ABC Cancels The Bachelorette Amid Domestic Violence Controversy

ABC has made the decision to cancel the upcoming season of The Bachelorette just days before its premiere due to serious allegations against star Taylor Frankie Paul. A recently surfaced video showing her in a violent altercation with her ex-boyfriend has raised significant concerns. This cancellation follows an ongoing domestic violence investigation involving both parties. The decision has sparked scrutiny regarding the show's contestant vetting process, marking a notable moment in the franchise's history. Read on to learn more about the developments leading to this significant decision.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 20, 2026, 03:37 IST

Cancellation of The Bachelorette

On March 19, ABC decided to cancel the upcoming season of The Bachelorette, just days before its scheduled premiere. The lead for Season 22, Taylor Frankie Paul, had been under intense scrutiny due to a domestic violence investigation in Utah. The situation escalated following the release of a video from 2023 that depicted her assaulting her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen.

A spokesperson for Disney Entertainment Television stated, "In light of the newly released video that surfaced today, we have decided not to proceed with the new season of 'The Bachelorette' at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family," according to a report.

Developments Leading to Cancellation

What Changed Thursday

Just a day prior, Disney seemed determined to move forward with the show's premiere. Paul had appeared on Good Morning America that morning, discussing the ongoing investigation without revealing specific details. She stated, "I'm a person that will always speak my truth, and that's what I'm known for, so when the time is right, I will be." However, the situation took a turn when TMZ released the 2023 footage later that afternoon, showing Paul in a violent altercation with Mortensen, which included her throwing metal barstools at him. One of her children was reportedly hit during the incident.

Following the video's release, three high-ranking Disney executives—Debra O'Connell, Craig Erwich, and Rob Mills—quickly determined that continuing with the season was no longer feasible.

Ongoing Investigation

The Investigation

The Draper City Police Department in Northern Utah confirmed that there is an ongoing investigation into domestic assault involving both Paul and Mortensen, with each party reportedly making allegations against the other. Authorities contacted both individuals on February 24th and 25th. Importantly, the incident currently under investigation is distinct from the 2023 altercation depicted in the video. Police clarified that the new investigation pertains to an incident that occurred after Paul had completed filming The Bachelorette but during the production of the latest season of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.

ABC's Prior Knowledge

What ABC Already Knew

ABC was aware of the 2023 domestic violence case when they cast Paul. She had pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and received three years of probation, a charge that was referenced in the first episode of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, which included police bodycam footage from her arrest. Despite this knowledge, producers chose to cast her, a decision that is now facing scrutiny. The Bachelor franchise has previously been criticized for inadequate vetting of contestants, but Thursday's cancellation marks a significant moment in the franchise's history.