ABC Pulls The Bachelorette Surrounding Contestant Controversy
ABC has officially pulled the 22nd season of The Bachelorette just days before its premiere. The network made the decision following emerging controversy surrounding the show’s chosen bachelorette, Taylor Frankie Paul.
The decision marks the first time in the history of the Bachelorette franchise that a season has been pulled entirely off-air before its premiere.
Taylor Frankie Paul is a 31‑year‑old reality star and influencer from Herriman, Utah. Paul is best known for her appearance on Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and for her large social‑media presence.
Paul was set to make history as the first bachelorette who had never previously appeared in the Bachelor franchise.
Disturbing Footage Resurfaces Of “Bachelorette” Taylor Frankie Paul
The network’s decision to pull this season came after a video resurfaced showing Paul involved in a domestic altercation with her ex‑partner, Dakota Mortensen. The incident included allegations of domestic violence, according to court records.
The Draper City Police Department in Utah confirmed an ongoing investigation into alleged domestic assault involving both Paul and Mortensen. Disney commented on the situation after the video surfaced.
“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,” Disney said in a statement.
The footage reportedly reveals Paul in 2023 repeatedly attempting to physically attack Mortensen, throwing several metal barstools at him while a child was present.
News also broke earlier this week that filming had paused on Season 5 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives due to the domestic assault investigation. Both Paul and Mortensen are regularly featured on the reality series, particularly during Season 4, which was filmed last fall.
ABC has not yet commented as to whether or not Season 22 of The Bachelorette will ever be released.
