Bachelorette Season Axed Following Shocking Video Release
In a dramatic turn of events, ABC has abruptly canceled the upcoming season of The Bachelorette starring Taylor Frankie Paul after a disturbing video from 2023 surfaced online, showing her violently assaulting her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen. The network's decision, announced just days before the season's scheduled premiere, has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and could result in significant financial losses.
Violent Incident Captured on Camera
The video, published by TMZ this week and recorded by Mortensen himself, depicts a harrowing altercation between the former couple. In the footage, Paul is seen aggressively swinging at Mortensen, pulling his hair, and kicking him before throwing three chairs in his direction while screaming, "You did this! You did this to me!" Mortensen can be heard responding, "You think this is OK? This is all you do ... This is not OK ... The only thing you know how to do is hurt me."
During the confrontation, the couple's young daughter is heard crying and shouting "Mommy!" in the background, adding to the distressing nature of the scene. Mortensen exclaims, "Your daughter is right here!" in an attempt to de-escalate the situation. Off camera, he states that their relationship is over and reveals, "I just got hit in the head with a metal chair."
Legal Consequences and Network Fallout
According to the Associated Press, Paul was arrested following the 2023 incident and faced charges including aggravated assault and domestic violence in the presence of a child. She ultimately pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge, while other counts were dismissed. In response to the video's release, ABC issued a statement explaining their decision: "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."
Industry insiders suggest the cancellation could cost ABC millions of dollars in production expenses and lost advertising revenue. One source told Page Six, "It could be US$50 million (or more). Someone's gotta get fired from this. It's ridiculous." Another network insider estimated losses between $10 to $15 million, questioning whether proper background checks were conducted before casting Paul.
Conflicting Accounts and Restraining Order
Paul's representatives have presented a different narrative, claiming in a statement obtained by PEOPLE that she had "silently suffered extensive mental and physical abuse as well as threats of retaliation" for years. The statement added, "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." Paul indicated she was "preparing to own and share her story" about surviving "aggressive, jealous ex-partners who refuse to let them move on with their lives."
Mortensen has firmly denied these allegations, calling them "baseless claims" and stating, "I am, unfortunately, used to these baseless claims about me and our relationship, which I categorically deny. I am focusing on our son and his safety, and hope that Taylor will do the same." He has since filed a restraining order against Paul, alleging she was physically violent towards him again last month, choking him and shoving him into a window.
Background and Career Implications
Taylor Frankie Paul, 31, gained recognition through her role on the reality series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and as part of the #MomTok community on TikTok, where she shared insights into her life as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A mother of three, she shares two-year-old son Ever with Mortensen and has two other children from her previous marriage to Tate Paul.
Paul had announced her selection as the next Bachelorette last September on Alex Cooper's Call Her Daddy podcast, expressing disbelief at the opportunity. She explained she was chosen after "making a funny video" declaring her single status, noting, "I didn't believe it until I got the invitation." The cancellation marks a significant setback for her television career and public image, particularly as the video shows behavior that one commentator noted would be difficult for the show's target audience to reconcile: "It's a show for women. What woman and what mom is going to watch a woman throwing chairs with a child nearby."
