Former Bachelor star Zach Shallcross has shared his thoughts on the dramatic cancellation of Taylor Frankie Paul's upcoming season of The Bachelorette, describing the unfolding scandal as "beyond messy" in an exclusive interview with The Daily Mail. The reality television franchise that helped Shallcross find his wife now faces significant turmoil after abruptly pulling Paul's season just days before its premiere.
Franchise in Turmoil After Last-Minute Cancellation
The shocking decision to cancel the 22nd season of The Bachelorette came after video footage surfaced showing Paul, 31, throwing chairs at her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen, 33, during a 2023 altercation. The disturbing incident occurred with Paul's young daughter Indy present in the room. Disney Entertainment Television, which owns ABC, released a statement confirming the cancellation, noting their "focus is on supporting the family" after making the difficult decision.
Shallcross Offers Unique Perspective as Former Lead
Speaking at Clarins' Night of Extra soiree at the Academy Museum's Dolby Terrace on Friday, Shallcross, 29, who got engaged on his season of The Bachelor in 2023, offered his perspective on the controversy. "I think the show did a great job of cancelling it, I'll say that," Shallcross told The Daily Mail. "I don't think the stuff going on right now needs to be pushed anymore than it is."
The former Bachelor star, who recently wed his final rose choice Kaity Biggar and bought a house in Southeast Austin, Texas, expressed hope that Paul would seek necessary support. "I do hope Taylor gets the help she needs," Shallcross added. "Send good vibes from the side and if you ever need anyone to talk to, you can talk to us, but just get away from that crazy stuff."
Domestic Violence History Comes to Light
The cancellation represents a significant blow to the franchise, reportedly costing the network approximately $28 million. Paul's history with domestic violence became public knowledge when she was arrested after an alleged domestic violence incident in 2023. The video of the chair-throwing incident later became crucial evidence in the case, leading to Paul pleading guilty to aggravated assault in the third degree.
More recently, another domestic violence investigation was opened regarding a supposed incident from February of this year. Mortensen was granted a restraining order against Paul on Friday, characterizing her as an "immediate threat" to his safety.
Paul's Response and Ongoing Controversy
Paul, who stars in Hulu's The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, has released a statement through her representatives alleging she suffered "extensive mental and physical abuse as well as threats of retaliation" in silence for years. Her representatives claimed Paul has been staying quiet "out of fear of further abuse, retaliation, and public shaming" and is now "seeking support" while preparing to share her story.
The statement further suggested that "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." Filming on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has reportedly been paused in light of the ongoing controversy.
Impact on Reality Television Franchise
The wholesome image that The Bachelor franchise has worked to cultivate for years now faces significant challenges. While Shallcross represents the success story the show promotes—having found love and recently purchased a home with his wife—the selection of Paul as Bachelorette has created what Shallcross called a "beyond messy" situation that he plans to "steer clear of."
The viral video of the altercation shows Paul having an outburst and throwing a stool at Mortensen while her daughter Indy, now eight years old, was present. Mortensen, who filmed the incident, can be heard saying, "This is called physical abuse," and later noting, "Your daughter just got hit in the head by a metal chair." Paul and Mortensen share a two-year-old son named Ever in addition to her daughter from the incident.
The cancellation has sent shockwaves through the reality television community, with fans who had been anticipating Paul's season now left questioning the franchise's vetting process and future direction.
