“The Bachelorette” season 22, starring “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star Taylor Frankie Paul, was officially canceled just days before its premiere on March 22 after a video showing an alarming altercation between Paul and her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, surfaced, leading Disney to decide to pull it off the air.
In a recent interview with Vulture, “The Bachelorette” showrunner Scott Teti revealed that he and the producers experienced a mix of emotions about having Paul as the season’s lead. Part of the excitement and challenge stemmed from something they’d never done before: giving her significantly more freedom to make key decisions on the show.
‘The Bachelorette’ Showrunner Shares Why He Believed Taylor Frankie Paul Was a Great Casting Call
Getty“The Bachelorette” showrunner Scott Teti recently shared some positive insight about Taylor Frankie Paul’s season, even though fans may never get to see it following its cancellation.
In a new interview with Vulture, Teti revealed that he and producers were aware of Paul’s past, especially her history with her ex, Dakota Mortensen, admitting that it was a “concern.” However, they ultimately felt confident in Paul because of the honesty and openness she’s shown on “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.”
“It’s always a concern of how people are going to react to all those things. But I think when you look at what is going to make the most interesting story to tell, she is one of those more interesting stories,” Teti shared.
“I realized, Oh my God, this girl is one of the most honest reality TV stars that I’ve ever seen,” he said, adding, “As we talked more, I realized she has no ability to really lie. Everything is really authentic — all the truth just comes out.”
Paul Was Allowed More Freedom on ‘The Bachelorette,’ Which Made the Season ‘Exhilarating’
GettyTeti also shared that, for this season, the producers tried something new by giving the lead more freedom. While the approach allowed for authentic TV moments that fans would appreciate, he admitted that some of Paul’s decisions left them shocked.
“We let her make her own decisions in a way that affected the format, and sometimes that was a little scary because it was ‘You want to do what?’” Teti told the outlet.
He continued, “It gives producers heart attacks, but also it’s very exhilarating because you don’t usually give talent that freedom to do those things … There are moments that are just like, Oh my God, what has she done?”
Paul’s ‘Bachelorette’ Finalist Doug Mason Shared a Message of Support
According to RealitySteve, a winner did emerge from Paul’s season: 28-year-old Doug Mason of San Diego, California. However, the two ultimately called it quits. In light of the disturbing 2023 video of her and Mortensen, which resulted in her season being cancelled, Mason took to Instagram Stories to show support for Paul, according to People.
“In light of everything that has happened, I am just sending prayers to Taylor because that was her moment and her moment was blocked. All we can do right now is just be hopeful, and I am headed off to run to watch the sunrise,” he shared.
He continued, “I hope you guys have a great day, and let’s stay positive and show nothing but support for people in need.”
Paul later reacted to his comments on a blogger’s post of his video, sharing, “Aw my heart goes out to him ❤️🩹 so sweet.”
