Taylor Frankie Paul's Unexpected Rise to 'Bachelorette'
On September 10, Taylor Frankie Paul, a prominent figure from 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,' was announced as the lead for season 22 of ABC's 'The Bachelorette.' The announcement, made during an episode of the 'Call Her Daddy' podcast, caught many by surprise given Paul's controversial past and personal life. Her journey from reality TV focused on unique marital dynamics to a mainstream dating show has sparked significant buzz across entertainment circles.
Paul's casting breaks from the traditional mold of 'Bachelorette' leads, as she is a mother of three with a history that includes publicized relationship scandals. This decision by ABC reflects a potential shift towards more unconventional and dramatic personalities to reinvigorate interest in the long-running franchise, which did not air in its usual July slot this year as confirmed by the network back in March.
Joy Behar's Candid Commentary on 'The View'
During the September 12 episode of 'The View,' co-host Joy Behar did not hold back her opinions on Taylor Frankie Paul's new role as the 'Bachelorette.' Behar remarked with a tongue-in-cheek tone that Paul is looking for 'baby daddy number three,' referencing her two previous relationships and the children she has from them. She further noted that Paul has 'a little bit of baggage,' a comment that quickly drew attention for its sharp critique.
Behar's remarks were accompanied by a racy joke about 'soft swinging,' a nod to Paul's past controversies discussed on 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.' The discussion on 'The View' highlighted a mix of humor and skepticism about whether potential suitors would be eager to step into Paul's complex personal life, setting the stage for a polarized public reaction to her casting.
Public and Personal Reactions to the Casting News
The announcement of Taylor Frankie Paul as the 'Bachelorette' has elicited varied responses from fans and those close to her. Her ex, Dakota Mortensen, shared his thoughts in a playful Instagram video on September 11, expressing support while taking a lighthearted jab at her new venture into reality dating. This response indicates a level of amicability despite their past.
Social media platforms, particularly posts found on X, reflect a spectrum of opinions ranging from excitement over the fresh direction for the show to skepticism about Paul's readiness for such a public search for love. As discussions continue to unfold, all eyes will be on how Paul's personal history influences her journey on 'The Bachelorette' and whether she can navigate the challenges Behar so pointedly highlighted.