Despite Taylor Frankie Paul’s season of The Bachelorette being canceled, she has needed to carry on as usual.
“[I’m] always on [my phone],” Taylor, 31, wrote via Instagram comment on Friday, March 20, after a fan questioned why the reality TV star was posting on social media amid the Bachelor Nation scandal. “It’s my job, and yes, I still have work.”
ABC announced on Thursday, March 20, that they no longer planned to air Taylor’s season of The Bachelorette in light of a resurfaced video from her 2023 domestic violence arrest. Doug Mason, one of Taylor’s suitors, subsequently offered a supportive message to her via social media.
“In light of everything that has happened, I am just sending prayers to Taylor because that was her moment and her moment was blocked,” Doug, 28, said in a Friday video shared via his Instagram Stories. “All we can do right now is just be hopeful, and I am headed off to run to watch the sunrise. I hope you guys have a great day, and let’s stay positive and show nothing but support for people in need.”
After a Secret Lives of Mormon Wives fan account reposted Doug’s video, Taylor responded in the comments section.
“Aw my heart goes out to him,” she wrote, alongside a bandaged heart emoji. “So sweet.”
Taylor was set to lead The Bachelorette season 22 upon its Sunday, March 22, premiere.
“Taylor is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security,” a spokesperson for the MomTok creator told Us Weekly in a Thursday statement. “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.”
Taylor shares children Indy, 8, and Ocean, 5, with ex-husband Tate Paul, as well as son Ever, 2, with on-and-off partner Dakota Mortensen.
“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’s rep added in the statement. 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.”
Taylor was arrested in 2023 after an alleged altercation with Dakota, 33, in which she pleaded guilty to aggravated assault. Footage from the incident was published via TMZ on Thursday, leading to ABC’s cancellation of The Bachelorette.
“As anyone who has seen the video will understand, this is a deeply upsetting situation,” Dakota, who has since filed for sole custody of Ever, told Us in a statement. “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.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.
