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ABC is reportedly in the midst of urgent discussions about the future of The Bachelorette following recent controversies involving Taylor Frankie Paul.
Credit: Disney/John Fleenor
Taylor has recently been embroiled in allegations of child abuse and an accusation of assaulting her former partner, Dakota Mortenson. These serious claims have reportedly raised concerns within ABC.
According to Rob Shuter’s Substack, network executives are engaged in crisis talks to determine the best course of action in light of these unsettling developments.
This news coincides with Cinnabon’s decision to withdraw its promotional partnership with ABC for The Bachelorette and with Hulu for Taylor’s other show, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. Cinnabon cited “recent developments and allegations” that reportedly conflict with their brand values as the reason for ending their collaboration.
The talks came fresh on the heels of Cinnabon pulling their promotion partnership with ABC for The Bachelorette and Hulu for Taylor’s main gig, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. As for why they canceled their partnership, they stated it was due to “recent developments and allegations” which they don’t feel align with their brand values.
“This has turned into a full-blown crisis,” a network source dished. “There are serious conversations happening about whether the show can move forward as planned.”
An insider explained the situation was spurred by Cinnamon pulling out, noting once sponsors “start running,” it causes the networks to “panic.”
“And that’s exactly what’s happening here,” they continued.
While production on SLOMW was paused in the wake of Taylor’s latest scandal, all eyes are now on The Bachelorette, which is set to premiere on Sunday night at 8 p.m. ET.
“This isn’t just bad press,” the source noted of all of the drama surrounding Taylor, which includes an alleged call to Utah’s Department of Children and Family Services by Dakota, accusing her of abusing their young son.
They added: “It’s a potential brand disaster.”
Although Taylor has denied the allegations and sources close to her insisted Dakota became physical with her during an argument in a car, the insider insisted the network is “in full crisis mode” and “the clock is ticking.”
For now, no final decisions have been made, and it remains to be seen what ABC will do.
A March 16 report from TMZ revealed details of the alleged incident Taylor and Dakota were involved in at his home, during which she allegedly choked Dakota, pulled his necklace off, and grabbed him by the throat and the face all while their son, Ever, was in the room.
While Dakota called the cops, Taylor allegedly talked him into changing his story and apologizing.
The next night, Taylor was back for more, as the pair got into another fight during which she allegedly scratched Dakota’s neck and threw his phone at the wall. A friend who had witnessed his injuries called law enforcement.
Although those close to Taylor have cited Dakota to be the main aggressor, production insiders on SLOWMW claimed Taylor physically abused Dakota and Ever.
The Sun also detailed another alleged domestic violence incident that took place at Taylor’s home on February 23, with an officer stating that police had gone out to her home due to claims of violence.
“There are allegations of violence from him, but it would be fair to say the claims were made from both parties,” the officer shared. “She is alleging other things as well. It’s a complicated one. Very he said, she said.”
No arrests were made during this incident, but police said the investigation remains ongoing and some could be made in the future.