Scrapped Bachelorette contestants eyed for bachelor in paradise after Taylor Frankie Paul season axed

Reportedly, several of the 22 male contestants from The Bachelorette‘s cancelled 22nd season could be appearing on this summer’s Bachelor in Paradiseaccording to TMZ, following Taylor Frankie Paul’s sudden termination as lead of the season just days before its March 22, 2026, premiere.

Paul was the star set to lead the 22nd season of The Bachelorette, but ABC postponed it just days before its scheduled premiere due to an incident of violence that had occurred between her and her ex-husband, Dakota Mortensen, one of the contestants on season 22 of The Bachelorette. A previously unreleased video was revealed recently by TMZ from July 2023, where Paul was shown hitting Mortensen in front of her 4-year-old daughter during their domestic dispute. Paul was sentenced for her role in that incident when she pleaded guilty to a charge of aggravated assault against Mortensen.

An emergency Zoom call was conducted on Thursday with all 22 contestants, which was described as a “seminar” for them to provide emotional and psychological support related to their cancellation. Sources from that Zoom call reported to TMZ that ABC executives explained to contestants the ramifications of the cancellation, reiterated that their 1-year contracts for the show remain in effect, reminded all 22 contestants not to speak to the media, and indicated that some of these contestants might have an opportunity to join Bachelor in Paradise and continue to receive exposure on television. However, it is not known how many or which contestants have the chance to be on Bachelor in Paradise, but this will allow the contestants to get their reality TV exposure in front of the audience after a sudden cancellation.

The 2026 casting nominations were announced in February and consisted of a broad-based cast of characters to include cowboy Brad Ledford (who is tied to former politician Madison Cawthorn due to an auto accident), original artist Clayton Johnson (Lana Del Rey’s ex-fiancée), and many others from various fields. The cancellation of the show has significant ramifications on multiple levels, including delayed filming on Paul’s Mormon Wives series, and raised questions about the vetting procedures for ABC.

Currently, Bachelor in Paradise (the beach-themed sibling to the original franchise where bachelor/bachelorette alums look for love) does not have any confirmed information regarding the 2026 season, so this news could be a lifeboat for the rejected suitors. Many fans speculate that one of the outcomes of this news will be brand new drama for the contestants, as this cancellation creates pure shrieking opportunities at the beach, where previously the contestants expected to experience a wonderful season.