Bachelor Alum Sydney Warner Blasts Bachelorette Casting Choice
Sydney Warner, who competed on The Bachelor in 2020, has launched a scathing critique of the franchise's decision to cast The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Taylor Frankie Paul as the next lead of The Bachelorette. Paul, aged 31, is set to star in the upcoming season where multiple men will vie for her affection, but Warner's comments highlight deep concerns over the selection.
Warner's Moral Outrage Over Casting
Warner, formerly known as Sydney Hightower during her time on Peter "Pilot Pete" Weber's season, took to her Instagram Stories this past Sunday to express her dismay. She posted a scene from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives showing Paul's co-stars giving her a send-off for The Bachelorette filming. In her post, Warner condemned what she perceived as "disrespect" towards the male contestants who have put their lives on hold for the show.
"What has happened to morals and values?" Warner demanded, arguing that for ABC "to cast someone like this just to get views is beyond me." She described the development as "so upsetting," noting her personal connection to the franchise: "I am a result of being on The Bachelor, I owe a lot to that franchise."
Warner contended that The Bachelor was once highly respected due to its standards for contestants, calling it "one of the most iconic shows of all time." She emphasised the honour of being cast, let alone as the lead, stating it was "life changing." After criticising Paul for her "horrible" disregard for the opportunity, Warner snapped: "I know this is a dying franchise but why not let the show die out with class and dignity and not stoop down & claw and scrape just to get views. I feel so bad for those guys."
Background and Personal Life of Warner
Warner, who competed unsuccessfully for Weber's hand in 2020, has since married NFL player Fred Warner and now has two children. Her unfiltered remarks came just one day before reports emerged that filming on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has been paused amid a domestic assault investigation involving Paul and her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen.
Domestic Assault Investigation Pauses Production
Production of season five of the Hulu show has reportedly been put on hiatus due to "serious" issues related to Paul. A source told People that filming is halted until matters resolve, with the Draper City Police Department confirming an open domestic assault investigation into Paul and Mortensen. Allegations have been made in both directions, with contact made on February 24 and 25.
While a source told Variety the hiatus is temporary and expected to resume soon, unlikely to impact the release date, an insider alleged to Us Weekly that Paul's co-stars are "terrified to film with Taylor right now," describing production as "shut down" and the women seeing her as a "major liability." Paul and Mortensen have reportedly been ordered to undergo psych evaluations, according to TMZ.
Paul's Troubled History and Legal Issues
Paul and Mortensen share a one-year-old son, Ever, and Paul has two other children from a previous marriage. Mortensen has reportedly contacted child services multiple times, alleging physical abuse towards Ever, which Paul denies. An argument between the couple turned physical late last month during a car ride, with conflicting accounts of who initiated the violence.
This is not Paul's first legal trouble. In 2023, she was arrested for domestic violence after allegedly throwing chairs at Mortensen, accidentally hitting her five-year-old daughter Indy in the head. Paul pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, a third-degree felony, with other charges dismissed as part of a deal requiring counseling and evaluations.
In a TikTok reflection, Paul stated, "I don't owe anyone an explanation besides the people involved," adding that hitting rock bottom helped her seek help. Police bodycam footage from the arrest revealed Paul allegedly flew into a rage after Mortensen refused to take her to a concert due to her intoxication, with charges upgraded after video evidence showed the chair hitting Indy.
Paul's Rise to Fame and Future Implications
Paul rose to fame after a "soft-swinging" scandal involving Utah couples, which led to the creation of her Hulu show. It remains unclear how the new investigation will affect The Bachelorette, though Variety reports the release schedule and press tour will not be impacted. Warner concluded her critique by saying, "Seriously this is hard to watch someone completely not care about something so prestigious that so many girls would do anything to be given. What is going on???" highlighting the ongoing controversy surrounding Paul's casting.
