Summary (tl;dr)

The upcoming season of ABC's "The Bachelorette," starring TikTok influencer Taylor Frankie Paul, was abruptly canceled just days before its premiere. This decision came after TMZ published a 2023 video depicting Paul in a domestic violence incident with her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, during which their child was reportedly struck.

Essential Background

Taylor Frankie Paul gained prominence as a "MomTok" influencer and a cast member on Hulu's "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives." Her public profile increased in 2022 following a "soft-swinging" scandal that contributed to her divorce. In February 2023, Paul was arrested for assault and domestic violence after a physical altercation with her then-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen. She later pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, with other charges dismissed, and body camera footage of this incident was shown on "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives." Paul was recently selected to lead "The Bachelorette," a rare move as she had no prior connection to the franchise. In February 2026, the Draper City Police Department confirmed an ongoing domestic assault investigation involving Paul and Mortensen, with allegations made by both parties, which had already led to a pause in filming for "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives."

The Full Story

On March 19, 2026, TMZ released a video from the February 2023 domestic incident involving Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen. The video reportedly shows Paul throwing metal chairs and other objects at Mortensen, with their daughter present and crying; one of her children was inadvertently hit during the altercation. Within hours of the video's release, ABC, a network owned by Disney Entertainment, announced its decision to cancel the upcoming season of "The Bachelorette," which was set to premiere on March 22. ABC stated they had not seen the video prior to casting Paul for the show. Paul's representative issued a statement acknowledging the cancellation and claiming Paul had endured "extensive mental and physical abuse as well as threats of retaliation" from Mortensen, which Mortensen has denied. Following the video's release, Meta also indicated it would no longer work with Paul.

Why It Matters

The unprecedented cancellation of "The Bachelorette" season highlights the significant consequences faced by public figures when past controversies, particularly those involving domestic violence, resurface. This event brings to the forefront discussions about vetting processes for reality television personalities and the responsibility of networks when casting individuals with known troubled histories. The incident also re-emphasizes the serious impact of domestic violence, especially in situations where children are present or inadvertently harmed. Beyond the reality dating show, the fallout affects Paul's career and other ongoing projects, including "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" and her brand partnerships.

Geographic Location

• Salt Lake County, Utah, United States (location of Taylor Frankie Paul's 2023 domestic violence arrest and plea deal)
• Draper City, Salt Lake County, Utah, United States (location of ongoing domestic assault investigation in 2026)