ABC Cancels 'The Bachelorette' Season Featuring Taylor Frankie Paul Amid Domestic Violence Allegations
ABC has canceled the upcoming season of 'The Bachelorette' starring Taylor Frankie Paul following the emergence of a 2023 video depicting her assaulting her ex-partner.
ABC has canceled the upcoming season of "The Bachelorette" featuring Taylor Frankie Paul, just days before its scheduled premiere. The decision follows the release of a 2023 video showing Paul assaulting her former partner, Dakota Mortensen, in the presence of her young daughter. The footage, published by TMZ, depicts Paul punching, kicking, and throwing chairs at Mortensen.
Paul, a 31-year-old Utah influencer and star of Hulu's "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," had previously pleaded guilty to aggravated assault related to the incident. Despite this, ABC had cast her as the lead for the 22nd season of "The Bachelorette," marking the first time the show selected a lead who had not appeared on a previous season of "The Bachelor."
In response to the video's release, Disney Entertainment Television stated they are focused on supporting the affected family. The network has not announced plans to reschedule the season. Production on "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" has also been paused due to the ongoing investigation.
The cancellation has raised questions about ABC's decision-making process, especially considering Paul's known legal history. The future of both "The Bachelorette" and "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" remains uncertain as the network navigates the controversy.