The highly anticipated season 22 of “The Bachelorette,” starring Taylor Frankie Paul, will not be airing after ABC pulled the premiere following the release of a video depicting a 2023 altercation with her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen. The abrupt cancellation marks a dramatic turn for the reality TV star, who rose to prominence on TikTok and through Hulu’s “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” and raises questions about the future of the long-running franchise. The fallout extends beyond just Paul’s personal life, impacting production schedules and sparking a broader conversation about the vetting process for reality television leads.
Paul, 31, initially gained attention for disclosing her participation in a “soft swinging” arrangement within her friend group, a storyline that became central to “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” which premiered in September 2024. The series documented the tumultuous on-again, off-again relationship between Paul and Mortensen, a dynamic that quickly escalated into legal issues. The current situation stems from a separate “domestic assault investigation” launched by Utah police, adding another layer of complexity to an already fraught narrative. This investigation led to a pause in production for season 5 of “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” as Paul revealed on March 18.
A Timeline of Turmoil
The relationship between Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen has been marked by volatility since late 2022. As documented in season 4 of “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” which premiered in March 2026, Paul traveled to Los Angeles to film “The Bachelorette” while still entangled with Mortensen. In the weeks leading up to her departure, the pair reportedly connected at least twice, including just hours before Paul’s flight, raising questions about her commitment to finding a partner on the show. Paul herself acknowledged the difficulty of navigating her feelings, stating she made a “decision to leave for two months and try” to find love, while also reassuring potential suitors of her intentions.
The release of a video on March 19, showing Paul allegedly attacking Mortensen and throwing chairs in front of her daughter, proved to be the breaking point for ABC. The footage, reportedly from 2023 and connected to a previous arrest, prompted the network to halt the premiere, originally scheduled for March 22. A Disney spokesperson stated the decision was made “in light of the newly released video” and emphasized a focus on “supporting the family.”
Legal Battles and Custody Disputes
Following the video’s release, Dakota Mortensen filed a protective order against Taylor Frankie Paul in Utah’s Salt Lake County on March 19. Court documents obtained by NBC News indicate temporary custody of their son, Ever, 2, has been granted to Mortensen until an April 7 hearing. Mortensen, in a statement to People magazine, described the situation as “deeply upsetting” and denied “baseless claims” about their relationship, focusing on the safety of their son. Paul responded by stating she “will have my truth.”
The cancellation of “The Bachelorette” season is not the first disruption for Paul. Production of “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” has also been paused due to the ongoing investigations. Paul expressed gratitude for ABC’s support “as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security,” according to a statement released by her spokesperson.
The Future of ‘The Bachelorette’
The fallout from this situation raises questions about the vetting process for contestants on “The Bachelorette” and other reality television programs. The network’s swift decision to pull Paul’s season suggests a heightened sensitivity to allegations of domestic violence and a desire to protect its brand. However, it also highlights the challenges of uncovering a contestant’s full history before filming begins. What ABC will air in place of Paul’s season remains to be seen, but the network faces pressure to address the situation transparently and demonstrate a commitment to the safety and well-being of all involved.
As the legal proceedings unfold and investigations continue, the future remains uncertain for both Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and potential pitfalls of reality television, and the lasting impact it can have on the lives of those involved. The situation will likely prompt a reevaluation of background checks and risk assessment protocols within the industry.
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