ABC Pulls the Plug on Taylor Frankie Paul's 'Bachelorette' Season Amid Domestic Violence Allegations

The shocking decision has left Bachelor Nation reeling, with many questioning how the network failed to vet the lead's troubled past

Background on the Cancellation

In a stunning move, ABC has cancelled Taylor Frankie Paul's upcoming season of "The Bachelorette" amid reports of an ongoing domestic violence investigation involving the lead and her ex, Dakota Mortensen. The decision came after a video surfaced showing Paul attacking Mortensen in front of their young daughter during a 2023 incident. Paul was charged with assault, criminal mischief, and domestic violence in the presence of a child, and pleaded guilty in abeyance to an aggravated assault charge in August 2025.

Reaction from Bachelor Nation

The news has sparked outrage and shock among Bachelor Nation, with many alumni expressing their disappointment and frustration on social media. Rachel Lindsay, the show's first Black lead, stated that the decision is "bad for Disney" and "bad for Hulu," and questioned how the network failed to vet Paul's past. Arie Luyendyk, the series's 22nd "Bachelor," declared the situation a "mess" and expressed sympathy for the production team and contestants who had put their lives on hold. Kelley Flanagan, a contestant on the 24th season of "The Bachelor," confessed that she was "a little bit bummed" that she wouldn't get to see the drama play out on screen.

Investigation and Aftermath

The West Jordan Police Department in Utah confirmed that they received a domestic violence allegation involving Paul, but declined to give details about the allegation or any potential charges. The Draper Police Department in Utah stated that there is an open "domestic assault investigation" regarding Paul and Mortensen, and that "allegations have been made in both directions." Contestants from the cancelled season have taken to social media to express their thoughts and feelings, with Clayton Johnson praising the group of men he was a part of, and Doug Mason urging his followers to "stay positive" and sending prayers to Paul. The cancellation has raised questions about the network's vetting process and how Paul was cast in the first place, despite her criminal past.

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