The controversy around Taylor Frankie Paul‘s video canceling “The Bachelorette” is an example of how people in the public eye need to be held responsible for their actions.
Paul is a Utah influencer who stars in the reality show “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.” After season 4 aired, a video of her fighting with her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, surfaced on the internet right before her season of “The Bachelorette” was supposed to air. In the video, Paul was seen throwing barstools at Mortensen.
Paul was charged with domestic violence and aggravated assault March 2023. Later that year in August, Paul entered a plea in abeyance, which required her to get evaluations, complete recommended treatments and not violate any laws above a traffic violation. Paul should’ve faced a more severe consequence than a plea in abeyance, especially after seeing the released video.
After this, Paul still continued to have a platform with “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.” The controversy is not shocking since the pilot episode consists of her getting arrested. It’s just shocking the extent to which the altercation involved her daughter.
Paul always produced controversy and drama during the “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” and off the show on social media. Even before the video of the altercation surfaced online, Paul was already in hot water after season 4 premiered and viewers saw her self-destructive tendencies. The night before she left for “The Bachelorette,” Paul slept with Mortensen, potentially ruining the opportunity she was given to be the bachelorette.
Paul and Mortensen equally create a bad cycle. There’s toxicity on both sides, but they can’t stay away from each other. Of course all forms of abuse are terrible, whether it’s emotional or physical. No one deserves either, but when clear evidence comes out, people should be held accountable and punished.
Just because someone is famous doesn’t mean they should get a pass. Everyone should be held equally accountable, but that’s something the justice system is flawed with.
People in the public eye shouldn’t have leeway when it comes to laws and regulations. They should always be held accountable as much as anyone else.
There are so many people in the public eye who have committed crimes, whether it’s actors, musicians or politicians. Why do people with fame go unscathed when ordinary people have to face the consequences of their actions?
ABC needs to be careful in a situation like this because it can negatively affect its reputation. Airing Paul’s season can make it seem like they’re promoting her behavior. Yes, the company has lost money from deciding not to air the season, but in the long run, it could affect their overall image and cause them to lose viewers. ABC even faced backlash for picking Paul to be the bachelorette in September 2025.
On March 13, Paul made a post on Instagram talking about how hard it is to be in the public eye. In the post Paul mentioned how she hopes to help people by sharing her story. Someone like Paul should not be a role model for others after the track record she has had these past few years. This type of behavior shouldn’t be glorified or aimed for by others.
Paul starring in “The Bachelorette” would’ve received mixed opinions whether the season aired or not. With controversy comes consequences, and more people in the public eye should deserve the same treatment as anyone else convicted of assault.
