TMZ.com
A former ‘Bachelorette’ producer is calling BS on the idea that ABC was blindsided by Taylor Frankie Paul’s physical violence allegations involving her ex, Dakota Mortensen … telling us there’s just no way that slipped through the cracks.
We spoke with Michael Carroll on “TMZ Live” Wednesday … and he says back in his day, casting was unbelievably strict — with deep background, medical, and psychological checks on every contestant … adding that anyone with charges like that against her would’ve been an automatic no.
Catch the full clip … ’cause Michael doubles down, telling us current producers were fully aware of who the ‘Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ star was. In his view, this wasn’t a surprise — it was a setup … calling it a publicity grab.
And LBR, with “The Bachelorette” now 24 years in and losing steam against hotter dating shows, Michael says the franchise has been feeling a little stale. So, a shake-up like this? He admits it’s the kind of drama that might actually pull viewers back in — even himself.
As for Taylor, Michael tells us producers will likely try to spin the narrative … making it seem like she needed the show to turn her life around.
As we first reported … Taylor and Dakota Mortensen have been ordered to undergo psychological evaluations following allegations of physical violence — with concerns from the ‘Mormon Wives’ cast already halting production on Season 5.
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