The Shocking New Bachelorette 2025: 5 Reasons Taylor Frankie Paul’s Casting Will Change Bachelor Nation Forever

The search for the new Bachelorette 2025 is officially over, and the announcement has sent shockwaves through Bachelor Nation. As of December 2025, ABC has broken a long-standing franchise tradition by selecting a lead who has never appeared on *The Bachelor* or *Bachelor in Paradise*: controversial TikTok influencer and reality TV star, Taylor Frankie Paul. This revolutionary casting decision for Season 22 of *The Bachelorette* signals a dramatic shift, trading the usual safe, fan-favorite runner-up for a woman with a deeply public and tumultuous past, promising a season of unprecedented drama and conversation. The selection of a non-franchise star is a calculated risk by the network, aiming to inject fresh, high-stakes energy and massive social media buzz into the long-running series. Taylor Frankie Paul, known for her candidness about her "soft-swinging scandal" and her life on the Hulu series *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives*, brings a level of real-world celebrity and baggage that no previous lead has carried, setting the stage for what could be the most-watched and most-debated season in the show's history.

The Unfiltered Life of Taylor Frankie Paul: A Full Biography

Taylor Frankie Paul is not a typical *Bachelorette* lead. She is a powerhouse social media personality whose life, controversies, and relationships have been intensely public for years, making her one of the most polarizing figures chosen for the role.

• Full Name: Taylor Frankie Paul
• Age: Early 30s (Confirmed age varies, generally cited as 31 at the time of the announcement)
• Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah
• Profession: Social Media Influencer (MomTok Star), Reality Television Personality
• Known For: Her candid TikTok content, being a central figure in the "Soft-Swinging Scandal," and starring in the Hulu reality series *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives*.
• Marital Status: Divorced from ex-husband Tate Paul.
• Children: A mother of two, co-parenting with her ex-husband.
• Previous Relationships: Her highly publicized relationships and breakups, including her former partner Dakota Mortensen, have been a constant source of media attention.
• Controversies: The "Soft-Swinging Scandal" (2022) and subsequent domestic violence and child endangerment charges (2023), which she has publicly addressed as part of her journey toward healing and sobriety.
• Bachelorette Season: Season 22 (Scheduled to air in 2025).

Paul's journey from a popular 'MomTok' creator to a reality TV star was catapulted by a sensational 2022 revelation. She publicly disclosed that she and her then-husband, Tate Paul, were involved in a "soft-swinging" arrangement within their close-knit Mormon community. This disclosure, which she shared on TikTok, instantly went viral, leading to the dissolution of three marriages and cementing her status as a figure unafraid of controversy or oversharing.

The Scandal That Rocked MomTok: Soft-Swinging and Public Fallout

The core of Taylor Frankie Paul’s public persona is her willingness to lay bare the most intimate and controversial aspects of her life, a trait that makes her a uniquely compelling choice for *The Bachelorette* 2025.

The Soft-Swinging Revelation

In mid-2022, Paul became a viral sensation after revealing the details of her open marriage arrangement. She explained the rules of "soft-swinging," which generally involves kissing and cuddling with other couples, but not full intercourse. However, Paul admitted to pushing the boundaries of the agreement, leading to a massive public fallout. This event not only ended her marriage but also created a media frenzy around the hidden lives within the clean-cut Mormon influencer community.

Her openness about the scandal—the emotional toll, the community ostracization, and the subsequent divorce—resonated with millions, proving her ability to generate massive viewership and engagement, which is exactly what ABC is banking on.

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The Legal Troubles and Path to Healing

The controversy surrounding Paul did not end with the swinging scandal. In 2023, she faced serious legal issues, including charges of domestic violence and child endangerment stemming from an incident involving her former partner. While the legal process has been ongoing and complex, Paul has used her platform to discuss her struggles with mental health, addiction, and her commitment to sobriety and co-parenting. This deeply personal and often dark narrative offers a stark contrast to the typical fairy-tale backdrop of the show.

Her inclusion as the lead is seen by some as a revolutionary move, as she is a single mother with a "checkered past" who has achieved unique financial success and is now openly seeking a second chance at love on a massive stage.

Why ABC Chose Controversy: Breaking the Bachelorette Mold

The decision to choose Taylor Frankie Paul as the lead for *The Bachelorette* Season 22 is a clear, calculated strategy to revitalize the franchise. It marks the first time in the show's history that a lead has been selected from outside the traditional pool of recent *Bachelor* contestants, like those from Grant Ellis's season (Season 29).

1. Unprecedented Star Power and Buzz

Taylor Frankie Paul has a massive, built-in audience of millions across TikTok and Instagram. Her announcement, which was strategically made on the highly popular *Call Her Daddy* podcast, immediately generated more buzz and media coverage than a traditional announcement ever could. ABC is prioritizing proven social media star power over traditional reality TV vetting, ensuring huge ratings and online debate.

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2. The "Real World" Narrative

The show is moving away from the polished, often criticized, image of perfect, young contestants. Paul is a divorced, single mother who has openly battled addiction and navigated public scandal. This background gives her a "real-world" relatability and a compelling narrative of redemption that viewers can invest in. Her journey to find love is framed not as a continuation of a reality show arc, but as a genuine, high-stakes second chance.

3. A Challenge to Franchise Tradition

For years, fans have predicted the next Bachelorette from the pool of fan favorites from the most recent *Bachelor* season. Names like Maria Georgas and Daisy Kent were often mentioned as likely contenders from Season 28. By choosing Paul, ABC signals that the old rules no longer apply. This move is designed to shock viewers and prove that the show is willing to take risks to stay relevant in an ever-changing reality television landscape. Her casting is a deliberate attempt to blow up the traditional format and bring in a new, younger, and more drama-hungry demographic.

4. A Focus on Maturity and Experience

Paul is in her early 30s, older than many recent leads, and her life experience—including marriage, divorce, and motherhood—suggests a higher level of maturity and a clearer idea of what she wants in a partner. This experience is expected to lead to more substantive and less superficial conversations with the contestants, moving the focus from Instagram followers to finding a stable co-parent and life partner.

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5. The Promise of Uncensored Drama

Taylor Frankie Paul is known for being completely unfiltered. Her season is anticipated to be a departure from the carefully scripted drama of the past. The men vying for her heart will have to contend with her very public history, her children, and the intense media scrutiny that follows her every move. This guarantees a level of authenticity and, more importantly, high-octane drama that will keep viewers glued to their screens for *The Bachelorette* Season 22 in 2025.

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