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ABC Bachelorette just made breaking news by pulling Season 22 from its schedule today. Taylor Frankie Paul, the reality star set to debut as the lead, is facing serious domestic violence allegations with her ex, Dakota Mortensen. The network released a video that changed everything just hours before an expected premiere.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Show Status: Season 22 pulled from ABC schedule in light of newly released video evidence as of March 19, 2026
- Premiere Date: Was scheduled for March 22, 2026, but now indefinitely postponed
- Lead Star: Taylor Frankie Paul from hit Hulu series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives
- Investigation: Draper City Police investigating open domestic assault case involving Paul and ex Dakota Mortensen, who share a 1-year-old child
ABC Makes Shocking Last-Minute Call
Disney Entertainment Television released an official statement confirming the unprecedented decision. According to the network, “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.” The statement signals that new video evidence was the final catalyst for this dramatic reversal just 3 days before the scheduled premiere.
This marks a rare moment for ABC and Bachelor Nation, as the network rarely cancels seasons this close to air dates. The decision comes after mounting pressure following the surfacing of damaging video footage showing the alleged incident between Paul and Mortensen.
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Taylor Frankie Paul’s Legal History
This is not Paul’s first domestic violence incident. In 2023, the TikTok star was arrested and charged with three misdemeanors: assault, criminal mischief, and domestic violence in the presence of a child. She later pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated assault, and the other charges were dismissed that August. According to reports, she was accused of throwing a chair at Mortensen during an argument, an incident that was allegedly witnessed by her daughter.
In 2024, Paul became famous as a founding creator of #MomTok, a group of Utah moms who went viral for their dance-based TikTok videos. Her rise in popularity made her an obvious choice for the Bachelorette role, but her past legal troubles have now derailed the entire season.
Timeline of Events and Key Details
| Event | Date |
| Police contacted by Mortensen’s roommate about alleged incident | February 24-25, 2026 |
| Paul attends Bachelorette press events in New York | March 17, 2026 |
| TMZ releases video footage of alleged incident | March 19, 2026 |
| ABC announces show pulled from schedule | March 19, 2026, afternoon |
| Original premiere date (now canceled) | March 22, 2026 |
The Draper City Police Department in Utah confirmed an open domestic assault investigation between Paul and Mortensen. The police statement noted that “allegations have been made in both directions” and that officers made contact with both parties on February 24th and 25th.
“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.”
– Taylor Frankie Paul, speaking to People Magazine on March 17
What’s Next for The Bachelorette and ABC
ABC has not announced whether Season 22 will air at a later date or be permanently shelved. Other production pressures are mounting as The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 5 has also been paused due to the ongoing investigation. Major brands are distancing themselves from both shows, with Cinnabon officially terminating its planned collaboration with both series.
Paul had spent the week promoting her season, appearing on Good Morning America, Live with Kelly and Mark, and attending press preview dinners in New York. She told People that she was struggling but felt compelled to show up for the work the production team had completed.
What Happens to Bachelor Nation Now?
The cancellation of a Bachelorette season just before premiere is virtually unprecedented in Bachelor Nation history. Fans and industry observers are questioning how ABC and producers allowed the show to get this far into production given Paul’s documented legal history from 2023. The question now looms: will ABC ever air this season, and if so, when? The network’s statement that they are “not moving forward at this time” leaves the door open for a potential future premiere, but sources suggest the decision may ultimately be permanent. How will Bachelor Nation recover from this unprecedented crisis?
