Taylor Paul’s Bachelorette Contestants Respond to Show’s Cancellation

Taylor Frankie Paul‘s Bachelorette contestants are voicing their concerns after ABC announced the cancellation of season 22 due to her ongoing domestic violence investigation.

On Thursday, March 19, TMZ released a video recorded during a confrontation between Taylor and ex Dakota Mortensen, which led to her arrest in 2023. The footage depicted Taylor throwing a chair at Dakota during their altercation. (Taylor pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in 2023, with other charges dismissed.)

Subsequently, Taylor’s representative told TMZ that the video was edited as part of a supposed “never-ending, desperate, attention-seeking, destructive campaign” aimed to “harm” the reality star.

Her representative stated at the time, “Releasing an old and selectively edited video on their son’s birthday is a reprehensible attempt to distract from his own actions.”

In response, Dakota told Us in a statement, “Anyone who has viewed the video will agree that this is a deeply distressing situation. Unfortunately, I’m accustomed to these unfounded claims about me and our relationship, which I unequivocally deny. My focus is on our son’s safety, and I hope Taylor will do the same.”

The leaked footage came shortly after a February incident where Utah’s Draper City Police Department confirmed to Us that Taylor and Dakota were involved in a domestic assault investigation, with “allegations made in both directions.” (Production on Taylor’s Hulu series, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, was halted amidst the investigation.)

Dakota then sought a restraining order against Taylor on March 19, describing her as “emotionally volatile” in court documents. (Taylor and Dakota are parents to 2-year-old Ever. She also has daughter Indy, 8, and son Ocean, 5, from her previous marriage to Tate Paul.)

All of Taylor’s legal troubles overshadowed the anticipated premiere of her season of The Bachelorette, which was canceled just three days before its debut.

“In light of the newly released video that surfaced today, we have decided not to proceed with the new season of The Bachelorette at this time, focusing instead on supporting the family,” a Disney Entertainment spokesperson told Us on March 19, 2026.

Earlier this month, Us exclusively reported that Taylor’s contestants on The Bachelorette were uniting behind the scenes amidst the unfolding scandal.

“The men on The Bachelorette have all been rallying around each other in solidarity and feel very disappointed and let down by Taylor and the current situation,” a source shared with Us exclusively.

Continue scrolling to see how the cast of The Bachelorette responded to the cancellation of season 22.

Taylor Frankie Paul Expressed Her Intent to Share Her Story

A spokesperson confirmed to Us on Thursday that Taylor is concentrating on her family and preparing to share her side of the story.

“Taylor is very thankful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security,” her representative stated. “After years of suffering in silence due to extensive mental and physical abuse and threats of retaliation, Taylor is finally finding the courage to confront her accuser and is taking steps to ensure her and her children’s protection from further harm.”

Taylor’s statement further emphasized, “Many women endure similar situations in silence, facing aggressive, jealous ex-partners who refuse to let them move on. Taylor has remained quiet out of fear of additional abuse, retaliation, and social humiliation. She is currently exploring her options, seeking aid, and preparing to share her narrative.”

Clayton Johnson Commended His Fellow ‘Bachelorette’ Contestants

Singer-songwriter Clayton Johnson was the first contestant from Bachelorette season 22 to directly comment on the cancellation.

“I can genuinely say this was one of the best groups of men I’ve ever been around,” he remarked via his Instagram Story on Thursday. “So much integrity, respect, and heart among all of us. Even the tough moments didn’t detract from that.”

Clayton added, “Any woman would be fortunate to be with any of these guys. True integrity. Genuine respect. Real men. Love you boys.”

Brad Ledford Provided a Cryptic Reaction

Brad Ledford reacted to ABC’s decision to shelve The Bachelorette season 22 by merely posting “…” on his Instagram Story on March 19, 2026, without further comment.

Richard Van De Water Subtly Addressed the ‘Bachelorette’ Controversy

Photographer Richard Van De Water appeared to allude to Bachelor Nation drama with an Instagram Story on March 19, 2026. In a brief video, he promoted “Choosin’ Texas” singer-songwriter Ella Langley and paused for a moment, shrugging and adding, “That’s all I have to say.”