Ashley Iaconetti Opens Up About Taylor Frankie Paul’s ‘Bachelorette’ Ax And Alleged Domestic Violence
Ashley Iaconetti says she could spend “hours” talking about all the drama surrounding “The Bachelorette.”
The TV star — who has competed on “The Bachelor,” “Bachelor in Paradise” and “Bachelor Winter Games” — weighed in on Taylor Frankie Paul’s season of the hit series getting the ax while speaking exclusively with Page Six at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards on Thursday night.
“I hope the best for the franchise, and I hope Taylor gets the support and help she needs to get into a good place,” Iaconetti, 38, told us on the red carpet at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles.
“But yes, I agree with the decision [for ABC] not going ahead with the season at that time. It just didn’t seem like the right thing to do.”
Last week, ABC announced it would pull the plug on Paul’s season of “The Bachelorette” following the release of a disturbing video from 2023 showing the “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star throwing chairs at his ex Dakota Mortensen during a domestic violence incident. The decision was made three days before Season 22 premiered on the network.
Iaconetti told Page Six that while she’s never contacted Paul herself, the former Bachelorettes — who met Paul while filming “Before the First Rose” — have sent love her way.
“I’m not part of the ‘Bachelorette’ best team script, but … Trista is [Sutter]she says in that group, she sent him a message of support, and Taylor responded,” he revealed, referring to the Season 1 “Bachelorette” star and self-proclaimed “Bach Nation Fairy Godmother.”
Iaconetti also addressed the fan theories and rumors that have been circulating, about what ABC could do to fill the Sunday timeslot. Some pointed to the hit season of “Dancing With the Stars,” while others suggested the new season of “Bachelorette” with “Traitors” alum Maura Higgins.
“I’m like, let’s bring in Maura Higgins! Let’s do it live. I want it to be, like, [a] a docu-style series. Be like, ‘We’re going to be filming Maura live on a date!’” he suggested.
“And then at the end, she’s going to have to choose from three guys, or something like that. I don’t know, make it really unusual. Have a franchise on TV. That’s all I want.”
As for whether you think there’s a chance Paul’s season will ever see the light of day?
“I think a lot of people will watch it if they put it on Hulu. If they put it in entertainment form, it would be interesting, just to see how the fans take the food,” explained Iaconetti.
“It would work in an advertiser’s sense, it’s a little better than having it on ABC. It’s just difficult. It’s icky, but it’s also like … they knew what they were getting into. I just have so many thoughts, and obviously, the video is terrible. But I’m open to all ideas. And [the season just] staying away, is also a very good option. “
While Iaconetti will always love Bachelor Nation, he’s excited to venture into the new reality TV business. The “I Can’t Get It” podcast host stars on “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island,” premiering April 2 at 9 pm ET/PT on Bravo.
“Being a part of this season, at least filming it, was more amazing than any ‘Bachelor’ season I’ve ever filmed,” he teased. “These girls are so good TV actresses that, like, I’m the one who looks bored. [teaser] a video that we did like that, I bring the mindset, and I know it makes a lot of people like, ‘Oh, OK, Ashley.’ But, no, actually. “
The new series also stars Alicia Carmody, Rosie DiMare, Liz McGraw, Rulla Nehme Pontarelli, Kelsey Swanson and Jo-Ellen Tiberi, along with “Real Housewives of New Jersey” star Dolores Catania as a “friend.”
