Bachelorette Suitor Doug Mason Offers Support to Taylor Frankie Paul After ABC Cancels Her Season

In the wake of ABC’s abrupt cancellation of The Bachelorette Season 22 starring Taylor Frankie Paul, one key figure from the show has publicly stood by her side: contestant Doug Mason, the man reportedly chosen as her final pick.

The decision to scrap the season came just days before its scheduled March 22 premiere, following the viral release of disturbing video footage from a 2023 altercation between Paul and her ex-partner, Dakota Mortensen.

Paul admitted in a resurfaced podcast interview to being the aggressor, throwing a chair during the incident while one of her children was present (though she claimed unawareness at the time). She pleaded guilty to aggravated assault after her arrest, attributing her actions to being under the influence and “blacked out” until reaching jail.

The footage, which included screams and physical aggression, prompted ABC to pull the plug, with a network spokesperson citing the newly surfaced material as the reason.

Adding to the controversy, Paul has faced allegations of domestic violence from Mortensen, including claims of choking in separate incidents, leading to a restraining order filing.

Her team has countered by emphasizing her history of enduring abuse from an “aggressive, jealous ex-partner,” stating she has remained silent out of fear and is now seeking support to share her full story.

Amid the backlash and widespread distancing from industry figures and castmates, Doug Mason—a 28-year-old ocean lifeguard from San Diego—has emerged as a rare voice of encouragement.

Spoiler sources, including longtime Bachelor Nation insider Reality Steve, revealed that Paul selected Mason as the winner of Season 22.

The pair reportedly got engaged during the finale filmed in St. Lucia, with Mason prevailing over finalist Shane Parton.

However, the engagement was short-lived; they reportedly split about a month after filming concluded in late 2025, with sources attributing the breakup to Paul’s unresolved feelings toward Mortensen.

Despite the ended romance, Mason showed unwavering support in recent Instagram Stories (shared by Entertainment Weekly).

Addressing the cancellation that robbed Paul of her “moment,” he said, “In light of everything that has happened, I am just sending prayers to Taylor because that was her moment, and her moment was blocked. All we can do right now is just be hopeful.” He encouraged fans to “stay positive and show nothing but support for people in need,” before signing off to watch the sunrise.

Mason had previously introduced himself online as a suitor with a playful video message: “Heard you were looking for a husband. Look no further.” Recent sightings of the two together in Los Angeles (possibly for additional filming) had fueled speculation, though the show’s axing has rendered any further episodes moot.

The Bachelorette continues to stream past seasons on Hulu and Disney+. The cancellation highlights the intense scrutiny reality stars face when personal controversies intersect with their public personas.