ABC Sparks Controversy: Miranda Named Next Bachelorette After Taylor Frankie Paul 🌹👀

On Monday, March 16, a spokesperson for the Draper City Police Department confirmed to PEOPLE that there is an open “domestic assault investigation” regarding Paul and Mortensen.

The spokesperson confirmed “allegations have been made in both directions” and “contact was made with involved parties on [Feb] 24th and 25th.” The spokesperson declined to share more amid the ongoing investigation.

Taylor and Hope shared their statements one day after ABC canceled Paul’s season of The Bachelorette three days before it was set to premiere. On Thursday, March 19, a Disney Entertainment Television spokesperson issued a statement announcing the cancellation of the show’s 22nd season after a 2023 video showed Paul throwing chairs at Mortensen.

“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,” the spokesperson said.

In a move that has sent shockwaves through Bachelor Nation, ABC has officially named Miranda as the next Bachelorette—just weeks after the network quietly distanced itself from Taylor Frankie Paul following a whirlwind of scandals.

The announcement, intended to stabilize the franchise, has instead ignited a firestorm online, with fans divided and speculation spiraling out of control.

For months, Taylor Frankie Paul dominated headlines for all the wrong reasons. From explosive allegations to behind-the-scenes turmoil, insiders claim the situation became “untenable” for producers.

While ABC has yet to release a detailed statement addressing Taylor’s abrupt exit, multiple sources suggest the decision was made after “intense internal discussions” and growing concerns over the show’s reputation.

Enter Miranda—a relatively lesser-known figure who now finds herself thrust into the spotlight under highly controversial circumstances.

According to insiders, Miranda was not originally the network’s first choice. “This was a last-minute pivot,” one production source revealed. “They needed someone who could step in quickly, handle the pressure, and shift the narrative away from the chaos surrounding Taylor.”

But the gamble may already be backfiring.

Social media erupted within minutes of the announcement, with some fans accusing ABC of “damage control” rather than transparency.

Others questioned Miranda’s sudden rise, demanding to know what really happened behind closed doors. “It feels rushed,” one viewer wrote. “Like they’re trying to make us forget everything that just happened.”

Still, not all reactions have been negative. A growing segment of fans is cautiously optimistic, arguing that Miranda deserves a fair chance to redefine the season. “Every lead starts somewhere,” another fan posted. “Maybe she’ll surprise us.”

Meanwhile, rumors continue to swirl about Taylor Frankie Paul’s future. Will she break her silence? Is there more to the story than ABC is letting on? And could this controversy permanently reshape the future of the franchise?

One thing is certain: this season hasn’t even begun, and the drama is already impossible to ignore.