The contestants of Taylor Frankie Paul’s season of “The Bachelorette” are speaking out after ABC pulled the plug on the installment in light of Paul’s domestic violence incident.
Singer-songwriter Clayton Johnson wrote via his Instagram Stories on Thursday: “I can honestly say this was one of the best groups of men I’ve ever been around. So much integrity, respect and heart across the board. Even the tough moments never took away from that.”
“Any woman would be lucky to be with any of these guys. Real integrity. Real respect. Real men. Love you boys.”
Brad Ledford responded to the news of Season 22’s cancellation by posting “…” on his Instagram Stories.
Photographer Richard Van De Water subtly addressed the Bachelor nation scandal by promoting country music star Ella Langley’s new song to be released on Friday.
“That’s all I gotta say,” he said.
Season 22 of the “Bachelorette” was shelved by ABC on Thursday after video of a 2023 domestic violence incident involving her and her ex Dakota Mortensen surfaced.
“In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of ‘The Bachelorette’ at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family,” the network told Page Six in a statement.
In the video, the “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star can be seen getting physically aggressive toward Mortensen and throwing chairs at him all while her young daughter, Indy, sat in the room.
At one point, Mortensen — who shares a 2-year-old son, Ever, with Paul — can be heard telling Paul, “Your daughter just got hit in the head with a metal chair,” as the then-5-year-old girl cried in the background.
Shortly after, Paul addressed ABC’s decision in a statement, claiming she has suffered “extensive mental and physical abuse.”
“Taylor is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security,” a spokesperson for the reality TV star tells Page Six.
“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,” the statement continued.
“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 spokesperson closed.
Paul’s spokesperson also condemned the release of the 2023 footage, calling it “selectively edited” and added that it “conveniently omits context.”
The rep labeled the clip as one piece of Mortensen’s “never-ending, desperate, attention-seeking, destructive campaign to harm Taylor without any regard for the consequences for their child.”
Mortenson responded to Paul’s claims in his own statement, saying: “As anyone who has seen the video will understand, this is a deeply upsetting situation. I am, unfortunately, used to these baseless claims about me and our relationship, which I categorically deny. I am focusing on our son and his safety, and hope that Taylor will do the same.”
Following the altercation, Paul was arrested and charged with three felonies — one count of aggravated assault and two counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child. She was also hit with one misdemeanor count each of child abuse and criminal mischief.
Paul pled guilty to the aggravated assault charge in 2023, and the lesser charges were dropped.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.
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