ABC has pulled the plug on the 22nd season of “The Bachelorette” just days before its scheduled premiere, following the release of a disturbing 2023 video showing lead Taylor Frankie Paul engaged in a physical altercation with her former partner, Dakota Mortensen. The decision marks a swift reversal from earlier this week, when the network appeared to be standing by Paul despite an ongoing domestic assault investigation and her withdrawal from a scheduled appearance on “The Tonight Show.” The fallout raises renewed questions about vetting processes for reality television participants and the responsibility networks have to protect those involved, both on and off screen.
Paul, 31, gained prominence through the Hulu reality series “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” and was slated to begin her journey to find love on ABC this Sunday. However, the newly surfaced video, obtained by TMZ, depicts a volatile scene where Paul is seen kicking Mortensen and throwing chairs at him while their five-year-old daughter was present. Mortensen is heard saying, “Your daughter just got hit in the head by a metal chair!” and sounds of a child crying can be heard in the background. The incident, which occurred in 2023, is separate from an ongoing investigation by the Draper City police department in Utah regarding a February incident, according to reports.
The video’s release prompted an immediate response from Disney, ABC’s parent company. “In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the modern season of The Bachelorette at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family,” a statement released Thursday read. Production on the latest season of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” was also reportedly paused earlier this week, as the fallout from the allegations extends beyond ABC’s flagship dating show. The Hulu program, like “The Bachelorette,” falls under the Disney umbrella.
This isn’t Paul’s first encounter with the legal system regarding this relationship. According to reports, Paul was arrested in 2023 for domestic violence against Mortensen. She later pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and is currently serving three years of probation. The arrest itself was reportedly documented during the premiere of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.”
The situation echoes concerns raised last season on “The Bachelorette,” when winner Devin Strader faced scrutiny over a 2017 restraining order filed by a former girlfriend alleging physical assault. The Hollywood Reporter reported at the time that Strader denied the accusations, stating the restraining order was never granted. This latest incident, however, presents a far more graphic and immediate challenge for the network.
A Pattern of Concern in Reality TV Casting?
The decision to halt the season underscores a growing awareness of the potential risks associated with casting individuals with troubled pasts on reality television. While networks often tout the drama and unpredictability that approach with selecting contestants with complex personal lives, the line between entertainment and exploitation is increasingly under scrutiny. The vetting process for participants in these shows has come under fire, with critics questioning whether networks are doing enough to ensure the safety of all involved.
Paul’s team responded to the video’s release with a statement criticizing Mortensen, accusing him of a “never-ending, desperate, attention-seeking, destructive campaign to harm Taylor” and characterizing his actions as “a reprehensible attempt to distract from his own behaviour.” This statement does not address the content of the video itself.
What’s Next for “The Bachelorette” and “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives”?
ABC has not indicated whether the already-filmed 22nd season of “The Bachelorette” will air at a later date. The network’s immediate priority appears to be managing the public relations fallout and reassessing its vetting procedures. The future of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” also remains uncertain, with production currently paused. Hulu has not released a timeline for resuming filming.
The incident also raises questions about the broader landscape of reality television and the responsibility networks have to address allegations of abuse and violence. As audiences become more attuned to these issues, the pressure on networks to prioritize safety and accountability will likely continue to grow. The long-term impact of this situation on the franchise remains to be seen, but it serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of prioritizing entertainment over ethical considerations.
Disney has not announced a timeline for a review of its casting and vetting processes for reality television programs. Further updates regarding the status of both “The Bachelorette” and “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” are expected in the coming weeks.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please reach out for help. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit thehotline.org.
