Bachelorette Axed: $28M Cost Over Scandal Video

ABC's decision to cancel Taylor Frankie Paul's season of The Bachelorette just days before its premiere resulted in a $28 million financial loss for the network. Each of the 13 episodes reportedly cost over $2 million in production expenses. The abrupt cancellation occurred after a 2023 video surfaced showing Paul in an altercation with her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, while their minor daughter was present.

Disney Entertainment Television, which owns ABC, confirmed the decision, stating their focus is on supporting the family. Paul's representative expressed gratitude for ABC's support, asserting that Paul has endured years of alleged mental and physical abuse and threats. She is now seeking to protect herself and her children from further harm.

Mortensen, however, has denied what he called "baseless claims" about him and their relationship, stating he is focused on their son's safety. The Salt Lake County District Attorney's office is investigating whether the new allegations violate Paul's existing probation from a prior 2023 aggravated assault case.

The resurfaced video, showing Paul throwing a stool and fighting with Mortensen, was crucial evidence in her 2023 plea to aggravated assault. Cinnabon has also ended its collaboration with the show and Paul, citing that recent developments do not align with their brand values.