Disney Cancels 'Bachelorette' Season Following Domestic Violence Video Involving Star Taylor Frankie Paul

Disney Entertainment has canceled the upcoming 22nd season of ABC's reality series 'The Bachelorette' after TMZ published a video showing designated star Taylor Frankie Paul physically assaulting her former partner Dakota Mortensen in 2023. The decision was announced on Thursday, just days before the scheduled premiere. The footage, recorded by Mortensen, depicts Paul striking him and throwing barstools while a child cries nearby. Paul, a 31-year-old influencer known for founding the 'MomTok' social media collective and appearing on Hulu's 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,' was arrested in February 2023 following this incident in Herriman, Utah. She later pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and received three years of probation. Disney stated it would not proceed with the season to focus on supporting the family. Paul's representative criticized the video release as part of Mortensen's 'destructive campaign,' while Mortensen denied allegations about their relationship and emphasized child safety. The controversy has also halted production on the fifth season of 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,' which chronicles Paul's life and relationships. Paul was an unconventional choice for 'The Bachelorette,' as she had not previously participated in the Bachelor franchise, marking a departure from the show's traditional casting. ABC will air an 'American Idol' rerun instead, with no confirmation on whether Paul's season will ever be broadcast.