In brief
ABC has decided to pull the latest season of The Bachelorette after allegations of domestic violence involving star Taylor Frankie Paul. Following the emergence of video evidence depicting an altercation with her ex-partner Dakota Mortensen, the network opted to prioritize safety and sensitivity. Paul, a popular TikTok influencer, has previously been involved in legal issues related to assault accusations, leading her to focus on the well-being of her family amidst these challenges.
The new season of dating show The Bachelorette has been cancelled following domestic violence allegations against this season's star, ABC has said.
The network said it 'made the decision to not move forward with the new season' after footage of Taylor Frankie Paul emerged on Thursday appearing to show her in an altercation with her ex-partner Dakota Mortensen in 2023.
Paul, a TikTok influencer who also stars in Hulu's Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, was arrested in relation to the incident in 2023. She pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, US media report.
Paul's spokesperson said she is prioritizing her family's safety and preparing to own and share her story.
In a statement, Mortensen, the father of Paul's third child, said he is focusing on our son and his safety.
A spokesperson for Disney, which owns ABC, said it made the decision to pull the season 'in light of the newly released video just surfaced today', referring to the footage, which was published by TMZ.
The new season of The Bachelorette was set to premiere on Sunday. ABC did not provide detail on what the network planned to air during the show's allocated timeslot instead.
Before the cancellation was announced, Paul appeared on ABC's Good Morning America programme on Wednesday to promote the series, during which she addressed the allegations against her.
Honestly, it's been a heavy time to see the headlines, especially during this time of 'The Bachelorette' being released, she said. It was supposed to be a really exciting time.
Paul also confirmed that production has been paused for the upcoming fifth season of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
Paul became known on social media as an influencer in #MomTok, creating dance videos and sharing parenting clips on TikTok. She made headlines in 2022 when she announced she and her husband were divorcing.
