ABC has officially canceled the upcoming season of 'The Bachelorette' starring Taylor Frankie Paul, citing domestic abuse allegations that have surfaced following the production pause of her reality show 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives'. Paul, through a spokesperson, has stated she has suffered "extensive mental and physical abuse" and is "gaining the strength to face her accuser."
Recent reports detail a resurfaced video from 2023 showing a confrontation between Paul and her ex-partner, Dakota Mortensen. In the footage, Paul is seen yelling, attempting to strike Mortensen, and placing him in a headlock. Paul has previously pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated assault stemming from this incident and remains on probation.
In response to the video's release, Paul's representative released a statement calling it a "desperate, attention-seeking, destructive campaign to harm Taylor" and a "reprehensible attempt to distract from his own behavior," particularly noting its release on their son's birthday. This statement also alluded to "aggressive, jealous ex-partners who refuse to let them move on with their lives," seemingly targeting Mortensen.
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Following these developments, Mortensen has filed for temporary custody of their son and was granted a temporary protective order against Paul.
Paul's Return to Social Media
Despite the controversy and the cancellation of her 'Bachelorette' season, Paul has returned to social media, sharing a video of herself practicing the piano on Instagram. This marks her first public activity on the platform since ABC made the decision to pull her season. She has indicated an intent to "own her story" and share her perspective amid the ongoing drama.
Background of the Relationships
Paul's relationship with Mortensen has been tumultuous. In May 2025, Paul confirmed their breakup after it was revealed on 'SLOMW' that Mortensen had cheated shortly after the birth of their son. At the time, Paul expressed a desire for engagement and shared they were living together.
Paul also has two other children, Indy May Paul and Ocean Paul, with her ex-husband, Tate Paul. The production pause on 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' was also linked to a separate domestic incident involving Paul and Mortensen in February 2026. Paul had previously discussed a particularly difficult incident with Mortensen in a September interview on 'Call Her Daddy,' describing it as "the worst night of my life."
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