ABC Pulls Reality Show After Violent Leaked Video Emerges
Content warning: This article references alleged spousal abuse and links out to a video involving the subject. Reader discretion is advised.
ABC has cancelled Taylor Frankie Paul's season of The Bachelorette just three days before it was set to premiere, according to an exclusive report by People.
The announcement arrives just hours after TMZ released footage of Paul throwing chairs at her ex-partner, Dakota Mortensen, from 2023, when a child was nearby, and later struck.
A Disney Entertainment Television spokesperson told the publication on Thursday, March 19, “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, andour focus is on supporting the family."
The highly anticipated 22nd season, starring The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives alum, was set to premiere on Sunday, March 22.
The leaked video and cancellation news comes just days after filming on Mormon Wives had been halted due to Paul and Mortensen's involvement in an “ongoing investigation,” sources told NBC News on Tuesday.
Additionally, the West Jordan Police Department in Utah told the outlet on Wednesday that the department received a domestic violence allegation via phone call involving the former, but declined to give details about the investigation.
A spokesperson for Taylor told People, “It’s sad to see the latest installment of his never-ending, desperate, attention-seeking, destructive campaign to harm Taylor without any regard for the consequences for their child."
"Releasing an old video, which conveniently omits context, on their son's birthday is a reprehensible attempt to distract from his own behavior," the statement continued. "Thankfully, the public has seen this act before and knows who he is and sadly, many will recognize this pattern of manipulation, both in his actions on the show, and from their own experiences."
If you’re affected by domestic abuse or feel unsafe in a relationship, you can reach out confidentially to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or via text at 88788. If you’re in immediate danger, please call 911.