LOS ANGELES (AP) – ABC has made the unprecedented decision to cancel the upcoming season of "The Bachelorette," starring Taylor Frankie Paul, just three days before its scheduled premiere. This decision follows the release of a 2023 video showing Paul allegedly engaging in violent behavior toward her former partner, Dakota Mortensen, while their young daughter watched in distress.
The cancellation of the 22nd season of the reality dating show marks a rare move for the network, as the series had already been filmed. Disney, ABC's parent company, cited the resurfacing of the video as a critical factor in their decision. The video has emerged amid an ongoing domestic violence investigation involving both Paul and Mortensen, the father of her youngest child.
In a statement, Disney Entertainment Television said, "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." The statement further underscores the serious nature of the allegations against Paul.
A representative for Paul responded by asserting that she has been a victim of prolonged abuse but remained silent due to fear. Before her role on "The Bachelorette," Paul gained fame through "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," although its production is currently paused.
The video, which was published by TMZ, depicts an alarming scene where Mortensen seems to be trying to protect himself while recording on his phone. In the footage, Paul can be seen hitting and throwing objects at him, while Mortensen pleads with her to stop, reminding her that their daughter is watching. Reports indicate that the child, then about five years old, can be heard crying and calling for her mother throughout the altercation.
This video aligns with Paul’s 2023 arrest, during which she was charged with multiple offenses, including aggravated assault and domestic violence in the presence of a child. Ultimately, she pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge, while other counts were dropped.
In her statement, Paul expressed gratitude for ABC's support as she focuses on her family's safety. She indicated that she has suffered extensively from mental and physical abuse and is now finding the courage to confront her accuser. Her representative mentioned that she is exploring options for legal protection and is preparing to share her story publicly.
Mortensen issued a statement denying any wrongdoing and expressed his concern for their child's welfare. He characterized the situation as deeply troubling and highlighted his focus on their son's safety amidst the public revelations.
A police spokesperson from Draper City, Utah, confirmed the existence of an open domestic violence investigation involving both Paul and Mortensen, stating that both individuals have made allegations against one another.
In light of these developments, ABC has decided to replace the "The Bachelorette" premiere with a rerun of "American Idol." Despite her tumultuous circumstances, Paul was promoting "The Bachelorette" just days prior on "Good Morning America" and at the Oscars red carpet, marking her initial foray into the franchise as an unconventional choice.
Paul's casting aimed to leverage her viral influence within the #MomTok community on TikTok, where she has amassed a substantial following by discussing her life experiences as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her previous announcements regarding her marriage dissolution and the complexities of her relationship dynamics generated considerable public interest.
While "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" recently released its fourth season, filming for its fifth season has been indefinitely paused due to the ongoing concerns raised by the cast surrounding the current situation. Paul’s co-star Mikayla Matthews confirmed this collective decision in an Instagram post, expressing discomfort with proceeding given the circumstances.
Industry analysts suggest that ABC may have sought to innovate within the format of "The Bachelor" franchise through Paul's casting, viewing it as a potential method to attract a novel audience in a marketplace saturated with competing reality dating shows.
