Bachelorette executives are not happy with Taylor Frankie Paul!
The 31-year-old reality star is not only in trouble with her fans but with the higher-ups over on the ABC dating show, all because of her alleged domestic dispute with her ex-boyfriend and baby daddy, Dakota Mortensen, last month, which also shut down production for the fifth season of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. There are conflicting reports on what exactly happened, and law enforcement hasn’t confirmed any details. However, sources for Taylor claim Dakota was the primary aggressor during a heated argument in the car over a spilled drink. She also vehemently denied the accusations that she physically abused their almost 2-year-old son, Ever.
Related: If Taylor Wants To Film With Mormon Wives Again This Is What She Should Do!
Meanwhile, Dakota claims she physically abused him multiple times, even choking him while arguing at his home. She allegedly also has been abusive for a while, which Mormon Wives producers, as well as network execs, reportedly knew about but hid from viewers.
The fallout from the reports has been massive, with brands pulling deals. Fans are even demanding her Bachelorette season, which begins on Sunday, be pulled off the air, and are planning to boycott if it’s not. However, the network is continuing with the show despite everything going on (at least, for now).
ABC is now reportedly bracing for the worst to happen once the series starts again in a few days and determining whether to punish Taylor financially for breaching her contract! Uh oh!
A production source explained to The US Sun on Wednesday:
“She’s in hot water for many reasons but more than any because this is a potential breach of conduct in the contract that she signed.”
As the insider pointed out, the contract normally would include several behavioral clauses, such as stating that any legal troubles or violent behavior will not be tolerated. Because of the allegations against Taylor, they may now withhold any future payments:
“She is representing a long running franchise and multi-billion dollar media conglomerate. Of course there are ethics and standards she’s expected to uphold. At the end of the day, she could potentially be financially liable. They most likely won’t take her to court though. What they will most likely do, if anything, is withhold future payments she’s owed.”
The Bachelor and the Bachelorette get compensation for leading the show but not in a single upfront payment. Taylor hasn’t received her full check, and she may never see it now:
“The Bachelorette’s usually get a lump sum upfront and then various payments throughout the season, with the final one being given after the finale airs. So she has not been fully paid up front and at this point it’s unlikely she’ll get the full payment.”
Yikes…
While fans may feel the correct punishment would be pulling her season, that is not possible for the network at this point! Sources said it would inevitably cost them a fortune if they didn’t air Taylor’s episodes:
“As of right now the show is still moving forward because it would cost them millions upon millions of dollars to shelve it. Even if it will still cost them to air it, it will be a lot pricier to not air it at all. They don’t have a plan B, this is unprecedented to have the lead screw up this royally so there’s no backup plan.”
Execs are understandably pissed at Taylor at the moment because she is further hurting their already lackluster reputation. Not only that, she potentially spoiled the ending of her season. The source continued:
“They’re furious with Taylor. Not only for the bad look, but it’s also clear she doesn’t get her happily ever after since she’s still having issues with Dakota so it’s a complete mess.”
Hey, they knew the risk of casting Taylor with her history! Dakota allegedly even warned them! Following recent events, Bachelorette execs are ultimately having regrets:
“If they could hit a redo button and have never had come into contact with Taylor Frankie Paul, they absolutely would do that. Many feel this is the last nail in the coffin for the already dying franchise.”
ABC is now working overtime to figure out how to handle this unprecedented situation. The insider claimed execs have been in emergency meetings all week, saying:
“ABC is in full crisis mode, this is worst case scenario and has completely blindsided the network on every level. The higher up execs are furious. There’s been crisis meetings all day, some Taylor has been a part of but some she was not invited to. This is already hurting the bottom line and at the end of the day, that’s all they care about. If ratings are down, it will cost them a fortune. Advertisers are already pulling out which is costly.”
But the worst part for the network? Her scandal may very well mean the end of the Bachelor franchise:
“Not only is this a bad look, it’s downright mortifying. What an embarrassing stain on this franchise. They took a big swing with someone they never should’ve given a chance. They welcomed the chaos and the trendiness of having a Mormon Wife. Their decision may very well lead to the end of the franchise.”
Wow. After all these years, they may have given their final rose out! Damn. But how can they continue the series following this failed revival attempt? Would anyone want them to? What do YOU think, Perezcious readers? Sound OFF in the comments (below)!
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Consider calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233, or text START to 88788, or go to https://www.thehotline.org/.
[Image via Hulu/Bachelor Nation on ABC/YouTube]
