The drama surrounding Taylor Frankie Paul only continues to intensify! A new report says that ABC and Disney recently met with the men of Paul’s now-scrapped “Bachelorette” season to discuss next steps and future opportunities.
Taylor Frankie Paul has been at the center of controversy since early March 2026 after allegations surfaced that she was involved in another domestic dispute with her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen.
ABC Reportedly Met With The Men Of Taylor Frankie Paul’s Canceled ‘Bachelorette’ Season, Told Them Contracts Were Still In Place
Paul’s upcoming season of “The Bachelorette” was scheduled to premiere on Sunday, March 22. Despite being axed amid the ongoing drama, ABC has reportedly told the cast that their contracts will remain in place for at least a year.
“All of the men were on the call with Warner Bros. except for the winner,” a source told PEOPLE. “The lawyers told them all their contracts will be in place for a year.”
The insider explained that the men were told that they would still be eligible to participate in other opportunities, such as “Bachelor in Paradise” and other spin-off series as they become available.
ABC Axes Taylor Frankie Paul’s Upcoming Season Of ‘The Bachelorette’ Following Mortensen Drama
While it’s unclear when the contestants’ contractual obligations begin and end, it is clear there will be no upcoming season.
Earlier this week, it was announced that ABC decided to cancel Paul’s season after a horrifying video of her appearing to assault her ex-boyfriend was shared online.
“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 said, per The Blast.
Shocking Video Shows Taylor Frankie Paul Appearing To Throw Heavy Metal Chairs At Mortensen During Explosive Argument
In the video, according to The Blast, Paul, who rose to fame on TikTok and later as the star of Hulu’s “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” appears to strike Mortensen, pull his hair, and hold her arms around his neck.
“This is called physical abuse. This is all you do,” Mortesen could be heard saying in the video. “It’s the only thing you know how to do is hurt me. You think this is OK? It’s not OK. Holy sh-t.”
Elsewhere in the clip, Paul is seen throwing heavy metal chairs at Mortensen, one of which reportedly hit her minor daughter in the head.
The now-viral video is from a 2023 incident that later resulted in Paul being charged with one felony count of aggravated assault and two felony counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child.
Paul Breaks Silence After ABC Slashes Previously Filmed Season Of ‘The Bachelorette’
Paul’s representative released a statement on her behalf following the cancellation of her season of “The Bachelorette.”
“Taylor is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security. After years of silently suffering extensive mental and physical abuse as well as threats of retaliation, Taylor is finally gaining the strength to face her accuser and taking steps to ensure that she and her children are protected from any further harm,” the rep said.
“There are too many women who are suffering in silence as they survive aggressive, jealous ex-partners who refuse to let them move on with their lives. Taylor has remained silent out of fear of further abuse, retaliation and public shaming. She is currently exploring all of her options, seeking support, and preparing to own and share her story,” they continued.
Reaction To Paul’s Canceled Season Of The ABC Reality Show
Former “Bachelor” star Rachel Lindsay has also chimed in on the drama, saying she believes the beloved ABC franchise has been ruined.
“I think it’s over,” she said. “I was trying to think of a scenario where it could be different, because this isn’t just, ‘Oh, we put it all on a person. This person did this.’ This is the system that allowed this to happen.”
According to Lindsay, who was the show’s first Black lead in its 13th season, Paul’s alleged actions have “tainted” the show. “How do you move forward past that? You can’t.”
