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ABC pulls season following assault video release
ABC has scrapped the upcoming season of The Bachelorette after newly published footage showed star Taylor Frankie Paul in a 2023 physical altercation with her former partner, Dakota Mortensen.
Background of the incident
The video, released by TMZ on Thursday, depicts an argument between Paul and Mortensen. Paul, a social-media influencer and cast member of Hulu's Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, was arrested in 2023 and later pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, according to U.S. media reports.
Statements from involved parties
Paul's spokesperson stated she is currently "prioritizing her family's safety and preparing to own and share her story." Mortensen, who is the father of Paul's youngest child, said in a separate statement that he is "focusing on our son and his safety."
"We made the decision to not move forward with the new season in light of the newly released video just surfaced today."
Disney spokesperson, parent company of ABC
Production impact and public response
The season was scheduled to premiere this Sunday, but ABC has not announced replacement programming for the timeslot. Before the cancellation, Paul appeared on Good Morning America on Wednesday to promote the series, calling the period "a heavy time" amid the resurfacing allegations.
Production on the fifth season of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, which debuted in 2024, has also been paused. Co-star Mikayla Matthews confirmed on social media that the decision was made collectively by the cast, who "didn't feel comfortable filming with everything that was happening."
Paul's public profile
Paul gained prominence on TikTok as part of #MomTok, a community of young mothers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Utah. She and her ex-husband drew attention in 2022 after revealing they had engaged in relationships with other couples during their marriage, a story later featured on Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. Following their divorce, Paul began dating Mortensen, who also appeared on the show.
