A brief statement was sent to the press today from a Disney Entertainment Television spokesperson:
“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.”
The controversy centers on Taylor Frankie Paul, a breakout figure from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives who was tapped to become the next lead of The Bachelorette.
Just days before her season was set to premiere in March 2026, reports surfaced of a new alleged domestic assault incident involving her and ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen, prompting a police investigation.
At the same time, a video from a 2023 incident—where Paul had already been arrested and later entered a plea related to aggravated assault—resurfaced, intensifying scrutiny.
The situation escalated quickly: ABC ultimately pulled her entire season before it aired, brands began cutting ties, and production on Mormon Wives was paused. What made the backlash especially strong was the contrast between her casting as a romantic lead and the seriousness of the assault allegations, along with her already controversial public image tied to the “MomTok” scandals and unconventional portrayal of Mormon life—turning what was meant to be a franchise shake-up into one of its most abrupt and high-profile collapses.
