Ex-‘Bachelorette’ Producer Says Taylor Frankie Paul’s Drama Was No Surprise to ABC

A former ‘Bachelorette’ producer is calling BS on the idea that ABC was blindsided by Taylor Frankie Paul’s physical violence allegations involving her ex, Dakota Mortensen … telling us there’s just no way that slipped through the cracks.

We spoke with Michael Carroll on “TMZ Live” Wednesday … and he says back in his day, casting was unbelievably strict — with deep background, medical, and psychological checks on every contestant … adding that anyone with charges like that against her would’ve been an automatic no.

Catch the full clip … ’cause Michael doubles down, telling us current producers were fully aware of who the ‘Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ star was. In his view, this wasn’t a surprise — it was a setup … calling it a publicity grab.

And LBR, with “The Bachelorette” now 24 years in and losing steam against hotter dating shows, Michael says the franchise has been feeling a little stale. So, a shake-up like this? He admits it’s the kind of drama that might actually pull viewers back in — even himself.

As for Taylor, Michael tells us producers will likely try to spin the narrative … making it seem like she needed the show to turn her life around.