What Will Replace The Bachelorette Following Its Cancellation?
ABC has altered its programming schedule following the withdrawal of Taylor Frankie Paul’s The Bachelorette season.
Originally, Taylor’s journey of handing out roses on season 22 was set to commence on Sunday, March 22, but instead, a rerun of American Idol season 20 will take its slot. It remains uncertain whether Idol will keep airing in the Sunday timeslot throughout the spring. (Live performances are slated to begin on Monday, March 30.)
Us Weekly confirmed on Thursday, March 19, that ABC has decided against airing Taylor’s season entirely.
“In light of the newly released video that came to light today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of The Bachelorette at this time,” a spokesperson for Disney Entertainment told Us in a statement. “Our focus is on supporting the family.”
Earlier on Thursday, TMZ released footage of Taylor, 31, throwing a chair at her on-and-off ex Dakota Mortensen in 2023. However, Taylor’s representative contended that the video was “selectively edited.”
Taylor was announced as the next Bachelorette in fall 2025, shortly after one of her breakups with Dakota, 33. The couple, who welcomed their son Ever in March 2024, had a brief reconciliation before Taylor traveled from Utah to California for filming The Bachelorette.
Taylor completed filming in December 2025, reuniting with her family right before the new year. Reports surfaced earlier this month indicating that local Utah authorities were called to Taylor’s residence in late February after an alleged domestic incident involving Dakota.
“There’s more context to everything, and it’s unfortunate,” Taylor exclusively told Us on Tuesday, March 17. “It’s been difficult, and it’s upsetting to be in this situation. As a mother, I stand firmly in my beliefs. I know I am a good mother and always treat my children well.”
Dakota also released a statement regarding the situation, emphasizing that Ever’s well-being is his “No. 1 priority.”
“He anticipated the possibility of this coming out, but he didn’t want to be the one to initiate it because he has always wanted a positive relationship with Taylor,” a rep for the DadTok star stated earlier this week. “It’s been quite challenging to achieve that, but he aims to coparent effectively.”
The Bachelorette‘s Taylor Frankie Paul played coy about her relationship status after recently sharing a video with a mystery man that got fans talking. When asked about her TikTok with the unnamed man during the Wednesday, March 18, episode of Good Morning America, Taylor responded, “[That is] somebody that’s in my life, yes.” The 31-year-old […]
Dakota’s spokesperson further added, “He was just hoping that if he remained silent, as he usually does, it would fade away. He’s never participated in any sit-down interview to share his side. He typically lets events unfold around him, but now he acknowledges that the gravity of the situation requires him to address it.”
Dakota has since filed a restraining order against Taylor, seeking sole custody of Ever. Taylor, who has two older children with ex-husband Tate Paul, has not publicly addressed the allegations further.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.
