Ex-‘Bachelor’ Star Questions Vetting Process Amid Taylor Frankie Paul Drama

The fallout surrounding “The Bachelorette” continues to intensify, and now, a familiar face from Bachelor Nation is weighing in. Former contestant Jillian Anderson is speaking out after ABC made the shocking decision to pull the upcoming season following the release of a resurfaced video involving Taylor Frankie Paul, raising serious questions about the show’s casting process.

Jillian Anderson Calls Out ABC Vetting After ‘Bachelorette’ Scandal

As controversy swirls, Anderson didn’t hold back when sharing her thoughts on how the situation may have slipped through the cracks.

“As a former Bachelor contestant, I can tell you that ABC thoroughly vets every part of your personal history,” she wrote on X. “Given that [Taylor Frankie] Paul already had a public profile, it’s hard to believe they didn’t know exactly who she was going into this season.”

‘The Bachelorette’ Pulled After Shocking Video Of Taylor Frankie Paul Surfaces

The drama escalated on Thursday, March 19, when TMZ published a 2023 video that allegedly shows Paul throwing chairs at her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen. The clip quickly went viral, prompting ABC to take swift action. “The Bachelorette,” which had been slated to premiere Sunday, March 22, was abruptly pulled from its schedule.

In response to the situation, Disney Entertainment Television released a statement confirming the network’s decision to halt the season.

“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 said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE.

Taylor Frankie Paul Breaks Silence

As scrutiny grows, Paul’s team has shared her side of the story through a statement obtained by PEOPLE.

“Taylor is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security,” her team said. “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.”

“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,” the team continued. “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.”

Investigation And Past Allegations Add Context

The controversy comes amid an ongoing “domestic assault investigation” involving Paul and Mortensen, according to the Draper City Police Department, which confirmed that “allegations have been made in both directions,” and that “contact was made with involved parties on [Feb.] 24 and 25.”

The decision to pull “The Bachelorette” also follows reports that “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” paused production on its fifth season due to “some pretty serious stuff happening regarding [Paul’s] past.”

Paul was previously arrested in 2023 on suspicion of domestic violence after an argument with Mortensen, during which she faced misdemeanor charges, including assault, criminal mischief, and commission of domestic violence in the presence of a child.

Taylor Frankie Paul’s Rep Blasts Ex For ‘Attention-Seeking’ Video Release

Following the release of the video, her spokesperson strongly criticized the timing and context of the footage. “It’s sad to see the latest installment of his never-ending, desperate, attention-seeking, destructive campaign to harm Taylor without any regard for the consequences for their child,” the statement read.

“Releasing an old video, which conveniently omits context, on their son’s birthday is a reprehensible attempt to distract from his own behavior,” they added. “Thankfully, the public has seen this act before and knows who he is, and sadly, many will recognize this pattern of manipulation, both in his actions on the show and from their own experiences.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, you are not alone. Help is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or by visiting thehotline.org. Support is free, confidential, and available 24/7 for anyone in need.