‘The Bachelorette’ Canceled Following Assault Video of Star Taylor Frankie Paul

ABC has pulled the upcoming season of its hit dating franchise, The Bachelorette, after a video surfaced showing the show’s intended star, Taylor Frankie Paul, physically assaulting her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen. The 22nd season was slated to premiere on Sunday, March 23, 2026.

From Mormon Wives to Reality TV Controversy

Taylor Frankie Paul initially gained public recognition through the reality series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. The cancellation stems from a 2023 video published by TMZ showing Paul attacking Mortensen, with their daughter present. The incident had previously led to Paul’s arrest and a guilty plea in abeyance to an aggravated assault charge in August 2025, with three years of probation NBC News.

Details of the Assault

The video, reportedly filmed by Mortensen, depicts Paul hitting and kicking him, as well as throwing chairs at him. Mortensen can be heard asking her to stop and a child’s crying is audible in the background. According to an indictment obtained by People, Paul threw “heavy, metal chairs” during the assault, and the child was also struck.

Disney’s Response and Ongoing Investigations

Disney Entertainment released a statement explaining the decision to halt the season: “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.” NPR.

An ongoing “domestic assault investigation” was already underway regarding an incident in February 2026, with allegations made by both Paul and Mortensen, according to the Draper City police department in Utah Detroit News.

Paul and Mortensen’s Statements

Paul’s representative released a statement criticizing Mortensen’s actions as a “never-ending, desperate, attention-seeking, destructive campaign to harm Taylor.” Paul herself stated, “I will have my truth” following the video’s release NBC News.

Previous Controversy and Production Pauses

This is not the first time the Bachelor franchise has faced controversy regarding contestant backgrounds. Last season, the winner, Devin Strader, faced allegations of past physical assault, which he denied NPR. Production on the current season of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, also a Disney-owned property, has also been paused NPR.