‘The Bachelorette’ Season Canceled Following Abuse Allegations Against Star Taylor Frankie Paul

ABC has canceled the upcoming 22nd season of The Bachelorette after footage surfaced showing star Taylor Frankie Paul in a physical altercation with her ex-partner, Dakota Mortensen, in 2023. Paul, known for her appearances on the Hulu series Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and as a TikTok influencer, was set to lead the dating show, with the premiere scheduled for Sunday.

Domestic Violence Allegations and Arrest

The decision to halt the season came after TMZ published video footage of Paul allegedly kicking and throwing chairs at Mortensen while their daughter was present. During the altercation, Mortensen reportedly stated, “Your daughter just got hit in the head by a metal chair!” and crying could be heard from the child .

Paul was arrested in 2023 in connection with the incident and subsequently pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, according to US media reports . She is currently serving three years of probation.

Network Response and Production Pauses

Disney, ABC’s parent company, released a statement saying the network made the decision “in light of the newly released video” and is focused on supporting the family involved . ABC has not yet announced what will air in the show’s timeslot.

Production on the fifth season of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has also been paused, with Paul’s co-star, Mikayla Matthews, stating that the cast felt uncomfortable filming amid the allegations .

Statements from Involved Parties

Paul’s spokesperson stated she is prioritizing her family’s safety and “preparing to own and share her story.” Mortensen, the father of Paul’s third child, said he is “focusing on our son and his safety” . He has spoken out following the news, according to People.

Paul addressed the allegations earlier this week on ABC’s Quality Morning America, describing the situation as “really difficult and heavy” .

Previous Controversy for the Franchise

This is not the first time ABC’s Bachelorette franchise has faced controversy regarding allegations of abuse. Last season, the winner, Devin Strader, was reported to have had a restraining order filed against him in 2017 following allegations of physical assault. Strader denied the accusations, stating the restraining order was never granted .

Allegations of Sabotage

Prior to the cancellation, castmates from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives alleged that Dakota Mortensen consistently sabotaged Taylor Frankie Paul’s opportunities. Mayci Neeley and Layla Taylor accused Mortensen of intentionally creating conflict before press events, causing Paul to withdraw .