Bachelorette Season Pulled Amid Controversy Over Lead's Past Video
In a dramatic turn of events, the upcoming season of The Bachelorette in the United States has been abruptly cancelled by ABC, merely three days before its scheduled premiere. The decision follows the release of a troubling video involving the show's intended lead, reality television personality Taylor Frankie Paul.
Video Release Triggers Immediate Action
The cancellation was announced hours after TMZ published a two-year-old video that appears to depict Paul attacking her former partner, Dakota Mortensen. Filmed in 2023, the footage shows Paul hitting Mortensen as he records the encounter, with him stating, "This is called physical abuse." Disturbingly, the video also captures Paul throwing chairs at Mortensen while her eight-year-old daughter was present in the room.
A spokesperson for Disney Entertainment Television confirmed the move in a statement, saying, "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 Legal Issues and Investigations
This incident is not Paul's first encounter with legal troubles. According to reports, she was arrested in 2023 after a fight with Mortensen, which was documented in the premiere episode of The Secret Lives Of Mormon Wives. Paul faced charges including assault, criminal mischief, and domestic violence in the presence of a child. She later reached a plea deal, pleading guilty to aggravated assault, while the other charges were dropped.
In March of this year, the Draper City Police Department indicated that Paul and Mortensen, who share a two-year-old son, are linked to an ongoing domestic assault investigation. Authorities noted that allegations have been made by both parties and contact has been established with those involved.
Reactions and Statements from Involved Parties
Following the cancellation, a spokesperson for Paul told NBC News that the reality star appreciates ABC's support, alleging she had been "silently suffering extensive mental and physical abuse as well as threats of retaliation." The statement added, "Taylor is finally gaining the strength to face her accuser and taking steps to ensure she and her children are protected from any further harm." It also highlighted the plight of many women enduring similar situations.
In contrast, Mortensen's representative emphasized that "his number one priority here is protecting" their son, Ever. Paul, a mother of three, also has two children from a previous marriage.
Impact on the Franchise and Future Prospects
The cancellation of season 22, which was announced in September 2025 with Paul as the lead, leaves the future of The Bachelorette franchise uncertain. Paul is widely recognized as a co-creator of #MomTok, a group of Utah mothers known for viral TikTok dance videos, and as a cast member on The Secret Lives Of Mormon Wives.
As the situation unfolds, the entertainment industry and fans alike are left to ponder the implications for reality television and the handling of sensitive personal issues in the public eye.
