ABC canceled the upcoming season of “The Bachelorette” just days before its scheduled premiere, following the surfacing of a 2023 video showing Taylor Frankie Paul in a physical altercation with her former partner, Dakota Mortensen. The cancellation, announced Thursday, marks an unusual step for the reality television franchise, which has historically navigated controversies during broadcast rather than shelving completed seasons.
The video, published by TMZ, depicts Paul allegedly punching, kicking, and throwing objects at Mortensen even as their young daughter was present. Paul was arrested in 2023 and pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of aggravated assault, with other charges dismissed, according to reports from CBS News and The New York Times. A Draper City, Utah, police spokesperson confirmed to People magazine that a domestic assault investigation involving both Paul and Mortensen remained open.
A spokesperson for Paul stated she is “very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security,” and characterized the incident as stemming from years of “mental and physical abuse as well as threats of retaliation.”
The decision to halt the season’s release stands in contrast to the franchise’s past handling of contestant controversies. The cancellation comes amid a broader history of scrutiny surrounding diversity, casting practices, and cultural sensitivity within “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette.”
For years, the franchise faced criticism for its lack of diversity, particularly in selecting leads. A 2012 lawsuit alleging discriminatory casting practices was dismissed, but the calls for greater representation persisted. Rachel Lindsay became the first Black lead in 2017, and Matt James was cast as the first Black Bachelor in 2020. More recently, Jenn Tran made history as the franchise’s first Asian American lead in 2024, though her season also drew debate regarding the representation of Asian men among the contestants.
Increased diversity in casting has, at times, been met with backlash from segments of the show’s audience, with contestants of color, including Lindsay and James, experiencing heightened scrutiny and racist commentary online. Tran’s season sparked discussion about historical disparities in rose ceremonies and viewer criticism directed toward contestants of color, according to the Associated Press.
The franchise has also faced internal controversies. In 2021, host Chris Harrison stepped down after defending contestant Rachael Kirkconnell following criticism over photos of her at an antebellum plantation-themed event and in a Native American costume. Harrison later apologized, acknowledging he had excused historical racism. Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe hosted the remainder of that season, and Jesse Palmer was subsequently named the franchise’s permanent host.
Cultural sensitivity has also been an issue. A 2019 episode set in Singapore drew criticism for contestants’ dismissive comments about local cuisine. Earlier controversies included remarks made by former Bachelor Juan Pablo Galavis in 2014, when he expressed reservations about a gay or bisexual man leading the show, calling them “more pervert, in a sense.” Galavis later apologized, citing a language barrier.
As of Friday, ABC had not announced any plans to air the completed season or recast the lead role.
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