ABC Cancels ‘Bachelorette’ Season Starring Taylor Frankie Paul Amid Domestic Assault Allegations

By Daniel Perez, News Editor

March 22, 2026

ABC has canceled the upcoming 22nd season of “The Bachelorette,” just days before its scheduled premiere on Sunday, March 22nd. The decision comes after the emergence of a disturbing video showing Taylor Frankie Paul, the season’s intended star, allegedly assaulting her ex-partner, Dakota Mortensen, in 2023. Filming for Season 5 of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” which Paul executive produces, has also been halted.

The Damning Video and Legal History

The video, published by TMZ, depicts Paul engaging in a physical altercation with Mortensen while their then-5-year-classic daughter, Indy, was present. The footage shows Paul putting Mortensen in a headlock and throwing metal bar stools at him. Mortensen reportedly told Paul to “help your child” after a stool bounced toward Indy, who began crying. Paul allegedly continued the assault even as her daughter cried and Mortensen attempted to assist Indy, screaming at him to “secure away from my child.”

A police report from the 2023 incident noted that Indy sustained a “goose egg” on her head. Paul was arrested on February 17, 2023, and charged with aggravated assault, child abuse, and domestic violence in the presence of a child. She pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated assault, a third-degree felony, and received probation. The other charges were dismissed. A court will review the assault charge in August 2026, and if Paul complies with the terms of her probation, the charge could be reduced to a misdemeanor.

From MomTok to Reality TV: A Troubled Trajectory

Paul rose to prominence as the founder of MomTok, a TikTok community of Mormon women who challenged traditional norms. This led to the creation of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” on Hulu, which quickly became the streaming service’s most-watched unscripted season premiere in 2024. The show’s success was attributed to Paul’s “authenticity” and willingness to share her personal life, including her divorce and turbulent relationship with Mortensen.

ABC reportedly hoped that Paul could revitalize the flagging “Bachelor” franchise by bringing a similar level of drama and engagement. However, producers granted Paul freedoms not typically afforded to other “Bachelorette” contestants, including unmonitored phone access, seemingly prioritizing ratings over concerns about her past behavior.

Questions for ABC and Disney

The cancellation raises questions about ABC’s vetting process and its judgment in casting Paul, given her history of domestic violence allegations. The network was aware of the 2023 arrest when they selected her as the Bachelorette. The decision to proceed with the season, and then abruptly cancel it, has sparked criticism and embarrassment for Disney, which owns ABC and Hulu.

The incident highlights the increasing trend of cross-pollination between reality shows and the potential risks of prioritizing drama over responsible casting. While reality television often thrives on conflict, the case of Taylor Frankie Paul demonstrates that some lines should not be crossed, particularly when a child’s safety is involved.

As reported by The Los Angeles Times, the question on everyone’s mind is, “What were they thinking?”

Further reporting from USA Today details potential legal ramifications for ABC and the show’s production company.