What was supposed to be a major return for “The Bachelorette” has taken a sudden and dramatic turn. ABC has officially scrapped the upcoming season featuring Taylor Frankie Paul, pulling the show just days before its highly anticipated debut, as new allegations and resurfaced footage make headlines.
ABC Makes Swift Decision To Cancel ‘Bachelorette’ After Video Of Taylor Frankie Paul Goes Viral
The decision, first reported by TMZ, comes after a previously unseen video began circulating, prompting swift action from the network.
A Disney Entertainment spokesperson told the outlet, “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 response signals a major behind-the-scenes shift, with ABC choosing to halt the project entirely rather than move forward under the circumstances. Her season of “The Bachelorette” was supposed to premiere Sunday on ABC.
Fans Back ABC’s Decision To Pull ‘Bachelorette’ As Backlash Over Casting Grows
The abrupt cancellation has left viewers shocked, especially given how close “The Bachelorette” season was to airing. Despite the surprise, many fans feel the decision was the right call. “This is the only responsible move ABC could have made,” one X user wrote.
Another echoed, “Pulling the show after such serious allegations makes sense. Domestic violence is not something that should be overlooked, and the focus on supporting the family is important.”
Others feel ABC should have never cast Paul, especially since the allegations were already made public. “They knew about this for three years,” one user said as another wrote, “ABC knew she was charged with DV in 2023 and still chose to make her the ‘Bachelorette’…”
Timing Raises Eyebrows As ‘The Bachelorette’ Was Set To Premiere
The decision came on Thursday, just hours after TMZ published footage from a 2023 altercation involving Paul and Dakota Mortensen. Sources tell the outlet that no one at ABC had seen the footage before it was released.
In the newly surfaced footage, Paul appears to strike Mortensen, kick him, tug at his hair, and try to swat his phone away. At one point, she is also seen throwing two chairs in his direction.
Paul and Dakota have been ordered to undergo psych exams amid a fresh batch of spousal abuse claims, and the Utah Division of Children and Family Services is investigating ongoing allegations of violence between them. Paul originally pleaded guilty to aggravated assault after the 2023 dispute.
The claim suggests the footage surfaced at the worst possible time, after production of “The Bachelorette” had already been completed and promotional efforts were underway.
‘Secret Lives Of Mormon Wives’ Season 5 Paused As Taylor Frankie Paul Controversy Deepens
The latest situation has also raised concerns about other projects tied to Paul, including “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.”
A source shared that production on season 5 has been put on hold, explaining, “Taylor [Frankie Paul] has some pretty serious stuff happening regarding her past, and they will see what happens. Until that resolves, they are off.”
Paul Speaks Out On ‘Heavy’ Timing Amid Mounting Controversy
As the headlines continue to build, Paul has also addressed the difficult timing of everything unfolding in real time. “Just the timing is hard, and it’s a big deal,” she said, adding that the news has also impacted the rollout of that show, which is “extremely hard.”
“It’s just heavy. It’s a heavy time, and it’s unfortunate,” she continued. “I’m struggling for sure, but also at the same time I feel like if I don’t show up, then I’m just giving these opportunities away and not enjoying what we’ve worked on and something super exciting that’s coming. I just feel like it was the right thing to do… show up even though it’s hard.”
Dakota Mortensen Breaks Silence, Shifts Focus To Protecting His Child
Dakota Mortensen has also begun to address the situation, speaking out through a representative, who says his primary concern remains protecting his and Paul’s child, Ever.
The rep explained that while Mortensen anticipated details of their alleged dispute could eventually become public, he had hoped to keep as much of the situation private as possible.
A Draper City Police Department spokesperson confirmed there is an active “domestic assault investigation” involving Paul and Mortensen.
