The Shock Bachelorette 2025: Why Taylor Frankie Paul Is The Most Controversial Lead Ever
The question of "who is the next Bachelorette" for the 2025 cycle has been answered with the most unexpected and controversial choice in the history of the franchise. As of today, December 22, 2025, ABC has officially bypassed the traditional pool of fan-favorite runners-up from the most recent season of The Bachelor (Grant Ellis's season) and has announced a lead from outside the Bachelor Nation universe: TikTok influencer and reality star Taylor Frankie Paul.
This unprecedented decision marks a revolutionary shift for the show, signaling a clear move towards higher drama and massive social media engagement. Paul, known for her involvement in a viral "soft-swinging" scandal and her appearances on the Hulu series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, is set to star in Season 22, which is scheduled to premiere in early 2026.
Meet the Next Bachelorette: Taylor Frankie Paul's Shocking Profile
The selection of Taylor Frankie Paul has guaranteed that the upcoming season will be one of the most talked-about in years. She is the first-ever lead to be cast who was not a previous contestant on The Bachelor or The Bachelorette, bringing a new level of pre-existing fame and, critically, controversy to the role.
- Name: Taylor Frankie Paul
- Age: 31 years old
- Hometown/Residence: Salt Lake City, Utah
- Known For: Viral TikTok content (over 4 million followers), #MomTok influencer, and star of the Hulu reality series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
- Claim to Fame/Controversy: In 2022, she became a viral sensation after revealing on TikTok that she and her then-husband were part of a "soft-swinging" group among Mormon couples, leading to her divorce and internet infamy.
- Legal Issues: Paul was arrested in February 2023 following a domestic violence incident with her then-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, and faced charges including assault and child endangerment. The legal saga was widely publicized, adding to her controversial public image.
- Bachelorette Announcement: Officially announced as the new Bachelorette on the Call Her Daddy podcast on September 10.
- Season Premiere: Her season, The Bachelorette Season 22, is anticipated to premiere on March 22, 2026, following a break in the traditional 2025 summer slot.
Paul's background as a mother, a divorced woman, and a figure who has openly navigated a complex and public relationship history is a stark departure from the typical narrative of a Bachelorette lead. Producers are clearly banking on her established audience and her willingness to be open about her dramatic personal life to draw in record viewership.
The New Era: Why Taylor Frankie Paul Is a 'Revolutionary' Choice
The choice of Taylor Frankie Paul is not just an announcement; it’s a strategic pivot for the entire Bachelor franchise. For years, the show has relied on a predictable formula: a heartbroken, well-liked contestant from the most recent season of The Bachelor is given a second chance at love. Paul’s casting shatters this tradition, opening the door for future leads to be selected from any corner of the reality television and social media landscape.
A Shift from Alumna to Influencer
The primary reason for this revolutionary move is simple: ratings and relevancy. While the Bachelor Nation fan base is loyal, the franchise has struggled to capture the attention of younger, wider audiences who are more engaged with platforms like TikTok. Paul brings an immediate, massive, and highly engaged audience of millions of followers—the coveted "MomTok" demographic—directly to ABC.
The 'Soft-Swinging' Scandal and Guaranteed Drama
Paul’s infamous "soft-swinging" scandal and subsequent legal troubles provide an instant, built-in narrative of redemption and a quest for 'real' love. The producers are likely hoping that this controversial background will translate into compelling television, with contestants having to navigate her public history. The show has always thrived on drama, and Paul's past guarantees a level of chaos and intensity that a traditional lead might not provide.
The network is essentially trading the 'girl-next-door' image for a 'scandal-next-door' approach, signaling that the show is willing to embrace more mature, messy, and non-traditional love stories. This is a crucial move to keep the long-running show fresh and unpredictable in a saturated reality TV market.
The Traditional Contenders: Who Could Have Been The Bachelorette 2025?
While the announcement of Taylor Frankie Paul has dominated headlines, it is important to remember the women from the most recent season of The Bachelor (Season 29, starring Grant Ellis) who were the traditional frontrunners. These women are still strong candidates for a future season or a spot on Bachelor in Paradise. The traditional Bachelorette is usually one of the final four contestants, and this season saw a particularly strong group of women who captured the hearts of Bachelor Nation.
1. Dina Lupanco
The most popular pick among traditional fans was Dina Lupanco, a 31-year-old lawyer from Chicago. Dina made it to the final four but was shockingly eliminated after her hometown date. Her intelligence, quick wit, and mature approach to relationships made her a fan favorite, with many viewers believing Grant Ellis made a huge mistake by sending her home. Her strong, professional persona and emotional vulnerability made her a perfect fit for the traditional Bachelorette role, and she remains a top contender for any future spin-off.
2. Litia Garr
Litia Garr, a 31-year-old from Draper, Utah, was one of Grant’s final two contestants and a consistent frontrunner throughout the season. Her deep connection with Grant and her ability to navigate the drama with grace made her a sympathetic figure when she was ultimately not chosen. Litia's journey of heartbreak in the finale is the classic setup for a Bachelorette redemption story, making her a strong backup choice should the Taylor Frankie Paul experiment not succeed.
3. Juliana Pasquarosa
Juliana Pasquarosa, another member of the final four, was known for her bubbly personality and her unique career goals, which included wanting to own a dog-friendly bar. Her elimination was a surprise to many, and her emotional goodbye left the door open for a return. Juliana represents the fun, light-hearted energy that the Bachelorette franchise often seeks in its lead.
4. Zoe McGrady
Rounding out the final four was Zoe McGrady. While less is known about her post-show life, making it to the final four is a significant achievement and automatically puts a contestant on the producers' radar. Zoe's journey provided a different perspective on the dating process and her eventual elimination cemented her as a strong, eligible woman who would have had a compelling story to tell as the lead.
What to Expect from The Bachelorette Season 22
The announcement of Taylor Frankie Paul as the Bachelorette for the 2025 cycle signals a new, more provocative direction for the long-running reality dating show. The season, which has already wrapped filming, promises to be an explosive mix of traditional Bachelor romance and the high-octane drama of a social media reality star.
Fans can expect a season that focuses heavily on Paul's journey of self-discovery, her past controversies, and her search for a genuine connection after a very public, messy divorce and a period of intense scrutiny. The casting of contestants will also be under the microscope, as the men will likely be chosen to match her unique background and ability to handle the spotlight. This season is not just about finding love; it's about reinventing a television institution for the digital age. The premiere in March 2026 will be a must-watch event for both Bachelor Nation loyalists and new viewers drawn in by the viral star.
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