ABC Pulls Bachelorette Season Following Domestic Violence Video Release
In a dramatic turn of events, ABC has canceled the entire 22nd season of "The Bachelorette" just days before its scheduled premiere. The network made this unprecedented decision after TMZ released a disturbing 2023 video showing lead Taylor Frankie Paul assaulting her partner Dakota Mortensen in front of one of her children.
Taylor Frankie Paul's Troubled Past Comes to Light
In the only episode provided to media before cancellation, Paul tearfully confessed to a domestic violence incident from years prior during a conversation with one of her 22 suitors. "I was very lost in every aspect, and I came home mad one night and we got in a fight," she revealed. "I've never drank since that night. I got my act together. I got in major therapy, and I've been in that ever since. I cleaned up my life."
However, this past resurfaced with devastating consequences when the 2023 video emerged. According to The Salt Lake Tribune, Paul was charged with aggravated assault, two counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child, child abuse with injury, and criminal mischief following the incident. She pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in August 2025, with other charges dismissed, and was ordered to undergo substance and domestic violence evaluation and treatment.
A Franchise in Crisis
Season 22 represented what appeared to be a desperate attempt to revitalize the struggling franchise. The previous season featuring Jenn Tran as the first Asian American Bachelorette saw ratings plummet to the lowest in franchise history among the 18-49 demographic, according to Bachelor Data statistics. The network had paused production after that season aired in 2024.
Paul, one of the founders of MomTok—a group of Mormon influencer moms from Utah who gained viral fame through dancing TikToks and a swinging scandal—seemed like unconventional casting. Her life has been chronicled in Hulu's "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," where she gained a reputation for brutal honesty. "I realized, 'Oh my God, this girl is one of the most honest reality-TV stars that I've ever seen,'" showrunner Scott Teti told Vulture about Paul's appearance on the Hulu series.
Multiple Investigations and Production Halts
The controversy extends beyond "The Bachelorette." Reports indicate Hulu has paused production for Season 5 of "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" due to more recent allegations involving Paul and Mortensen. Cast members expressed discomfort filming with Paul, according to a Zoom call obtained by NBC News. Additionally, the Draper City Police Department confirmed to People that an open "domestic assault investigation" involving Paul and Mortensen from February remains active.
This latest scandal adds to a growing list of controversies plaguing the Bachelor franchise. From Matt James' criticism of the franchise's handling of race issues to Chris Harrison's firing for defending contestant Rachael Kirkconnell, the series has faced increasing scrutiny. Production has also been criticized for inadequate contestant vetting, including incidents involving offensive tweets, restraining orders, and sexual assault allegations that once shut down "Bachelor in Paradise" production in 2017.
Questionable Casting Decisions and Financial Implications
The selection of Paul raises serious questions about ABC's decision-making process. Why did the network choose someone whose domestic violence incident had been partially documented on Hulu, which like ABC is owned by Disney? Furthermore, Disney and Warner Bros. Unscripted TV—which produces the franchise—now face significant financial losses from pulling the entire season after substantial investment.
Paul represented a departure from traditional Bachelorette casting as the first lead not previously associated with Bachelor Nation. While some fans expressed excitement about her selection in Instagram comments, her background as a social media influencer with millions of followers seemed more like stunt casting than genuine matchmaking. Previous contestants seeking fame have faced criticism from the show's core fanbase.
Broader Franchise Challenges
The cancellation comes amid broader struggles for the Bachelor franchise. Ratings have declined across multiple seasons, with "The Golden Bachelorette" recording one of the worst-rated premieres in franchise history in September 2024. Scheduling has become increasingly problematic, with Tran's season competing against the 2024 Summer Olympics and popular streaming dating shows like Peacock's "Love Island USA," which dominated social media conversations.
The franchise's rigid format may be contributing to its decline as audiences gravitate toward more dynamic reality dating shows like "Love Is Blind" and "Married At First Sight" that feel less produced. Additionally, the franchise has faced ongoing criticism about its representation of people of color and diverse body types, with former contestants and commentators calling for substantial changes to casting and production approaches.
An Uncertain Future
With the season canceled, ABC cannot follow its usual practice of selecting the next Bachelor from the pool of contestants. The premiere episode suggested Paul quickly connected with one contestant, featuring typical "Bachelorette" elements like limo arrivals and awkward introductions, but the broader narrative has been overshadowed by scandal.
This incident represents perhaps the most serious crisis in the franchise's nearly 25-year history. What began as appointment television for audiences rooting for couples to find love has become a franchise riddled with controversies, breakups, and drama that feels increasingly problematic rather than entertaining. The cancellation of Season 22 may signal a turning point for a franchise that many believe has long overstayed its welcome in an evolving television landscape.
