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The Bachelorette won’t be cancelled despite a domestic violence investigation. Season 22 with Taylor Frankie Paul premieres Sunday, March 22 on ABC. Here’s what to expect from the controversy-shadowed premiere.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Premiere Date: Sunday, March 22, 2026 at 8:01 PM EDT on ABC
- Lead: Taylor Frankie Paul, 31, from Hulu’s “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives”
- Investigation: Open domestic assault probe involving ex Dakota Mortensen since February 24
- Network Decision: ABC confirmed the show proceeds as scheduled despite ongoing allegations
Why The Bachelorette Is Still Airing This Weekend
ABC released a promotional statement this week confirming Season 22 moves forward unchanged. According to Variety, the investigation will not impact the release schedule or press plans. The network invested millions in casting, production, and marketing before allegations emerged days before the premiere. Taylor Frankie Paul appeared at a press preview on March 17, signaling the production’s commitment to the broadcast schedule.
Multiple sources told NBC News that The Bachelorette cast remains “shocked” but is rallying together. The show must go on, with 31 men competing for Paul’s heart despite the surrounding controversy consuming headlines.
Bachelorette won’t be cancelled despite investigation, premieres Sunday on ABC
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What Happened Between Taylor And Dakota Mortensen
A domestic assault investigation involving Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen became public on March 16. The Draper City Police Department in Utah confirmed an ongoing probe, stating allegations were made in both directions. Contact between the pair occurred on February 24 and 25, according to police statements obtained by People magazine.
Paul and Mortensen share a 1-year-old son named Ever. Prior to the investigation, Paul had already implemented third-party communication for all pick-ups and drop-offs to avoid direct contact. The former couple has an on-and-off relationship documented on Hulu’s reality series.
Taylor Frankie Paul Breaks Silence On Investigation
On March 17, Paul addressed the situation during a press preview. She called the timing difficult but expressed determination to move forward with her journey. Paul has three children total, including daughter Indy, 8, and son Ocean, 5, from a previous marriage.
| Detail | Information |
| Premiere Date | March 22, 2026 |
| Network | ABC |
| Lead | Taylor Frankie Paul (31) |
| Time | 8:01 PM EDT/PDT |
“Honestly, just like, my heart hurts to see it, to go through it, especially at this time. It’s a heavy time, and it’s unfortunate. I’m struggling for sure, but it took everything to get me here today.”
Taylor Frankie Paul, The Bachelorette Lead
How The Investigation Impacts The Show
Cinnabon became the first brand sponsor to bail on the season. On March 17, the company announced it was cutting ties with both Paul and the ABC series. The statement cited “recent developments and allegations” as reasons the partnership no longer aligned with brand values. Meanwhile, filming for Paul’s Hulu show “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” has been paused pending investigation resolution.
Producers at ABC reportedly hired a crisis management firm to handle fallout, but network leadership determined cancellation was not an option. The cost of scrapping an entire season would exceed investment in damage control and continued promotion.
Will You Still Watch The Bachelorette Season 22 Despite The Scandal?
The premiere lands at a critical moment for the franchise. Taylor Frankie Paul acknowledged the controversy overshadows her journey but pledged to deliver the entertainment fans expect. Producers faced a choice: postpone or proceed. ABC chose to let Paul tell her story as planned, allegations and all. Whether audiences tune in remains uncertain, but the network is betting on curiosity and Paul’s redemption arc as she searches for love away from her chaotic relationship with Mortensen.
Sources
- Variety – ABC confirms season will air despite investigation
- NBC News – Domestic assault investigation details and cast reaction
- People Magazine – Police statement and Taylor Frankie Paul quotes
