The new season of the dating show The Bachelorette has been canceled following domestic violence allegations against this season's star, ABC has announced.
The network decided to forego the new season after video footage emerged showing Taylor Frankie Paul engaged in an altercation with her ex-partner Dakota Mortensen in 2023.
Paul, a popular TikTok influencer known for her role in Hulu’s Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, faced arrest in connection with the incident and has since pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, according to reports.
Her spokesperson noted that Paul is prioritizing her family's safety and is preparing to share her experiences.
Mortensen, the father of Paul’s third child, expressed his focus on their son's safety in a public statement.
A Disney spokesperson stated that the cancellation was in response to the recently released video, highlighting the network's commitment to address serious allegations promptly.
Originally set to premiere on Sunday, the Bachelorette's timeslot remains uncertain, with ABC yet to disclose alternative programming.
Prior to this announcement, Paul appeared on ABC's Good Morning America, discussing the alleged incident and expressing her disappointment about the situation overshadowing the show's release.
Paul rose to fame through #MomTok on TikTok, where she shared parenting moments and personal stories, including a public divorce in 2022 that attracted significant media attention. She has since started a new relationship with Mortensen, a recurring figure on her show.
The network decided to forego the new season after video footage emerged showing Taylor Frankie Paul engaged in an altercation with her ex-partner Dakota Mortensen in 2023.
Paul, a popular TikTok influencer known for her role in Hulu’s Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, faced arrest in connection with the incident and has since pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, according to reports.
Her spokesperson noted that Paul is prioritizing her family's safety and is preparing to share her experiences.
Mortensen, the father of Paul’s third child, expressed his focus on their son's safety in a public statement.
A Disney spokesperson stated that the cancellation was in response to the recently released video, highlighting the network's commitment to address serious allegations promptly.
Originally set to premiere on Sunday, the Bachelorette's timeslot remains uncertain, with ABC yet to disclose alternative programming.
Prior to this announcement, Paul appeared on ABC's Good Morning America, discussing the alleged incident and expressing her disappointment about the situation overshadowing the show's release.
Paul rose to fame through #MomTok on TikTok, where she shared parenting moments and personal stories, including a public divorce in 2022 that attracted significant media attention. She has since started a new relationship with Mortensen, a recurring figure on her show.
