In a dramatic turn of events, ABC has abruptly canceled the upcoming season of The Bachelorette just three days before its scheduled premiere, following the leak of a video that appears to show the season's star, Taylor Frankie Paul, physically attacking her former partner.
Network Decision and Statement
Disney Entertainment Television confirmed the cancellation in an official statement, citing the newly released video as the primary reason for their decision. The network stated that their focus is now on supporting the family involved in this troubling situation.
Video Details and Legal Background
The video, published by TMZ, allegedly shows a 2023 incident where Paul threw chairs at her then-partner Dakota Mortensen in the presence of her young daughter. According to reports, the daughter was struck by a chair during the altercation.
Paul previously pled guilty to aggravated assault in 2023 and is currently serving three years of probation. While charges of child abuse, domestic violence in the presence of a child, and criminal mischief were dismissed, the newly surfaced video has reignited public scrutiny of the case.
Conflicting Statements from Both Parties
Mortensen responded to the video release, calling it "a deeply upsetting situation" while denying any wrongdoing on his part. He emphasized his focus on their son's safety and expressed hope that Paul would do the same.
Paul's spokesperson fired back with strong accusations against Mortensen, describing his actions as "a never-ending, desperate, attention-seeking, destructive campaign to harm Taylor without any regard for the consequences for their child." The spokesperson criticized the timing of the video release, which coincided with their son's second birthday.
Additional Investigations and Fallout
People magazine reported that there is an ongoing domestic assault investigation involving both Paul and Mortensen, with allegations made in both directions according to Draper City Police Department.
The cancellation has created significant ripple effects across Paul's career. Her appearance on ABC's Good Morning America just before the network's decision addressed the domestic assault reports, with Paul describing it as "a heavy time to see the headlines, especially during this time of The Bachelorette being released."
Broader Career Impact
Beyond The Bachelorette cancellation, Paul's other reality show, Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, has also stopped filming its fifth season. Co-star Mikalya Matthews confirmed that the cast collectively decided not to continue filming due to discomfort with the ongoing situation.
This incident marks another high-profile cancellation in reality television, raising questions about network responsibility and the vetting process for reality show participants. The timing—just days before the season premiere—has created significant logistical and financial implications for ABC and production teams.
