It’s a different kind of first for Bachelor Nation.
Following a series of shocking revelations about ABC’s latest Bachelorette, Taylor Frankie Paul, the network has made the decision to pull the upcoming season of the hit reality series. The news is particularly surprising because the series was poised to return this Sunday.
The announcement was made just hours after TMZ released an old video featuring Paul attacking her ex-partner Dakota Mortensen.
“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 in a statement.
The video came just one day after Paul’s other series, Hulu’s The Secret Live of Mormon Wives paused production due to a “domestic assault investigation.” The investigation stemmed from concerns of Paul’s relationship with Mortensen.
She was previously arrested for domestic violence in February 2023 in another incident involving Mortensen. Paul’s unorthodox casting had already been into question since it was announced on the Alex Cooper podcast “Call Her Daddy” last year. Unlike previous Bachelorettes, she was a total stranger to the series, with very little reality experience other than the drama on Mormon Wives. And although ABC has taken the higher ground, it’s decision to chose Paul despite her past conduct may very well follow it for years to come.
Paul has already released a statement about the cancellation to People. A spokesperson for her says:
“[She] 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…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.”
Variety reports ABC’s decision to pull the show so soon to release may cost the network millions of dollars. This includes fees owed to Warner Bros. Unscripted TV, which pays for production, as well as money it must refund to advertisers.
