Where Things Stand With Taylor Frankie Paul After ‘Bachelorette’ Cancelation

Taylor Frankie Paul’s season of “The Bachelorette” will no longer air following the release of a video tied to a 2023 incident involving the reality star and her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen.

Disney Entertainment Television confirmed the decision on March 19 after TMZ published footage reportedly connected to the altercation that led to Paul’s arrest in 2023.

“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,” a Disney Entertainment Television spokesperson said in a statement.

Paul responded through a representative, saying she is grateful for the network’s support.

“She’s very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security,” the statement said.

Here’s everything we know so far and where things stand.

Taylor Frankie Paul’s ‘Bachelorette’ Season 22 Pulled

The decision to cancel the season came just days before the show’s planned premiere.

Paul had been announced as the lead for season 22 of “The Bachelorette.” The reality star rose to fame on Hulu’s “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” and as a founding member of #MomTok, a group of Utah-based influencers whose TikTok videos gained widespread attention.

Disney confirmed that the newly surfaced video influenced its decision to halt the season.

The company has not announced any future plans for the series.

SLOMW Stars Linked to Ongoing Investigation

Paul and Mortensen are currently connected to an ongoing investigation, according to multiple reports.

Three sources close to the situation told NBC News on March 17 that the pair are involved in an “ongoing investigation,” though the sources did not provide additional details.

Earlier, a spokesperson for the Draper City Police Department told People on March 16 that Paul and Mortensen are connected to an open “domestic assault investigation.”

The department said “allegations have been made in both directions” and confirmed that “contact was made with involved parties” on Feb. 24 and 25.

Officials declined to release further details, noting that it is standard practice not to discuss active investigations.

The West Jordan Police Department also confirmed to NBC News that it had received a domestic violence allegation involving Paul but did not share additional information.

2023 Altercation Between Paul and Mortensen Resurfaces

The resurfaced video published by TMZ is reportedly connected to a 2023 incident involving Paul and Mortensen. (Hmmmmm, wonder how they got their hands on that??)

According to Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office records obtained by NBC News, Paul was arrested in 2023 and charged with three misdemeanors: assault, criminal mischief, and domestic violence in the presence of a child.

Court records show Paul later reached a plea agreement in August 2023. She pleaded guilty in abeyance to aggravated assault, while the other charges were dropped.

NBC News reported it had not independently verified the video’s authenticity or the circumstances surrounding the footage.

Paul’s representative criticized the timing and release of the video.

“It’s sad to see the latest installment of his never-ending, desperate, attention-seeking, destructive campaign to harm Taylor without any regard for the consequences for their child,” the statement said.

The statement continued, “Releasing an old video, which conveniently omits context, on their son’s birthday is a reprehensible attempt to distract from his own behavior.”

What Taylor Frankie Paul Has Said About the Situation

Paul addressed the situation earlier this week during a press preview for “The Bachelorette.”

Speaking with People on March 17, she described the moment as difficult.

“Honestly, just like, my heart hurts to see it, to go through it, especially at this time,” Paul said. “Just the timing is hard, and it’s a big deal.”

She also told Entertainment Weekly that she has changed how she communicates with Mortensen while co-parenting.

“I actually took action about a few weeks ago,” she said. “I’m just doing third-party everything — pick-up, drop-offs, communication — so no contact right now for me.”

Paul added, “I think that’s the best case, honestly, because clearly it’s just not to a point of us getting along.”

Paul shares three children. She has an 8-year-old daughter and a 5-year-old son with her ex-husband Tate Paul and shares a 2-year-old son with Mortensen.

For now, Disney has confirmed that season 22 of “The Bachelorette” will not move forward as the investigation continues.

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.

About Perry Carpenter

Perry Carpenter has been covering entertainment news for more than 20 years — and yes, she absolutely has opinions about the latest Bravo casting shake-ups. Throughout her career, she has specialized in celebrity news and television, with a particular obsession for all things Bravo, "The Challenge," "Outlander," of course, Travis & Taylor, and the ever-expanding Taylor Sheridan universe. A member of the International Association of Professional Writers and Editors, Perry has built a storied freelance career covering pop culture's biggest moments and smallest Easter eggs. Her work has appeared in Showbiz Cheatsheet, Daily Express, Radar Online, and on her Muck Rack profile.

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