Bachelorette's new season pulled after Taylor Frankie Paul abuse allegations

ABC cancelled the new season of "The Bachelorette" after footage surfaced showing its star, Taylor Frankie Paul, in a 2023 altercation with her ex-partner, Dakota Mortensen. Paul, a TikTok influencer and star of Hulu's "Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," had pleaded guilty to aggravated assault related to the incident. The season was scheduled to premiere on Sunday. Disney, which owns ABC, cited the newly released video as the reason for pulling the season. Production for the fifth season of "Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" has also been paused due to the controversy. Paul had gained prominence on social media as part of #MomTok before her divorce and subsequent relationship with Mortensen.

ABC canceled the upcoming season of "The Bachelorette," which was to star Taylor Frankie Paul. The cancellation was prompted by a newly released video from 2023 showing Paul physically assaulting her former partner, Dakota Mortensen, while her young daughter was present. The video, published by TMZ, depicts Paul punching, kicking, and throwing chairs at Mortensen. Disney Entertainment Television stated the decision was made in light of the video and to support the family. The season was scheduled to premiere just days after the video surfaced. Paul's representative stated that she has been physically and mentally abused for years while remaining silent about it.