'Bachelorette' scandal highlights the trouble with 'toxic' casting

Key Points:

• Police in West Jordan, Utah, are conducting a third investigation into alleged domestic violence involving Taylor Frankie Paul, who was set to star in the latest season of "The Bachelorette," following a 2024 incident with her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen.
• ABC decided not to air new episodes after video surfaced of Paul throwing bar stools at Mortensen; Paul previously appeared on Hulu's "Secret Lives Of Mormon Wives," where police involvement was also documented.
• NPR critic Eric Deggans noted that ABC took a risk casting Paul due to her social media fan base and crossover from a related Disney-owned platform, but the decision backfired given her turbulent personal history.
• Deggans highlighted a broader issue with reality TV shows often exploiting individuals with personal scandals for drama, which can clash with franchises like "The Bachelorette" that traditionally focus on romance.
• It remains unlikely ABC will air the episodes until police investigations conclude, despite potential financial losses, prompting calls for producers to reconsider casting choices involving individuals with serious personal issues.