Disney Executive Discusses the Future of Bachelorette Season 22 on ABC
Disney’s head of unscripted and reality TV, Rob Mills, has provided an update regarding the potential airing of Taylor Frankie Paul’s Bachelorette season on ABC, a network owned by Disney — or if it might find a different home.
“We’re approaching this one day at a time,” Mills stated during a Wednesday, April 22, interview with Variety.
ABC made the decision to shelve season 22 of The Bachelorette, featuring the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star, in March — just days before its anticipated premiere. This choice followed the release of a TMZ video documenting a domestic violence incident involving Taylor, 31, and her former boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, which occurred in 2023. (Taylor later pleaded guilty to felony aggravated assault with other charges against her dismissed as part of the agreement.)
“On that day when everything unfolded, our primary concern was for Taylor and the family, along with everyone else involved … it was more about the human aspect,” Mills expressed in an interview with Deadline on Wednesday.
At the same time, local police departments in Draper and West Jordan, Utah, were conducting investigations into Taylor concerning two additional domestic violence allegations involving her and Dakota, 33. Earlier this month, the Salt Lake City District Attorney’s Office opted against charging Taylor after an examination of submitted evidence.
In light of these developments, Mills reiterated to Deadline, “Now, we’re taking it one day at a time.”
“I believe her season is exceptional by Bachelor standards. If it eventually gets aired, I’m confident viewers will find it enjoyable,” he remarked.
The Bachelorette is produced by Warner Horizon Unscripted Television, a unit of Warner Bros. Television Studios, for ABC. Following ABC’s cancellation of the latest season, there was speculation that Warner Bros. might seek to license the episodes elsewhere.
However, Mills denied any discussions with Warner Bros. regarding this possibility. “If something definitive emerges that points in that direction, you’ll be informed,” he stated. “For now, there’s nothing more to share other than it’s a fantastic season, and I hope, at some point, Bachelor Nation can experience it.”
While the fate of The Bachelorette season 22 remains uncertain, Hulu confirmed on Tuesday, April 22, that production for The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives season 5 is set to resume. Filming had been temporarily halted due to an alleged incident involving Taylor and Dakota in February.
“The producers and cast have invited Taylor to return for this year’s filming,” an exclusive source shared with Us Weekly on Wednesday. “It’s still uncertain whether she will participate this year, but she’s anticipated to join in the future.”
As for Dakota, sources indicated that he “will not be involved” with the show moving forward.
