Taylor Frankie Paul’s Bachelorette Winner Speaks Out as Her Contestants Call Her Season a ‘Waste of Time’—’So F— Pissed’

Taylor Frankie Paul‘s Bachelorette winner has spoken out after her season was cancelled following her domestic assault regarding her and her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, who is also the father of her 2-year-old son, Ever True.

Taylor was announced as the Season 22 Bachelorette in September 2025. She finished filming her season in January, with Season 22 set to premiere on March 22, 2026. Three days before her season was set to air, however, ABC announced that they had cancelled the season due to a leaked 2023 video of Taylor hitting and throwing chairs at Dakota, while her daughter, Indy, was nearby. The incident led to Taylor’s 2023 arrest for domestic violence following an argument with Dakota. She faced misdemeanor charges of assault, criminal mischief, and commission of domestic violence in prescence of a child. IT’s also reported that she faced child abuse charges for the chair that she was accused of throwing at Mortensen that also allegedly hit her daughter. “This is called physical abuse,” Dakota said in the video. He added, “Your daughter just got hit in the head by a metal chair.”

Fast forward to February 2026, and Taylor and Dakota were involved in another domestic violence investigation. A spokesperson for Draper City Police Department confirmed at the time that there was an open “domestic assault investigation” regarding Taylor and Dakota. The spokesperson confirmed “allegations have been made in both directions” and “contact was made with involved parties on [Feb] 24 and 25.” Sources told TMZ that, during the 2026 altercation, Taylor choked Dakota and ripped his necklace from him. The incident also allegedly occured while Ever was in the room.

The investigation and leak of the 2023 video ultimately led ABC to cancel Taylor’s Bachelorette season. “In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of The Bachelorette at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family.” The premiere of season 22 was set for Sunday, March 22,” a Disney Entertainment Television spokesperson said. But what happened with Taylor’s Bachelorette winner and where does the rest of her cast stand?

Who did Taylor Frankie Paul pick on The Bachelorette Season 22?

Taylor picked Doug Mason, a 28-year-old Ocean Lifeguard from Hailey, Idaho, as her winner for The Bachelorette Season 22, according to Reality Steve. Taylor and Doug got engaged in The Bachelorette Season 22 finale; however, they split a month after their engagement due to Taylor’s feelings for her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen, who’s also the father of her son, Ever.

“Since filming ended, Taylor and Doug have broken up. And yes, it’s because of Dakota,” Reality Steve wrote. “As pretty much everyone had been saying since the second she was announced as the ‘Bachelorette,’ Taylor was never over Dakota. And it was just revealed to the public in ep10 of Secret Lives, that she slept with Dakoa the night before leaving for filming.”

He continued, “Doug flew to Utah about a month after the engagement (in January I’m told), and Taylor ended it. The reasons behind it? I guess we’ll find out when it airs, but if Taylor says it’s anything other than Dakota, she’s not being honest with herself or the audience. So any TikToks or teases she does on social media is just to promote her season. She is not with Doug anymore. Nor, is she with Dakota. She just can’t seem to move on from him.”

Reality Steve concluded his post, “We’ll hear their sides on finale night I’m sure. And then we’ll see how it all played out when season 5 of Secret Lives comes out in the fall. Because – corporate synergy. So yes, exactly what everyone predicted would happen before this season even started filming exactly what ended up happening. No one shoul be surprised this was the ultimate outcome.” Of course, fans won’t see what went down between Taylor and Dakota as ABC cancelled her Bachelorette season from airing and The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 5 was put on pause in the middle of filming.

Doug’s response to Taylor’s Bachelorette cancellation

While Bachelor Nation fans will never see the breakup between Taylor and Doug air on The Bachelorette, Doug released a statement on Season 22’s cancellation in an Instagram Video on March 20. “Yo, good morning everybody,” Doug said. “In light of everything that’s happened, I’m just sending out prayers to Taylor because that was her moment and her moment was blocked. So all we can do right now is be hopeful. And I’m headed off to run to watch the sunrise. Hope you guys have a great day, let’s stay positive and show nothing but support for people in need. Cheers.”

Taylor, for her part, reacted to Doug’s statement in a comment of a fan who re-shared the video. “Aw my heart goes out to him. So sweet,” she wrote.

Taylor’s other Bachelorette contestants’ response to Season 22’s cancellation

While Doug had grace for Taylor, the same couldn’t be said for the rest of her Bachelorette cast. An anonymous contestant criticized Taylor in an interview with E! News. “Part of me is just so fucking pissed,” the contestant said. “We all gave up so much to go do this. We all came in with open hearts. We treated her kindly and respectfully and gave her a second chance.”

The contestant continued, “[We] tried to let her turn over a new leaf and we all believed her when she said she did. Obviously, the way she acted and the way she treated all of us in hindsight is just a waste of time, a waste of energy, a waste of emotional intelligence.”

None of Taylor’s contestants have yet to criticize her publicly, however. “I’m doing okay. Hope to share more soon,” Malik Evans wrote in a post on his Instagram Stories. “Thank you to everyone who has reached out.”

Brandon Perce simply shared a blank white photo with “…” written over it on his Instagram Story, while Matthew Carroll reposted a video from the IndyStar, which confirmed the show’s cancellation. “On pause for now,” he wrote over the video. “Thank you for everyone’s support and thoughtful messages.”

Johnnie LaRossa shared his reaction to the news in his own Instagram Story statement. “Appreciate everyone reaching out. Grateful for the experience,” he wrote. He also gave a shoutout to the 21 other men he met during 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!”

Clayton Johnson wrote in his own post, “I can honestly say this was one of the best groups of men I’ve ever been around.” He continued, “So much integrity, respect and heart across the board. Even the tough moments never took away from that. Any woman would be lucky to be with any of these guys.”

Who was Doug from Taylor’s Bachelorette season?

Read Doug’s full biography and fun facts from ABC below.

“Doug knows how to ride the waves of life, literally. As an ocean lifeguard and avid surfer, he’s ready to dive headfirst into this journey with Taylor. When he’s not at the beach, Doug enjoys watching “Friends,” cheering on the Lakers, and spending quality time with his sister. He’s incredibly close with his family and hopes to have a big family of his own someday. At his core, Doug is passionate about helping others and has dedicated his life to keeping people safe. Just as sweet as he is handsome, we can’t wait to see if sparks fly when Doug meets our Bachelorette.

• Doug can ride a unicycle.
• Doug wants to learn guitar so he can serenade someone.
• Doug’s love language is great banter.”