In a dramatic and unprecedented move, ABC has cancelled the already filmed season of "The Bachelorette" starring Taylor Frankie Paul, citing a newly released video from 2023 that surfaced just days before the show's scheduled premiere. The decision was announced on Thursday, March 19, 2026, by Disney Entertainment Television, which oversees ABC.
Unprecedented Cancellation Days Before Premiere
The cancellation marks a rare instance in television history where a fully produced season of a major reality series has been scrapped so close to its broadcast date. The season was set to premiere on Sunday, but ABC pulled the plug after the video emerged, highlighting the network's swift response to the controversy.
Statement from Disney Entertainment Television
A statement from Disney Entertainment Television explained the 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." This statement appears to reference a 2023 video of an altercation between Paul and her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen, which was published by TMZ on Thursday.
Background of Taylor Frankie Paul's Legal Issues
Taylor Frankie Paul, 31, was arrested in 2023 and charged with aggravated assault and other offenses, including domestic violence in the presence of a child. She pleaded guilty that August to a misdemeanor charge of aggravated assault, while the other charges were dismissed. According to a police spokesperson in Draper City, Utah, there is an open domestic violence investigation involving Paul and Mortensen, with allegations made in both directions. Mortensen is the father of one of Paul's three children.
Unusual Casting Choice for The Bachelorette
Paul's selection as the lead of "The Bachelorette" was a departure from the show's typical practice. Unlike previous leads, she had not appeared on the "Bachelor" franchise before, breaking the tradition of casting runners-up from prior seasons. Her casting was announced in October, with ABC crediting her for "igniting 'MomTok' and going viral for pulling back the curtain on Salt Lake's soft-swinging scene."
Paul's Promotional Activities and Media Presence
Just before the cancellation, Paul was actively promoting Season 22, appearing on ABC's "Good Morning America" on Wednesday and on the red carpet before Sunday's Oscars telecast. She is also known as an influencer in the #MomTok community, a group of women from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who share their lives on TikTok. Paul gained attention in 2022 when she announced she had "stepped out" of an agreement with her husband regarding relationships with other couples, leading to their divorce.
Synergy with Other Disney Properties
Her casting offered synergy for Disney, as Paul also stars on "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," a Hulu reality show. Both Hulu and ABC are owned by Disney, making her a cross-platform figure. However, this connection did not prevent the cancellation in light of the video's release.
Impact on Reality Television and Network Policies
This incident raises questions about the vetting processes for reality TV stars and the ethical considerations networks face when controversies arise. ABC's decision underscores the importance of supporting families and maintaining public trust, even at the cost of significant production investments. The cancellation may set a precedent for how networks handle similar situations in the future, balancing entertainment with social responsibility.
As the story develops, fans and industry observers are left to ponder the broader implications for reality television and celebrity culture, while ABC shifts its focus to supporting those affected by the situation.
