Full Breakdown
ABC Cancels Taylor Frankie Paul's Season of The Bachelorette Amid Domestic Violence Allegations
3/20/2026, 9:59:33 AM
Cancellation of The Bachelorette Season 22
ABC has officially canceled the upcoming season of *The Bachelorette*, which was set to premiere on March 22, 2026, starring Taylor Frankie Paul. The decision follows the release of a disturbing video showing Paul engaging in a violent altercation with her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, during a 2023 incident. A spokesperson for Disney Entertainment Television stated, “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.”
Background of the Incident
The video, published by TMZ, depicts Paul throwing metal barstools at Mortensen while their daughter, Indy, was present. Mortensen can be heard in the video expressing concern for the child, stating, “Your daughter just got hit in the head by a metal chair.” This incident is part of an ongoing domestic violence investigation involving both parties, with allegations made in both directions. The Draper City Police Department confirmed that they are investigating the matter, which has led to a pause in production for the fifth season of *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives*, a show featuring both Paul and Mortensen.
Previous Legal Issues
Paul has a history of legal troubles related to domestic violence. In 2023, she was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and domestic violence in the presence of a child, among other charges. She pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, resulting in a plea deal that placed her on probation for three years, with other charges dismissed. The recent video has reignited public scrutiny over her past and raised questions about ABC's vetting process for contestants.
Official Statements and Responses
In response to the leaked video, a representative for Paul criticized Mortensen, claiming that the release of the video was a “reprehensible attempt to distract from his own behavior.” The spokesperson added, “Releasing an old video, which conveniently omits context, on their son’s birthday is a reprehensible attempt to distract from his own behavior.” Paul herself described the situation as “heavy” and expressed her struggle with the ongoing headlines during a press event for *The Bachelorette*.
Criticism and Opposition
The decision to cast Paul as the lead of *The Bachelorette* had already faced backlash due to her past domestic violence arrest. Critics argue that the franchise has failed to properly vet contestants, leading to significant fallout from this incident. Some fans and former contestants have called for higher standards in casting and accountability within the franchise, emphasizing the need for a more responsible approach to contestant selection.
What's Next?
As of now, it remains unclear if or when *The Bachelorette* will be rescheduled. Meanwhile, production on *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives* has been halted, and Mortensen has filed for a protective order against Paul, indicating ongoing legal and personal turmoil. The situation continues to evolve, with both parties reportedly focusing on co-parenting their son, Ever, through third-party communication.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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.” — Disney Entertainment Television Spokesperson
- “A spokesperson for Paul told PEOPLE, “It’s sad to see the latest installment of his never-ending, desperate, attention-seeking, destructive campaign to harm Taylor without any regard for the consequences for their child.” — Taylor Frankie Paul's Representative
This cancellation marks a significant moment in the history of *The Bachelorette*, reflecting the complexities and challenges surrounding reality television and personal accountability.
