Disney has postponed its upcoming season of The Bachlorette starring Taylor Frankie Paul amid allegations of domestic violence, including a newly surfaced video capturing an incident between her and her then-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen, the father of her third child.
“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 season was set to premiere on Sunday, March 22nd, on ABC. It’s unclear whether the season has be pulled indefinitely or will air at a later date.
According to The New York Times, police in Draper City, Utah, confirmed this week that Paul and Mortensen are both under investigation for their alleged involvement in a recent domestic violence incident. Variety reports the investigation has halted production on Paul’s other reality series, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
Earlier Thursday, TMZ published video of a separate domestic violence incident from 2023 involving Paul and Mortensen. In that incident, Paul allegedly threw a chair at Mortensen in the presence of her then-1-year-old son, leading to charges against her. She later pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated assault, while other charges — including child abuse, criminal mischief, and domestic violence in the presence of a child — were dismissed.
“Taylor is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security,” her spokesperson said in a statement. “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.”
