- Primary Subject: Taylor Frankie Paul
- Key Update: ABC has canceled the premiere and suspended the entire 22nd season of The Bachelorette.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: March 20, 2026
- Quick Answer: ABC canceled Taylor Frankie Paul’s Bachelorette season after a leaked video showed her assaulting her ex-boyfriend, leading the network to prioritize the family’s safety.
ABC has decided to pull the plug on the upcoming premiere of The Bachelorette season 22 that would have featured Taylor Frankie Paul as the main star.
Recently, Paul has been under controversy due to the investigation into a domestic violence allegation involving her and ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen. Then, TMZ posted a leaked video of an incident from 2023 where Paul was seen seemingly attacking Mortensen with a stool, and their daughter was inadvertently struck. At that time, Paul was arrested and ordered to attend counseling and undergo substance abuse and domestic violence evaluations.
Why ABC Canceled the Premiere of The Bachelorette Season 22
Just a few days before its planned premiere, ABC has decided to cancel the airing of the premiere of The Bachelorette season 22 that was supposed to take place this Sunday, March 22.
In their statement, the network cited the leaked video as the reason they decided to scrap the premiere of the next season of the hit reality show.
"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," a Disney Entertainment Television spokesperson said.
So far, there are no plans to reschedule the premiere of The Bachelorette season 22, but it is more likely that the entire season won't air at all.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the executives were aware of Paul's arrest and charges in the past, but they had not seen the video until the leak happened.
The Bachelorette is not the only show that was affected by Paul's controversy. The filming of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives season 5 has also been put on pause in light of a new open investigation surrounding a new incident between Paul and Mortensen just last month.
What is Taylor Frankie Paul's Reaction to The Bachelorette Season 2 Cancellation
Paul has released a statement in response to ABC's decision to cancel the premiere of The Bachelorette season 22 following her recent controversy.
She thanked the network for their "support" and shared that she will be sharing her side of the story once she is ready.
"Taylor is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security. After years of silently suffering extensive mental and physical abuse as well as threats of retaliation, Taylor is finally gaining the strength to face her accuser and taking steps to ensure that she and her children are protected from any further harm," she said.
"There are too many women who are suffering in silence as they survive aggressive, jealous ex-partners who refuse to let them move on with their lives. Taylor has remained silent out of fear of further abuse, retaliation, and public shaming. She is currently exploring all of her options, seeking support, and preparing to own and share her story."
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