Overview

• ABC confirmed on Sept. 10 that Taylor Frankie Paul will lead The Bachelorette season 22, with the season slated to air in 2026.
• On The View, Joy Behar mocked Paul’s family situation after a clip from Call Her Daddy, while co-hosts noted her authenticity and the franchise’s unusual choice of a non–Bachelor Nation lead.
• Some longtime viewers announced boycotts on social media, with critics citing Paul’s past, including a 2023 domestic violence arrest reported at the time.
• Paul told Call Her Daddy she had not informed ex Dakota Mortensen of her casting and raised concerns about managing co‑parenting and lengthy filming.
• Mortensen responded with a playful “audition” video for The Bachelor and wrote that he hopes Paul finds happiness.