When season 22 of “The Bachelorette” was canceled by ABC, the fans missed out on a lot. Not only would viewers not get to see “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star Taylor Frankie Paul in her journey for love, but they were never going to fully meet the 22 eligible bachelors who vied for her heart either.
But, as Bachelor Nation still reckons with the news, one of the men from season 22, Christopher Wood, is speaking out. In a 20-minute appearance on the “Bachelor Happy Hour” podcast, hosted by Charity Lawson and Kathy Swarts, he introduced himself to the world, and defended Paul from the ongoing scandals.
Christopher Wood Stands Up for Taylor Frankie Paul
At one point in the podcast, Wood explained that he has almost no reaction when people ask him about the video shared by TMZ in which Paul is seen assaulting her ex, Dakota Mortensen.
“I wasn’t there,” he said, “I don’t know.”
He then explained that the saddest part has been seeing the world turn on Paul when people only have half the story. “It’s very unfortunate to see it play out on social media, especially when children are involved,” he said. “Those kids are going to have to grow up and see those videos now. This is someone’s real life.”
As a reminder, Paul shares daughter Indy and son Ocean with her ex-husband Tate Paul. She also shares son Ever, who was born in 2024, with Mortensen.
“You guys don’t know what’s going on, you’ve only seen one side of the story,” Wood reiterated.
“I think it’s unfair for people to jump to an assumption or conclusion without having all the facts,” he continued, stating that giving his opinion on the scandal is “something he’s staying away from.”
“It’s very unfortunate, but let people live their lives without being so judgmental or opinionated,” he said. “I just wish more people would give more grace to people.”
TMZ went on to share a clip of Wood saying this on Instagram. Paul thanked him in the comments. “Christopher lettts go,” she wrote.
The Men of Season 22 Have Been Speaking Out
Ever since the cancelation of Season 22, the contestants of Paul’s season have been speaking out.
Among them was Johnnie LaRossa, described by ABC as a 30-year-old former professional baseball player. “Appreciate everyone reaching out,” LaRossa wrote on Instagram Stories. “Grateful for the experience.”
He then gave a sweet shoutout to the 21 other men who competed on the show. “I’ve gotta say the group of guys were truly unbelievable,” he wrote. “Nothing but respect for them. Love you boys, and any woman would be lucky to have each and every one of them!”
In addition to following the men on Instagram, Lawson and Swarts will be interviewing all the men from Paul season of the “Bachelor Happy Hour” podcast. Wood was the first one up, but there’s definitely plenty more to come.
