Taylor Frankie Paul Shares Her Thoughts on ABC Postponing ‘The Bachelorette’ Premiere
Taylor Frankie Paul Breaks Silence Following ABC’s Cancellation of The Bachelorette
Taylor Frankie Paul has spoken out amid the fallout from ABC’s decision to cancel the upcoming season of The Bachelorette. The move follows an investigation into domestic abuse involving Paul and her ex-partner, Dakota Mortensen, which halted production on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 5.
On March 19, a video surfaced showing Paul physically assaulting Mortensen during a 2023 incident. This revelation prompted ABC to take action against the dating series.
“Taylor is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security,” a spokesperson for Paul stated. “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.”
The spokesperson added, “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.”
In a media tour for the premiere of The Bachelorette, Paul expressed her feelings about the turbulent events surrounding her. “It’s been a heavy time to see the headlines, especially during this time of The Bachelorette being released, and it’s supposed to be a really exciting time,” she told GMA.
Paul also emphasized her commitment to speaking her truth. “I’m a person that will always speak my truth, and that’s what I’m known for,” she said. “When the time is right, I will [speak], but right now, [I’m] just trying to be in the present moment and focus on The Bachelorette. The thing is, my kids come first. And so it’s been just a back-and-forth process, trying to be here, the present moment, worrying about home and headlines. It’s been stressful, to be honest.”
The tumultuous relationship between Paul and Mortensen has been chronicled from the outset of Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, which initially showcased police responding to a domestic incident at Paul’s residence.
In 2023, Paul pled guilty to aggravated assault related to the incident depicted in the leaked video. According to the Draper City Police Department, an open investigation remains regarding domestic assault, with allegations made by both parties, including claims of wrongdoing from Paul against Mortensen.
