SALT LAKE CITY, UT — Friday, February 13, 2026 — Taylor Frankie Paul, the breakout star of Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, is officially stepping into the spotlight as the lead for Season 22 of The Bachelorette. The 31-year-old influencer and mother of three is set to premiere her journey for love on March 23, 2026, marking a historic and controversial crossover for the ABC franchise.
From MomTok Scandal to Bachelor Nation
Taylor Frankie Paul first rose to viral fame as the creator of “MomTok,” a community of Mormon influencers on TikTok. Her life took a dramatic turn in 2022 when she publicly admitted to “soft-swinging” within her social circle, a revelation that led to her divorce from Tate Paul and the eventual creation of her hit reality series. Since then, Paul has become a polarizing figure, balancing her traditional upbringing with a highly publicized, modern lifestyle.
Addressing Past Controversies
As she prepares for her debut as The Bachelorette, Paul has been candid about her turbulent past. In recent promotional clips, she tearfully addressed her February 2023 arrest following a domestic dispute with ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen. Paul eventually pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of aggravated assault in August 2023, while other charges were dismissed.
“I never intentionally wanted to hurt anyone,” Paul shared in a recent interview, questioning if she is “worthy of love” after such public mistakes. ABC’s decision to cast her has sparked intense debate among fans, with some praising her “unfiltered candor” and others criticizing the choice of a lead with a criminal record.
What to Expect from Season 22
The upcoming season of The Bachelorette promises to be unlike any other. Key details for the new season include:
- Premiere Date: March 23, 2026.
- The Lead: Taylor Frankie Paul, age 31, born May 23, 1994.
- Family Focus: As a single mother of three (including children Ocean and Indi), Paul has stated her children remain her top priority throughout the filming process.
- Faith and Identity: Despite her “dissenting” views on certain Mormon tenets, Paul continues to identify with her faith, a theme expected to play a major role in the season.
Financial and Social Impact
With a reported net worth of approximately $400,000, Paul’s transition to a major network lead is expected to significantly boost her brand. Beyond the drama, her story highlights the shifting landscape of reality television, where social media influencers are increasingly commanding mainstream audiences. Fans can watch the new season of The Bachelorette starting next month on ABC and streaming platforms.