Will The Bachelorette Air During Taylor Frankie Paul’s Domestic Dispute?
Taylor Frankie Paul’s domestic altercation has reportedly led The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives to pause production — but will this impact the premiere of The Bachelorette season 22?
Taylor, 31, was allegedly involved in a domestic violence incident with her on-again, off-again boyfriend Dakota Mortensen earlier this month. Following a 2023 video released by TMZ on Thursday, March 19, showing Taylor throwing a chair at Dakota, ABC decided to cancel her season of the reality dating show, just days before the premiere.
“In light of the newly surfaced video, we have decided not to proceed with the upcoming season of The Bachelorette at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family,” a spokesperson from Disney Entertainment told Us Weekly on Thursday, March 19.
Taylor shared her perspective with Us on Wednesday, March 18, stating there was “more context” to the incident than what was being reported.
“It’s been tough. And it’s frustrating to find myself in this position,” she exclusively told Us. “As a mother, I take pride in my role. I know I’m a good mom, and I consistently treat my kids well. It’s painful to see misleading headlines, as they don’t portray the truth. I’ve always respected my children and have never harmed them. This situation has been very hard for me.”
In response to the video, Taylor’s representative stated to TMZ, “It’s disheartening to see another desperate, attention-seeking attempt to undermine Taylor, with no regard for the impact on their child. Releasing an old, selectively edited video on their son’s birthday is a shameful distraction from his own actions.”
Before ABC made their decision, Variety reported on Monday, March 16, that the investigation “will not affect” the release schedule or promotional plans for The Bachelorette.
Taylor, who is the newest lead of the ABC dating franchise, is currently promoting the series in New York City. She is also scheduled to attend a premiere event in Los Angeles this weekend ahead of the network premiere on Sunday, March 22.
On Monday, it was announced that production for Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives was halted due to an alleged domestic altercation between Taylor and Dakota, 33, while filming season 5.
A spokesperson from the Draper City Police Department in Utah later confirmed to Us that a “domestic assault investigation” involving the former couple is ongoing.
“Allegations have been made on both sides,” the police stated, noting that “contact was made with involved parties on February 24th and 25th.”
Taylor, an original cast member of SLOMW, is experiencing significant repercussions within the group due to the scandal.
“The cast of Mormon Wives is feeling anxious about filming with Taylor right now,” a source exclusively told Us the day after the news broke, noting that production is currently “halted,” and “the women have expressed that they don’t want to be around her as they see her as a major liability.”
Before the incident, Taylor’s SLOMW co-star Mayci Neeley mentioned that Taylor appeared to be “in a better mindset” while away from Utah and filming season 22 of The Bachelorette.
“This moment granted her the opportunity to step away from the toxic cycle she was experiencing with Dakota, even if just for a while, to better understand her wants and needs,” Mikayla Matthews exclusively told Us on March 2 regarding Taylor’s recent change. “I’m looking forward to watching The Bachelorette, as I’m unsure of what to expect.”
While Taylor seemed to be in a positive space while filming the ABC dating show — which occurred before her return to SLOMW — her suitors now find themselves caught in the midst of her and Dakota’s unfolding drama.
Taylor Frankie Paul is set to hand out roses on season 22 of The Bachelorette — yes, that’s true. The star from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives was announced as the new ABC lead on Wednesday, September 10, during an appearance on Alex Cooper’s podcast “Call Her Daddy.”
“The men on The Bachelorette have come together in solidarity and feel deeply disappointed by Taylor and the situation,” a source informed Us on Tuesday.
Before her reality TV career, Taylor gained attention for being involved in a Mormon swinging scandal during her marriage to Tate Paul. The couple, who shares daughter Indy May, 8, and son Ocean, 5, divorced in 2022.
Taylor has been in a tumultuous on-again, off-again relationship with Dakota, and they share one son, Ever, who is 23 months old.
The Bachelorette premieres on ABC on Sunday, March 22, at 8 p.m. ET.
