ABC has canceled Taylor Frankie Paul's upcoming season of The Bachelorette hours after TMZ published video from a 2023 domestic incident where she assaulted ex Dakota Mortensen and a child was struck. The decision follows ongoing abuse allegations and a child services investigation in Utah. Production on her Hulu series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has also paused.
On March 19, 2026, Disney Entertainment Television announced it would not air Taylor Frankie Paul's season of The Bachelorette, scheduled to premiere the next Sunday at 8 p.m. on ABC. A spokesperson stated, “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.” The video, obtained by TMZ, shows Paul putting Mortensen in a headlock, kicking him, and throwing metal barstools at him during a 2023 altercation. A 5-year-old daughter, present on the couch, was struck and developed a 'goose egg on her head,' per police. Paul yelled that Mortensen had thrown her first, though the video begins after that point. She pleaded guilty to felony aggravated assault, receiving 3 years' probation ending in August; other charges were dropped if she complies. Sources say ABC had not seen the video prior to its release. Separately, production on Hulu's The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has halted amid cast refusals tied to Paul's issues. Meta confirmed no future deals with Paul after a prior #MetaPartner content agreement ended. Cinnabon also parted ways. In February 2026, Mortensen filed a Utah protective order detailing alleged assaults by Paul on February 23-24, including choking, shoving, and face-grabbing while their son Ever was present; he seeks sole custody and sobriety conditions. Paul's ex-husband Tate Paul appeared at the same Northern Utah courthouse for a similar order; they arrived separately. The Utah Division of Children and Family Services is investigating mutual violence claims, ordering psych evaluations for both. Paul's spokesperson claimed, “After years of silently suffering extensive mental and physical abuse... Taylor is finally gaining the strength to face her accuser.” Mortensen responded, “I am, unfortunately, used to these baseless claims about me and our relationship, which I categorically deny. I am focusing on our son and his safety.” Reality Steve advised Paul to seek help off-camera. Cancellation fallout includes $2 million per episode costs, lost trade-out deals, staff layoffs, and delays to the next Bachelor season.
