That “The Bachelorette” check is definitely clearing for Taylor Frankie Paul, scandal or not!
Reports have confirmed that the media personality is getting her full payment for starring in the season despite it getting canceled because she held up her end of the bargain.
Taylor Frankie Paul was due to appear as the latest lead of the ABC series for its new season, until allegations of domestic violence involving her and her ex, Dakota Mortensen, altered the plan.
Why Is Taylor Frankie Paul Getting All The Money?
Sources close to the show stated that Taylor’s contract stipulated payment for service rendered, and she fulfilled these terms by presenting herself for complete filming for the entire season.
She also embarked on a significant number of promotional tours for the series until the sudden decision by ABC to halt the show’s airing in the wake of the circulating assault video. While her arrest in 2023 was not hidden from ABC nor her past legal troubles, the video definitely caused uproar among ABC executives.
As for Taylor’s payment, insiders claim to TMZ that it was estimated at around six figures, which matched previous salaries paid to stars of the show. Following ABC’s decision to cancel the season, several contestants in the lineup took to social media to react to the news by posting comical videos of the blank TV screens.
Warner Bros. Were Reportedly Concerned About The Media Personality’s Past Pre-Filming
The company, which is responsible for distributing the show internationally, seemingly expressed its reservations about Taylor’s tumultuous past and history of domestic violence.
As stated by Variety, Warner Bros had a glimpse of her past on another show from the stables of ABC, “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” which Taylor also features on. A source from Warner Bros. described them as the “collateral damage” in the situation because they had to ultimately agree to Taylor as the face of “The Bachelorette.”
ABC had reportedly emphasized that Taylor and her other shows were important franchises for the growth and optics of the company. This season of “The Bachelorette” was also slated to be a reboot for the franchise after a brief hiatus in production since summer 2024.
The Reality TV Star’s Budding Relationship Predicted To Be On Shaky Grounds Amid Scandal
As shared by The Blast, Taylor reportedly wrapped up filming her season and even found a new lover who proposed to her at the end of the show. According to sources, the contestant, Doug Mason, described as a lifeguard and surfer from California, won the heart of Taylor and beat 21 other suitors in the race.
The brief calm in the alleged lovers’ paradise may have now been ruffled by the controversial video of Taylor and Dakota getting at it, alongside reports of domestic abuse by the TV star. An insider noted that Doug and Taylor still keep in touch, and it cannot be said for sure if their relationship will survive the controversy.
Taylor reportedly joined the show with hopes of finally moving on from Dakota after their on-and-off toxic relationship. However, some sources are claiming that Dakota is not taking her decision to move on via the show in good faith because she would be around so many other guys.
The ABC Star Was Temporarily Barred From Contacting Her Son
Dakota may have seized the advantage of the controversy trailing Taylor because he filed a protective order against the celebrity. According to him, an unpleasant incident that took place in the presence of their son influenced him to take swift action.
In addition to the judge granting his request for a protective order, Dakota also asked that Taylor stay at least 100 feet from him and their son, which the judge equally approved. The reality star’s former partner also got temporary custody of their toddler, meaning Taylor cannot spend any parenting time with the boy.
Consequently, she will not get to see their son until the court hearing on April 7, where she will confront Dakota over his request for sole custody of Ever True Mortensen.
Taylor Frankie Paul Now In The Middle Of An Investigation
Dakota is certainly not done airing his grievances against the reality star just yet, as shared by The Blast. A rep from the police department revealed on March 24 that Dakota had contacted the West Jordan Police Department in February to report another domestic violence incident involving Taylor in 2024.
Dakota’s reports alongside the released video from 2023 have sent authorities on an investigation spree to connect the details and timelines. As for Taylor, the police spokesperson stressed that a statement from her attorney would not suffice for the need actually to hear from the horse’s mouth.
The reality star will reportedly be required to come in and give a written account of events to help investigators validate the dates identified by Dakota. A newly released video from 2023 also showed that Taylor became unstable after consuming alcohol, as Dakota looked concerned for her well-being.
Congratulations to Taylor Frankie Paul!