ABC Cancels ‘The Bachelorette’ Following Taylor Frankie Paul’s Controversy
Disney has officially canceled this season of ABC’s The Bachelorette. This decision comes in response to a newly released video that surfaced earlier today.
In a statement, Disney remarked, “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.”
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This cancellation adds to a challenging year for the Bachelor franchise, which faced significant controversy after halting The Bachelorette last season and dismissing the franchise’s two top showrunners due to issues related to a “toxic” workplace environment. Initially, this season was anticipated to be a strong comeback for the female-led series, featuring a familiar face from Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
Earlier this week, news emerged that filming for Season 5 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives had been paused amid a domestic assault investigation involving Paul and Dakota Mortensen. Both individuals frequently appear on the show, with their tumultuous relationship prominently showcased during Season 4, filmed last fall.
The video that surfaced on Thursday depicts Paul, in 2023, attempting to physically assault Mortensen and throwing metal barstools while a child is present, an incident that culminated in Paul’s guilty plea for aggravated assault.
The Draper City Police Department has confirmed an open “domestic assault investigation” involving the couple, with allegations reportedly made in both directions. Paul has also accused Mortensen of wrongdoing in connection with the 2023 case.
During a press dinner on Monday night, Paul addressed the ongoing situation, stating: “Honestly, just like, my heart hurts to see it, to go through it, especially at this time. Just the timing is hard, and it’s a big deal. I feel like every premiere that I’ve experienced, I’ve never enjoyed fully, so this is another one. … It’s extremely hard, and it took everything to get me here today.”
This is not the first scandal to engulf the Bachelor franchise, but it marks a notable instance where an entire season has been scrapped just days before its premiere.
In light of the cancellation, ABC is expected to air reruns of American Idol in the time slot previously designated for The Bachelorette.
