ABC has announced the cancellation of the upcoming season of "The Bachelorette," which was set to premiere just days after the decision was made. The season, featuring Taylor Frankie Paul, had already been filmed but will not air due to concerns raised by a recently surfaced video of an altercation involving Paul and her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen.
The cancellation follows a statement from Disney Entertainment Television, which indicated that the decision was prompted by the video's release. The network emphasized its focus on supporting the family involved in the situation. In connection with the altercation, Paul was previously arrested in 2023 on charges including aggravated assault and domestic violence in the presence of a child. While she pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of aggravated assault, other charges were dismissed. The police in Draper City, Utah, confirmed that an ongoing domestic violence investigation involves both Paul and Mortensen, who shares a child with her.
Paul's selection as the lead for this season was notable, as she had not participated in prior seasons of the "Bachelor" franchise, which typically casts former contestants. Instead, she gained recognition as an influencer within the #MomTok community on TikTok, where she shared aspects of her life as a mother and her experiences related to her marriage. Prior to the cancellation, Paul had actively promoted the show, appearing on platforms such as "Good Morning America" and during the Oscars.