HERRIMAN, UTAH — A developing domestic violence case involving high-profile reality stars has led to the unprecedented cancellation of the upcoming season of The Bachelorette.
(TOP IMAGE: Taylor Frankie Paul bawls during arrest incident for her alleged domestic violence, video image via CBS.)
The Herriman Police Departmeh nt in Utaconfirmed that a domestic assault investigation is currently underway following a series of incidents between Taylor Frankie Paul, star of Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, and her ex-partner, Dakota Mortensen. While the most recent allegations stem from a February dispute, the situation reached a breaking point this week when harrowing video footage from a 2023 altercation was leaked online.
Season 22 Scrapped Days Before Premiere
Following the release of the video—which reportedly shows an intoxicated Paul throwing heavy metal chairs at Mortensen while her young daughter watched—ABC parent company Disney Entertainment Television announced it has pulled the plug on the 22nd season of The Bachelorette.
The season, which featured Paul as the franchise’s first lead from outside the traditional “Bachelor” ecosystem, was scheduled to premiere this Sunday, March 22. In a statement, Disney officials noted, “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.”
Ongoing Investigation in Utah
The Herriman and Draper police departments are currently managing the fallout of the ongoing investigation. Authorities noted that “allegations have been made in both directions” regarding the February 2026 incidents. Paul, who was already serving three years of probation following a 2023 misdemeanor assault conviction, could face significant legal repercussions if found in violation of her terms.
The fallout has extended beyond the dating franchise. Production on the fifth season of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has also been halted as cast members have reportedly refused to film with Paul following the latest developments.
A Controversy Too Far
While ABC initially stood by Paul despite her previous arrest—even using police bodycam footage of her in handcuffs to open the pilot of Mormon Wives—the specific nature of the newly leaked footage proved too controversial for the network’s sponsors. Brands like Cinnabon have already terminated their partnerships with the show, stating that the lead’s conduct “no longer aligns with our brand values.”
Representatives for Paul claim she is a victim of “years of silently suffering extensive mental and physical abuse” and that the leaked video was “selectively edited” to harm her reputation. Mortensen has categorically denied those claims, stating he is focusing on the safety of their son.
As the legal investigation in Herriman continues, fans of the franchise are left without a season, marking the first time in the show’s 23-year history that a completed season has been scrubbed from the airwaves.
Good riddens. It was a dumb show anyway.