Bachelorette Star's Season Canceled Amid Violence Allegations

ABC has decided to cancel the new season of The Bachelorette featuring Taylor Frankie Paul. This decision was made after a video surfaced showing Paul throwing a chair at her ex-partner, Dakota Mortensen, in a 2023 incident. The network cited the newly released footage as the reason for not proceeding with the season at this time.

Legal documents reportedly show Mortensen filed a protective order against Paul in Utah and sought temporary custody of their son. This follows an alleged altercation between Paul and Mortensen that prompted an open domestic assault investigation by Draper City Police. Authorities confirmed allegations were made in both directions following contact on February 24 and 25, 2026.

Paul has a history of legal issues stemming from domestic disputes. In February 2025, she was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, domestic violence in the presence of a child, child abuse with injury, and criminal mischief following a prior incident with Mortensen. She subsequently pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, with other charges dismissed.

Previously, Paul had expressed her motivation for joining The Bachelorette was to escape a toxic environment in Utah and focus on herself. She also discussed her challenging relationship with Mortensen, acknowledging it takes "two to tango" and that their dynamic was characterized by frequent fighting interspersed with affection.