Golden Bachelor Mel Owens is weighing in on the cancellation of Taylor Frankie Paul’s canceled season 22 of The Bachelorette.
“I think it’s unfortunate she was put in that position where she had to defend herself the entire time but she’s the one that had the allegations and the domestic violence against her. To put her as the lead, what did you think was going to happen with all these allegations?” Mel, 67, said in a TikTok on Saturday, March 21.
Mel went on to note that the Bachelor franchise is “great” if it is “done right,” while Peg Munson noted that the method “worked” for their relationship. (Mel ended his season 1 of The Golden Bachelor by giving Peg a commitment ring.)
“I think the Bachelor should keep going on with the old formula that they have because it works. Don’t try to put a new mix into something that’s iconic. You just keep with the same formula. I know they are looking for different things and trying to stay of age, but still,” Mel said, before noting that The Bachelor is a “great” franchise.
He continued, “I think it works. I think it will always work. It may be old fashioned, but that’s OK. That’s OK. You just got to get the right formula. You know, you have the formula. … For the show, the way it’s set up, the formula has worked for 20, 25 years. To go outside of that formula, it’s going to be problematic.”
The post comes days after news broke that Taylor and ex Dakota Mortensen were involved in an alleged domestic violence incident leading to season 5 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives halting production. A spokesperson for the Draper City Police Department in Utah confirmed to Us Weekly at the time that there was an open “domestic assault investigation” concerning Taylor and Dakota, noting that allegations were “made in both directions.”
TMZ later released footage on Thursday, March 19, of Taylor physically assaulting and throwing multiple chairs at Dakota in a 2023 incident, which led to her arrest. At the time, she was charged with aggravated assault, two counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child, child abuse with injury and criminal mischief after the incident. Taylor ultimately pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, while the other four charges were dismissed with prejudice. She later reached a plea deal.
A rep for Taylor addressed the footage, calling the act “reprehensible.” Hours later, ABC decided to cancel Taylor’s season.
Taylor Frankie Paul has broken her silence following the cancellation of The Bachelorette season 22. “Taylor is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security,” a rep for Taylor, 31, said in a statement to Us Weekly on Thursday, March 19. “After years of silently suffering extensive mental and physical […]
“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,” a Disney Entertainment Television spokesperson told Us in a statement.
A rep for Taylor told Us in a statement that she “is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security.”
“After years of silently suffering extensive mental and physical abuse as well as threats of retaliation, Taylor is finally gaining the strength to face her accuser and taking steps to ensure that she and her children are protected from any further harm,” the rep said.
The statement continued, “There are too many women who are suffering in silence as they survive aggressive, jealous ex-partners who refuse to let them move on with their lives. Taylor has remained silent out of fear of further abuse, retaliation, and public shaming. She is currently exploring all of her options, seeking support, and preparing to own and share her story.”
Dakota, for his part, addressed the footage in a statement later that day.
“As anyone who has seen the video will understand, this is a deeply upsetting situation,” Dakota said at the time. “I am, unfortunately, used to these baseless claims about me and our relationship, which I categorically deny. I am focusing on our son and his safety, and hope that Taylor will do the same.”
Dakota has since been granted a temporary protective order against Taylor, per documents obtained by Us. He was also given temporary custody of their son Ever, 2. (Taylor is also mom to daughter Indy, 8, and son Ocean, 5, whom she shares with ex-husband Tate Paul.)
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.