Former “Real Housewives of New York” star Bethenny Frankel has broken her silence on the controversy surrounding Taylor Frankie Paul, “The Bachelorette,” and “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.“
In a new video, Frankel, who has never been one to bite her tongue, seemed to slam Paul and her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, for putting their minor children through a “toxic” cycle.
In her video, Frankel also praised ABC for cancelling Taylor Frankie Paul’s season of “The Bachelorette,” saying that other networks would love to have one of their stars embroiled in a scandal such as this.
Bethenny Frankel Breaks Her Silence On Taylor Frankie Paul Drama
In her video, Frankel, who spent years on reality TV, said there are two villains in the Paul and Mortensen situation and one victim: their minor child, Ever.
“The couple, who are in a toxic, self-fulfilling spiral, have subjected the child to this environment,” she said.
Frankel went on to say that she could understand if someone working four jobs chose to stay in a problematic relationship.
“But in any other situation, there is absolutely no excuse,” she added.
Frankel Comments On ABC Cancelling Taylor Frankie Paul’s Season Of ‘The Bachelorette’
Frankel then spoke about ABC’s decision to cancel the upcoming season of “The Bachelorette,” in which Paul was scheduled to star.
“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 statement said, per The Blast.
Frankel said that ABC did “the right thing” by pulling the show, despite knowing the company could lose over $10 million in revenue.
The “Skinny Girl” founder said in her video that Paul’s situation would be “reality gold” on other networks. “This is reality gold,” she added before saying, “In fact, people are probably contemplating how to get her on their show.”
“So, don’t hate the player, hate the game,” she finished.
Taylor Frankie Paul Appears To Strike, Choke, And Throw Chairs At Her Ex-Boyfriend In Shocking Video
ABC’s decision to cancel Paul’s season of “The Bachelorette” came after a video of her appearing to assault her ex, Mortensen, was shared online.
The clip shows Paul striking Mortensen, pulling his hair, and even throwing two metal chairs at him, one of which hit her daughter.
“This is called physical abuse. This is all you do,” Mortensen said in the video. “It’s the only thing you know how to do is hurt me. You think this is OK? It’s not OK. Holy sh-t.”
Mortensen And Paul Speak Out Following Heavy Week
Through her representative, Paul broke her silence on the situation and thanked ABC for their support.
“After years of silently suffering extensive mental and physical abuse as well as threats of retaliation, Taylor is finally gaining the strength to face her accuser and taking steps to ensure that she and her children are protected from any further harm,” the rep said.
Mortensen called the situation “deeply upsetting” in a statement to PEOPLE. “I am, unfortunately, used to these baseless claims about me and our relationship, which I categorically deny. I am focusing on our son and his safety, and hope that Taylor will do the same,” he continued.
‘Bachelorette’ Conestants Told Contracts Would Remain In Place For A Year
According to a previous report from The Blast, ABC met with the majority of the men who filmed Paul’s season of “The Bachelorette” to inform them that their contracts would remain in place for at least a year.
“All of the men were on the call with Warner Bros. except for the winner,” a source close to the show said. “The lawyers told them all their contracts will be in place for a year.”
The source shared that while the men’s season will not air on television, they will still be considered for future opportunities with the show and network, including “Bachelor in Paradise.”
TMZ recently reported that some of the contestants are considering a lawsuit against the network over its sudden decision to pull the show.
An insider told the outlet that some of the men uprooted their lives to film with the hope of gaining notoriety. Additionally, the source claimed some of the men believe ABC and Warner Bros placed them in harm’s way by filming with Paul, who has been arrested and charged with felony assault in the past.