Bachelorette Season Pulled After Star’s Assault Video Leaks | ABC

ABC has abruptly halted the upcoming 22nd season of The Bachelorette, just days before its scheduled premiere on Sunday, following the release of disturbing video footage. The footage depicts Taylor Frankie Paul, slated to be the season’s lead, allegedly physically assaulting her former partner, Dakota Mortensen, in an incident that occurred in 2023. The decision underscores the increasing scrutiny television networks face regarding the vetting of reality reveal participants and the handling of allegations of domestic violence.

The fallout extends beyond the dating competition. Production on the fifth season of Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, which as well features Paul, has reportedly been paused, according to People magazine. Both shows fall under the Disney umbrella, prompting a swift and coordinated response.

A Timeline of Controversy

Taylor Frankie Paul initially gained public attention through TikTok in 2023, where she discussed stepping outside the boundaries of a “soft swinging” arrangement with her then-husband, Tate Paul. This led to the creation of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, which premiered in September 2024. The series documented the complexities of Paul’s relationships, including her on-again, off-again connection with Dakota Mortensen. An earlier arrest for domestic violence against Mortensen had already cast a shadow over Paul’s public image.

The most recent escalation began on March 19, 2026, with the release of the 2023 video by TMZ. The footage, as reported by The Guardian, allegedly shows Paul kicking Mortensen and throwing metal chairs at him while their five-year-old daughter was present. Mortensen is heard saying, “Your daughter just got hit in the head by a metal chair!” and crying can be heard from the child. An indictment obtained by People showed Paul threw “heavy, metal chairs” at Mortensen, with the child also being struck.

Simultaneously, a separate “domestic assault investigation” is underway in Draper City, Utah, concerning an incident from February 2026. According to a spokesperson for the Draper City police department, “allegations have been made in both directions” between Paul and Mortensen, as detailed in USA Today.

ABC’s Response and Paul’s Statement

Initially, Paul addressed the ongoing investigation at a press event this week, describing it as “really difficult and heavy.” ABC appeared to stand by its choice of lead, even as Paul pulled out of a scheduled appearance on The Tonight Show on Wednesday. Yet, the release of the 2023 video prompted a swift reversal.

Disney issued a statement on Thursday, announcing the cancellation of the season: “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.”

Paul’s team responded with a statement criticizing Mortensen’s actions as a “never-ending, desperate, attention-seeking, destructive campaign to harm Taylor” and characterized it as “a reprehensible attempt to distract from his own behaviour.”

Broader Industry Concerns

This incident isn’t isolated. Last season, ABC faced criticism after it was revealed that Devin Strader, the winner of The Bachelorette, had a restraining order filed against him in 2017 following allegations of physical assault. Strader denied the accusations, and the restraining order was never granted, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

The situation raises broader questions about the vetting processes for reality television participants and the responsibility networks have to ensure the safety of those involved, both on and off camera. The increasing availability of past footage and social media posts adds another layer of complexity to background checks.

What’s Next for the Franchise?

As of now, ABC has not announced whether the already-filmed 22nd season will be aired at a later date. The network’s immediate priority appears to be addressing the fallout from the current situation and reassessing its vetting procedures. The future of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives also remains uncertain, pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation and Disney’s internal review. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with reality television and the importance of prioritizing safety and accountability.