Travis Kelce‘s ex-girlfriend, Kayla Nicole, is throwing her name in the ring to replace Taylor Frankie Paul as ABC’s next bachelorette. In a new TikTok, the social media influencer hinted at the ongoing drama between the network and Paul, who would have been their next leading lady.
Travis Kelce’s Ex-Girlfriend, Kayla Nicole, Is More Than Happy To Be The Next ‘Bachelorette’
@iamkaylanicolesweetie Hey @ABC ♬ original sound – NaakMusiQ89
Nicole, who first made headlines in 2017 after popping out with Kelce on the red carpet, was seen lip-syncing over a popular sound on TikTok from comedian Jason Banks, in which he lists off a series of impressive occupations to help sharpen his dating profile.
“My audition to be the next Bachelorette,” Nicole wrote on top of the video. She took it even further by captioning the clip, “Hey @ABC, heard you need a stand-in?”
Although Nicole’s video was likely posted in jest, the fitness influencer could be an option for the network, considering they recently fired Paul, whose previously filmed season should be airing right now.
Why Did ABC Cancel Paul’s Season Of ‘The Bachelorette’?
Nicole’s post comes less than two weeks after ABC decided to pull Paul’s season of “The Bachelorette” days before it was scheduled to premiere.
Their decision followed a 2023 video of Paul appearing to assault her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, resurfacing online.
In the horrifying clip, Paul appears to strike, choke, and grab Mortensen’s hair before hurling several metal chairs at him—including one that hit her minor daughter in the head.
“In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of The Bachelorette at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family,” a Disney spokesperson said.
Taylor Frankie Paul Feels Her Premiere For ‘The Bachelorette’ Was Ruined Before It Even Started
Before the video made its rounds online, Paul had already made headlines after reports revealing her “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” co-stars decided to pause filming after learning she was involved in another alleged domestic dispute with Mortensen came to light.
In a statement to PEOPLE, Paul admitted to struggling with finding a way to process what’s been revealed.
“Honestly, just like, my heart hurts to see it, to go through it, especially at this time,” she said, calling the timing of the situation “hard” because her “Bachelorette” premiere was affected.
“I feel like every premiere that I’ve experienced, I’ve never enjoyed fully, so this is another one… it’s extremely hard, and it took everything to get me here today,” she said.
Paul went on to say that, while she was “struggling” with the events, she had to put on a brave face. “I feel like if I don’t show up, then I’m just giving these opportunities away and not enjoying what we’ve worked on and something super exciting that’s coming. I just feel like it was the right thing to do… show up even though it’s hard,” she said.
Paul Speaks Out About Resurfaced Video, Says Daughter Now Has To ‘Relive’ The Pain Of That Night
Paul also got candid about her children and how the release of her 2023 assault video would impact them.
“Worst part is my daughter having to relive and see it all over again years later, after extensive work with her and apologies to her about that night,” Paul commented on TikTok. “And my baby boy birthday was taken from him.”
Paul has three children, according to PEOPLE. She shares two children, daughter Indy and son Ocean, with her ex-husband, Tate Paul. In 2024, she welcomed her son, Ever, with Mortensen.
More Drama Happening In SLC
The drama with the cast of “Secret Lives” doesn’t stop with Mortensen and Paul. According to a previous report from The Blast, co-stars Jessi Draper and Miranda Hope may also be feuding.
After a popular gossip blog posted a tip alleging that Draper kissed Hope’s ex-husband, Chase McWhorter, at a birthday party, Hope appeared to confirm it with a series of pointed messages.
In a TikTok video, Hope wrote, “GRWM while I process my friend group being a waiting room for my ex-husband. It’s not even betrayal at this point, it’s a tradition.”
In an official statement, Hope confirmed that she felt “slighted” by Draper after her ex-husband allegedly told her that they had shared a kiss.
“Chase and I are no longer partners, and while I have high expectations of him as a co-parent, I also hold my friends to a high standard and believe in girl code,” she said.
