What was meant to be a headline-grabbing new chapter for The Bachelorette has unravelled in a matter of days. U.S. broadcaster ABC has pulled the already-filmed season 22, led by reality personality Taylor Frankie Paul, following the release of footage tied to a past domestic violence incident — a move that comes just days after the official trailer dropped (Australian streaming service Stan has since pulled the trailer from their YouTube channel).
The decision abruptly halts a season that had already been drawing attention, fuelled by Paul’s unconventional casting and the early controversy teased in its marketing. Now, the narrative has shifted completely, with the network stepping back as scrutiny intensifies.
ABC Pulls the Plug After Video Surfaces
The tipping point came when previously unseen footage from 2023 began circulating online, showing Paul involved in an altercation with her then-partner, Dakota Mortensen. The video, released by TMZ, appears to show Paul throwing chairs and kicking Mortensen, with a child present during the incident.
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In response, Disney Entertainment Television confirmed the cancellation. As quoted by Variety: “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 timing is notable. Just days earlier, the network appeared to be standing by Paul, even as she withdrew from promotional appearances and renewed attention was placed on her past.
A Complicated History Resurfaces
Paul, 31, had previously been under scrutiny following her 2023 arrest linked to a domestic violence incident involving Mortensen. She later pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and remains on probation.
At the same time, authorities have confirmed a separate domestic assault investigation involving the pair is ongoing, with the Draper City Police Department telling People that “allegations have been made in both directions.”
According to reports and court documents, the earlier incident involved allegations that Paul threw “heavy, metal chairs,” with reports also stating a child was struck. The resurfaced footage has intensified public reaction and placed the franchise under increased scrutiny.
Paul Speaks Out Amid Fallout
Paul had been promoting the season earlier in the week, acknowledging the emotional weight of the situation. “It’s extremely hard… it’s just heavy. It’s a heavy time, and it’s unfortunate,” she said during a press appearance.
Following the cancellation, her team issued a statement defending her, claiming she had endured “years of silently suffering extensive mental and physical abuse” and was now taking steps to protect herself and her children.
They also criticised the release of the footage, calling it “a reprehensible attempt to distract from his own behavior,” while arguing that key context had been omitted.
Wider Fallout Across Projects
The fallout has extended beyond The Bachelorette. Production on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, the Hulu series that first brought Paul into the spotlight, has reportedly been paused. Brand partnerships have also begun distancing themselves, with at least one collaboration already terminated.
As it stands, ABC has not confirmed whether the completed season will ever air in any form. For now, what was shaping up to be one of the franchise’s most talked-about instalments has instead become one of its most turbulent — and that shift happened almost overnight.
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If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence in Australia, support is available. You can contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au for 24/7 online chat and video call services.
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