ABC has decided to cancel the upcoming season of “The Bachelorette,” featuring Taylor Frankie Paul, due to a recently surfaced video from 2023. The cancellation, announced on Thursday, comes just before the scheduled premiere on Sunday.
Disney Entertainment Television released a statement expressing their decision not to proceed with the new season in light of the video. The video, from 2023, depicts an altercation between Paul and Dakota Mortensen, leading to Paul’s arrest and charges of aggravated assault and domestic violence in the presence of a child. Paul later pleaded guilty to a misdemeanour charge of aggravated assault, with other charges dismissed.
Authorities in Draper City, Utah, confirmed an ongoing domestic violence investigation involving Paul and Mortensen, her ex-boyfriend, with allegations made from both parties. Mortensen is the father of one of Paul’s children. Representatives for Paul and Mortensen have not responded to requests for comment.
Paul, who was actively promoting Season 22 on various media platforms, including ABC’s “Good Morning America,” and the Oscars red carpet, was a unique choice to lead “The Bachelorette.” Unlike past leads, Paul had not previously participated in the Bachelor franchise, deviating from the usual practice of casting runner-ups.
Her selection was seen as a strategic move due to her involvement in the reality show “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” on Hulu, which, like ABC, is owned by Disney. Paul gained recognition as an influencer in the #MomTok community on TikTok, known for sharing insights into her life as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She made headlines in 2022 when she announced her divorce and a change in her relationship dynamics.
Paul confirmed the completion of filming for “The Bachelorette” on Instagram in December. The network has not disclosed plans regarding the show’s timeslot following the cancellation.
