ABC has decided to cancel the upcoming season of the reality TV show, “The Bachelorette,” featuring Taylor Frankie Paul, due to a recently surfaced video from 2023. The cancellation, which was announced on Thursday, came just before the scheduled premiere on Sunday.
A statement from Disney Entertainment Television explained the decision, stating that they would not proceed with the new season of “The Bachelorette” at this time, with a focus on supporting the family. The statement was likely in response to a 2023 video showing an altercation between Paul and Dakota Mortensen, which was released by TMZ. Paul had been arrested in 2023 and faced charges of aggravated assault and domestic violence in the presence of a child, among others.
Although Paul pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of aggravated assault, the other charges were dropped. Authorities in Draper City, Utah, confirmed an ongoing domestic violence investigation involving Paul and Mortensen, her ex-boyfriend, with allegations from both sides. Mortensen is the father of one of Paul’s three children.
Both Paul and Mortensen’s representatives have not provided comments on the situation. ABC has not disclosed its plans for the show’s timeslot following the cancellation.
Paul, who had been promoting Season 22 recently, had not been part of the “Bachelor” franchise before being chosen as the lead for “The Bachelorette.” Her selection was seen as unconventional, as she had not been a runner-up from previous seasons, a common practice in casting previous leads.
Paul’s involvement in “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” a reality show on Hulu, offered synergy as both Hulu and ABC are under Disney ownership. ABC highlighted Paul’s influence in the #MomTok community on TikTok, where she shared insights into her life. She gained attention in 2022 when she announced changes in her marital relationship, leading to a divorce.
Filming for “The Bachelorette” had wrapped up in December, as confirmed by Paul on Instagram. Jesse Palmer serves as the show’s host.