Rachel Lindsay Weighs In On Taylor Frankie Paul’s ‘Polarizing’ ‘Bachelorette’ Casting: ‘This Is Chaotic’

Hours after news of Taylor Frankie Paul’s casting as the next Bachelorette spread like wildfire, former lead Rachel Lindsay shared her initial reaction.

“I know it’s been awhile since I’ve had a few thoughts or conversations about The Bachelor. But this is the kind of stuff that’ll bring me back,” Lindsay, 40, said in a TikTok video shared Wednesday, September 10. “I think this is great. I think this is fantastic.”

Lindsay acknowledged that some viewers may disagree with the network’s choice, calling it “polarizing.”

“It’s somebody who is not affiliated with the franchise in any kind of way. She comes from a totally different show,” Lindsay continued. “They’re doing something new. And, let’s be honest, they have to.”

She went on to explain that The Bachelor franchise needed to “do something different” in order to draw in new viewers.

“The format is dead,” she added. “You gotta jump into the chaos. This is chaotic,” she said, pointing to a photo of Paul, 31.

According to Lindsay — who starred as the lead during season 21 — viewers will either turn in because they love Paul, who star’s on Hulu’s Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, or because they love to hate her.

“That’s going to translate to viewers, and dollars. And that’s gonna make sense for the franchise. I think that this is a risky leap, but I honestly think that it’s worth it at the end of the day,” she continued. “It’s gonna be a hot ass mess, and I’m here for every bit of it.”