in the presence of a child after Mortensen called police and said she was hitting him in front of two children. That year, Paul entered a plea of abeyance to a felony aggravated assault charge, allowing the court to put the case on hold as long as she complies with the court’s abeyance agreement.
Contributing: KiMi Robinson, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: ABC exec gives update on Taylor Frankie Paul’s ‘Bachelorette’ season
As the network continues to navigate this challenging situation, it remains focused on the well-being of those involved and the future of the franchise. While the release of the lost season is uncertain, the emphasis is on handling the matter with care and consideration.
ABC’s approach reflects a commitment to both the people involved and the integrity of the show. The network is taking its time to ensure that any next steps are made thoughtfully and responsibly. Fans will have to wait for further updates, but the focus remains on the personal and human aspects of the situation.
