‘Bachelorette’ Season Canceled Amid Domestic Violence Allegations Against Star Taylor Frankie Paul

ABC has canceled Taylor Frankie Paul’s upcoming season of “The Bachelorette” following the surfacing of a video depicting an alleged assault on her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen and amid an ongoing domestic violence investigation. The season was slated to premiere on Sunday, March 22nd.

Investigation and Allegations

The Draper City Police Department in Utah confirmed an “open domestic assault investigation” involving Paul and Mortensen, with allegations made by both parties according to Business Insider. Contact was initially made with both individuals on February 24th and 25th.

A recently released video published by TMZ on Thursday, March 19th, allegedly shows Paul attacking Mortensen in front of her daughter in 2023 as reported by NBC News.

ABC and Disney’s Response

In a statement released on March 19th, a Disney Entertainment Television spokesperson 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.” NBC News reported.

The network has not yet indicated whether the season will be rescheduled.

Fallout and Related Pauses

The allegations and video release have led to several consequences beyond the cancellation of “The Bachelorette.” Paul’s scheduled appearance on “The Tonight Show” on Wednesday, March 19th, was reportedly canceled by NBC. Filming for Season 5 of Hulu’s “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” in which Paul stars, has also been paused according to NBC News.

Cinnabon has withdrawn its partnership for the new season of “The Bachelorette.”

Paul’s Response and Legal Action

Taylor Frankie Paul, a mother of three who shares one child with Mortensen, described the situation as a “heavy time” during a live interview on “Good Morning America” on March 18th as reported by ABC News. She stated she would share her truth “when the time is right.”

Paul’s representative released a statement indicating she is “very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security” and that she has been “silently suffering extensive mental and physical abuse as well as threats of retaliation.” The representative added that Paul is “finally gaining the strength to face her accuser and taking steps to ensure that she and her children are protected from any further harm.”

Dakota Mortensen, through his attorney, filed for a protective order against Paul on Thursday, March 19th. The filing was initially returned due to incompleteness, and an amended petition was requested according to NBC News.