ABC cancelled the upcoming season of “The Bachelorette” just days before its scheduled premiere, following the release of a 2023 video showing lead Taylor Frankie Paul involved in a physical altercation with her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen. The cancellation, announced Thursday, marks the latest in a series of controversies to plague the long-running reality franchise and raises questions about its future.
The 22nd season of “The Bachelorette,” set to debut on Sunday, March 22, would have starred Paul, a 31-year-old influencer known for her appearances on Hulu’s “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” and her presence on TikTok as a “MomTok” personality. Paul represented a departure for the franchise, being the first lead not originating from within “Bachelor Nation,” according to Hulu guides. The season’s move to a Sunday primetime slot signaled a network effort to revitalize the show.
The video, initially shared by TMZ, depicts Paul throwing barstools at Mortensen during an argument. A police report indicated that one of Paul’s children was reportedly struck during the altercation, sustaining a minor injury. Paul pleaded guilty to an assault charge related to the incident and received three years’ probation. Mortensen filed for a restraining order against Paul on Thursday, following the video’s release.
Disney, ABC’s parent company, released a statement saying, “In light of the newly released video that surfaced today, we have made the decision not to move forward with the new season of The Bachelorette at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family.” A spokesperson for Paul stated she was “highly grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security.”
This cancellation arrives amidst a period of declining viewership and increasing scrutiny for the “Bachelor” franchise. Recent seasons have been marred by controversy, including allegations of stalking against former “Bachelor” lead Colton Underwood, and racially insensitive incidents involving “Bachelor” Matt James and his chosen partner, Rachel Kirkconnell. Chris Harrison, the longtime host, departed the franchise following a backlash over his defense of Kirkconnell.
In 2024, the show faced criticism for its handling of lead Jenn Tran’s breakup and engagement dissolution, with some observers characterizing the treatment of Tran, the first Asian American lead, as shameful.
The decision to cast Paul, despite her 2023 arrest for domestic violence and ongoing fan speculation regarding her emotional availability, was viewed by some as a desperate attempt to boost ratings. The audience for “Bachelor” shows has decreased significantly in the last decade, now less than half the size it was ten years ago. Meanwhile, “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” experienced a successful debut on Hulu in 2024, receiving a renewal and additional episode order within a month of its premiere.
As of Thursday evening, ABC had not announced any plans to reschedule the season or address the future of “The Bachelorette.”
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