Bethenny Frankel Describes Bachelorette Drama as a ‘Moment of Reckoning’
Bethenny Frankel has chimed in following ABC’s cancellation of Taylor Frankie Paul’s season of The Bachelorette due to domestic violence allegations.
“It doesn’t make any sense because they were aware of her history with domestic violence, and evidently, they cast her as the first contestant outside of Bachelor Nation,” Bethenny, 55, stated in an Instagram video shared on Thursday, March 19. This comment references ABC’s decision to halt season 22 of the dating series after Taylor, 31, was reportedly involved in a domestic dispute with ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen at the end of February.
Bethenny expressed that the network intentionally selected Taylor because “they sought the controversy and the redemption.”
In the video, the alum from The Real Housewives of New York City highlighted that it was only after a viral 2023 video of Taylor throwing chairs at Dakota, 33, surfaced earlier this week that ABC seemed to reassess its decision. (The incident in 2023 resulted in Taylor’s arrest.)
“A picture conveys a thousand words, and audio does too, but why cast someone who’s had prior involvement in domestic violence?” Bethenny questioned.
She went on to comment on reality TV’s persistent tendency to sensationalize messiness in every show.
“Reality television depends on conflict, negativity, substance abuse, physical abuse, bankruptcy, DUIs, and incarcerations,” Bethenny asserted.
She continued, “Whenever people ask, ‘What happened to the reality reckoning?’ I respond that it’s ongoing. I hear about it all the time.”
Bethenny suggested that Taylor’s alleged domestic violence issues might merely scratch the surface of why The Bachelorette was canceled.
“A whole season doesn’t get axed without a significant amount of underlying issues,” she claimed. “The reality reckoning is very real and ongoing, as there are many legal matters you may not be aware of.”
She also mentioned that crew members on The Bachelorette could be crucial in uncovering the true events behind the scenes.
“The crew members are the ones who truly witnessed everything, yet they were kept silent,” Bethenny noted. “They observe the aftermath for the crews. Mark my words. You’re welcome.”
Us Weekly has reached out to ABC for comment.
Bethenny’s remarks come after reports surfaced on Monday, March 16, that Taylor and Dakota were allegedly involved in a domestic dispute, causing a pause in production for season 5 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
A representative from the Draper City Police Department in Utah confirmed to Us at that time that an open “domestic assault investigation” is ongoing involving the former couple, who have a two-year-old son, Ever. Authorities noted that “allegations have surfaced from both sides” and “contact was made with those involved on [February] 24th and 25th.”
Despite the scandal, Taylor continued promoting season 22 of The Bachelorette, which was initially slated to premiere on Sunday, March 22.
Shortly thereafter, TMZ published a 2023 video showing Taylor and Dakota arguing while one of her children could be heard crying in the background. (Taylor is also a mother to daughter Indy, 8, and son Ocean, 5, whom she shares with ex-husband Tate Paul.)
After the video gained traction, a source revealed to Us on Thursday that Dakota filed for a protective order against Taylor in Utah. That same day, ABC officially canceled Taylor’s season of The Bachelorette.
“ABC is furious about the situation,” a source exclusively told Us. “Taylor breached her contract, and they are conducting an internal investigation.”
Taylor, for her part, expressed gratitude on Thursday, thanking ABC for their “support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security.”
“After enduring years of substantial mental and physical abuse along with threats of retaliation, Taylor is finally finding the strength to confront her accuser and is taking steps to ensure that she and her kids are protected from any further harm,” a representative for Taylor conveyed to Us.
If you or someone you know is facing domestic violence, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.
