Full Breakdown
ABC Cancels Taylor Frankie Paul's Season of *The Bachelorette* Amid Domestic Violence Allegations
3/21/2026, 11:23:28 AM
Cancellation Announcement and Context
ABC has officially canceled Taylor Frankie Paul's season of *The Bachelorette*, which was set to premiere on March 22, 2026. The decision follows the release of a video showing Paul in a physical altercation with her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen, raising serious concerns regarding domestic violence. 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 Domestic Violence Allegations
The cancellation comes amidst an ongoing domestic violence investigation involving Paul and Mortensen, who share a two-year-old son, Ever. The Draper City Police Department confirmed that allegations have been made in both directions, and contact was made with the involved parties on February 24 and 25. Paul has a history of legal troubles, having been arrested in 2023 for domestic violence against Mortensen, which included charges of aggravated assault and child abuse. While she pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, other charges were dismissed.
The Controversial Video
The video, released by TMZ, shows Paul throwing chairs at Mortensen during a heated argument, with their daughter present and reportedly crying. Mortensen can be heard pleading with Paul to stop, emphasizing the presence of their child. This incident aligns with previous allegations against Paul, which were documented in the first season of *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives*, a reality series that chronicles her tumultuous relationship with Mortensen.
Official Statements and Reactions
In response to the video, a representative for Paul claimed that it “conveniently omits context” and accused Mortensen of engaging in a “destructive campaign” against her. Paul expressed her gratitude for ABC's support while prioritizing her family's safety. She stated, “After years of silently suffering extensive mental and physical abuse as well as threats of retaliation, Taylor is finally gaining the strength to face her accuser.”
Conversely, Mortensen's representatives emphasized his commitment to protecting their son and denied any wrongdoing. He described the situation as deeply upsetting and expressed his hope for a cooperative co-parenting relationship.
Impact on Related Productions
The fallout from these allegations has also affected production on *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives*, which has been paused amid the investigation. Cast members have reportedly distanced themselves from Paul, expressing discomfort with the ongoing situation. Mikayla Matthews, a co-star, confirmed that the decision to halt filming was a collective agreement among the cast.
Broader Implications
The cancellation of Paul's season marks a significant moment for the *Bachelorette* franchise, which has faced scrutiny over its casting decisions and the mental health of its contestants. Experts have noted that the network's choice to cast Paul, who had not previously appeared on *The Bachelor*, was likely an attempt to attract a new audience, particularly from her substantial following on social media.
What's Next?
As the investigation continues, both Paul and Mortensen are navigating the complexities of their relationship and the implications for their family. Paul has indicated her intention to share her story in due time, while the future of her reality television career remains uncertain.
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
- “Taylor is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security.” — Taylor Frankie Paul's Representative
- “As anyone who has seen the video will understand, this is a deeply upsetting situation.” — Dakota Mortensen's Representative
The cancellation of Taylor Frankie Paul's season of *The Bachelorette* underscores the serious nature of domestic violence allegations and the responsibilities of media platforms in addressing such issues.
