Disney Entertainment Television has officially canceled the upcoming season of The Bachelorette starring Taylor Frankie Paul, just three days before its high-profile premiere. The unprecedented move follows the release of a 2023 video depicting a violent physical altercation between Paul and her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen.
“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,” a Disney Entertainment Television spokesperson said in a statement on Thursday, March 19. “Our focus is on supporting the family.”
The cancellation of Season 22, which was scheduled to debut Sunday, March 22, marks a significant blow to the franchise. Industry insiders estimate the decision could cost the network millions in lost production and advertising revenue.
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Investigation into Graphic Footage
The footage, published by TMZ on Thursday morning, captures a three-minute confrontation filmed by Mortensen. In the clip, Paul is seen kicking and slapping Mortensen before hurling multiple metal barstools in his direction.
The video reaches a chilling climax when a child’s cries are heard in the background. Mortensen can be heard shouting, “Your daughter just got hit in the head by a metal chair,” as Paul continues to scream.
This footage stems from a February 2023 incident in Salt Lake County, Utah, for which Paul was previously arrested. While she pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in August 2023, the full visual extent of the violence had remained largely out of the public eye until this week.
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Dual Statements and Legal Escalation
Following the video’s release, both parties issued starkly different narratives. Mortensen, who shares 2-year-old son Ever with Paul, told PEOPLE he is focusing on “our son and his safety.”
“As anyone who has seen the video will understand, this is a deeply upsetting situation,” Mortensen said. “I am, unfortunately, used to these baseless claims about me and our relationship, which I categorically deny.”
In contrast, a spokesperson for Paul claimed she was a victim of a “destructive campaign” and alleged years of “silently suffering extensive mental and physical abuse.” Paul’s representative asserted that the video was “selectively edited” and released to coincide with their son’s birthday.
The legal fallout continues to mount. Court documents obtained by PEOPLE confirm that Mortensen filed for a protective order and requested temporary sole custody of Ever on March 17. A hearing is scheduled for April 7.
Fallout Across Reality TV
The controversy has also paralyzed production of Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. Filming for Season 5 was halted earlier this week due to what sources described as “pretty serious stuff” regarding Paul’s past and an active domestic assault investigation involving fresh allegations from February 2026.
Key Figures Involved:
- Taylor Frankie Paul (31): Influencer and star of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
- Dakota Mortensen (33): Paul’s ex-boyfriend and father of their son, Ever.
- Tate Paul: Paul’s ex-husband, who reportedly also sought a protective order this week.
ABC has not yet announced a replacement program for the Sunday night time slot. For a network that historically prizes its “saccharine” image, the decision to scrap an entire season highlights a zero-tolerance shift regarding domestic violence and contestant vetting.
