The question on everyone’s mind following ABC’s abrupt cancellation of the upcoming season of “The Bachelorette” is simple: what were they thinking? Just days before its scheduled premiere, the network pulled the plug on the season starring Taylor Frankie Paul, known for her social media presence and reality television appearances, after a disturbing video surfaced revealing a history of domestic violence. The decision underscores the inherent risks of casting controversial figures in the pursuit of ratings and raises questions about the due diligence conducted by producers and network executives.
Paul, 31, rose to prominence through MomTok, a TikTok community centered around Mormon women challenging traditional norms. Her candid discussions about her personal life, including “soft swinging” with her then-husband, garnered a significant following and led to the Hulu series “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” which quickly became a ratings success. Hoping to capitalize on that momentum, ABC tapped Paul to lead Season 22 of “The Bachelorette,” but that plan imploded following renewed scrutiny of a 2023 incident.
The catalyst for the cancellation was the resurfacing of a video from Paul’s 2023 aggravated assault case, initially reported by Page Six. The video depicts Paul physically assaulting her then-partner, Dakota Mortensen, in front of their five-year-old daughter, Indy. The footage shows Paul putting Mortensen in a headlock and throwing metal bar stools at him, with one stool narrowly missing the child. Mortensen can be heard urging Paul to “help your child” as Indy cries.
According to court records, Paul pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated assault, a third-degree felony, in connection with the incident. She received probation and a plea of abeyance, meaning the charge could be lessened to a misdemeanor in August 2026 if she complies with the terms of her probation. However, a new criminal charge could jeopardize that outcome. The police report also indicated that Indy sustained a “goose egg” on her head during the assault, The New York Times reported.
The decision to cast Paul, despite knowledge of the prior incident, appears to have been driven by a desire to boost ratings. “They were thinking that audiences like messy ‘authenticity,’” the Los Angeles Times noted in a recent commentary. “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” which Paul executive produces, has proven popular on Hulu, with its first season being the platform’s most-watched unscripted premiere in 2024. Producers seemingly believed Paul’s controversial persona and existing fanbase would translate to success for “The Bachelorette.”
However, the gamble backfired spectacularly. Beyond the legal ramifications, the backlash from viewers and advocacy groups was swift and severe. Reports also surfaced alleging that Paul was granted unusual freedoms during filming, including unmonitored phone access, suggesting producers were willing to overlook potential issues in pursuit of compelling content. This willingness to prioritize drama over responsible casting ultimately proved to be a fatal flaw.
The cancellation of “The Bachelorette” season serves as a cautionary tale for reality television producers. While audiences are often drawn to “messy” narratives, there are lines that should not be crossed, particularly when the safety and well-being of children are involved. ABC’s decision, though belated, sends a message that some risks are simply too great, even in the competitive landscape of reality television.
Filming for Season 5 of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” has also been halted, according to reports. The future of both shows remains uncertain as ABC and Hulu assess the fallout from this high-profile casting failure. The network will likely face continued scrutiny regarding its vetting process for reality television participants.
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