On March 19, 2026, ABC made the unprecedented decision to cancel The Bachelorette 2026 (Season 22) starring Taylor Frankie Paul, just three days before its scheduled March 22 premiere. The move followed TMZ‘s release of a 2023 video showing an altercation between Paul and her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen. Searches for Taylor Frankie Paul TMZ video, TMZ Taylor Frankie Paul video, Taylor Frankie Paul video TMZ, why was the Bachelorette cancelled, did ABC cancel the Bachelorette, Bachelorette cancelled 2026, ABC cancels Bachelorette, and is the Bachelorette canceled have surged dramatically.
Disney Entertainment Television issued a clear statement: “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.” This marked the first time a fully filmed season of The Bachelorette was pulled before airing.
Who Is Taylor Frankie Paul? Background and Rise to Fame
Who is Taylor Frankie Paul? The 31-year-old (born May 23, 1994) Utah-based influencer and reality star gained massive popularity through TikTok as Taylor Frankie, co-founding the viral MomTok group. She starred in Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives (SLOMW), which documented the 2022 “soft swinging” scandal that divided the Mormon community and launched her into mainstream fame.
In September 2025, ABC announced Paul as the lead for The Bachelorette Season 22—the first lead from outside the traditional Bachelor Nation ecosystem. The season’s tagline, “If you don’t fit the mold, break it,” highlighted her unconventional path as a single mom and influencer. Filming concluded in late 2025 with 22 contestants, and spoiler reports (including from Reality Steve) indicated an engagement that did not last post-production.
Paul’s personal life—including her kids, ex-husband Tate Paul, and relationship with Dakota Mortensen—remained public fodder, fueling interest in Taylor Frankie Paul kids, Taylor Frankie Paul ex husband, Taylor Paul, and Frankie Paul.
The 2023 Incident: What the TMZ Taylor Frankie Paul Video Shows
The Taylor Frankie Paul TMZ video (released March 19, 2026) captures a February 17, 2023, domestic dispute at her Utah home. Filmed by Dakota Mortensen, it depicts Paul allegedly putting him in a headlock, attempting to kick him, and throwing metal barstools. One stool reportedly struck their young daughter (Indy, then around 5), causing injury. Mortensen is heard yelling about the child being present, while Paul claims he threw her first.
Police responded to a neighbor’s noise complaint. Paul was arrested and initially charged with aggravated assault (felony), child abuse, domestic violence in the presence of a child, and criminal mischief (misdemeanors). In August 2023, she entered a plea in abeyance: guilty to aggravated assault with 36 months probation (ending August 2026). Compliance could reduce or dismiss the charge; other counts were dropped.
This footage, previously court evidence, resurfaced via TMZ amid renewed scrutiny, driving searches for Taylor Frankie Paul domestic violence 2026, Taylor Frankie Paul assault TMZ, Taylor Frankie Paul abuse, Taylor Frankie Paul domestic arrest, Taylor Frankie Paul fight TMZ, and what did Taylor Frankie Paul do.
Ongoing 2026 Investigation and Dakota Mortensen Developments
In February 2026, Draper City Police confirmed an active domestic assault investigation involving Paul and Mortensen, with allegations reported from both sides. Mortensen sought a restraining order and temporary custody of their son Ever. Both underwent court-ordered psych evaluations, and Utah’s Division of Children and Family Services opened a case.
Paul’s representatives described the video release as part of a “desperate, attention-seeking campaign” that omits context and harms their child, noting its timing on Ever’s second birthday as “reprehensible.” Dakota Mortensen denied certain claims as baseless in follow-up statements.
Production on SLOMW Season 5 paused as cast members refused to film amid the controversy.
ABC Cancels The Bachelorette 2026: Timeline and Reactions
- September 2025: Paul announced as lead on Call Her Daddy.
- February 2026: Cast revealed; domestic investigation news emerges.
- March 17–18, 2026: Reports of ongoing probe intensify.
- March 19, 2026: TMZ releases 2023 video; ABC cancels season hours later.
- March 19–20, 2026: American Idol rerun fills the slot temporarily.
Former Bachelor lead Grant Ellis supported the cancellation, calling it a necessary stand against domestic violence. Cinnabon severed ties with both the show and SLOMW.
Paul appeared on Good Morning America prior, describing a “heavy time,” and her team stated she would share her full story eventually, alleging past “extensive mental and physical abuse.”
Taylor Frankie Paul Family: Kids and Ex-Husband
Taylor Frankie Paul kids include:
- Indy May Paul (8) and Ocean Paul (5) — with ex-husband Tate Paul (divorced post-2022 scandal).
- Ever True Mortensen (2, born March 2024) — with Dakota Mortensen.
The 2023 video shows Indy present and distressed, amplifying concerns in family-related searches.
Broader Impact on Bachelor Franchise and SLOMW
The cancellation raises questions about ABC Bachelorette casting, the bachelor franchise standards, and future seasons. The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives faces production uncertainty.
Paul remains active on social media (@taylorfrankiepaul), focusing on family recovery.
FAQ: Taylor Frankie Paul TMZ Video, Bachelorette Cancellation & Key Questions
Why was The Bachelorette cancelled in 2026? ABC pulled Season 22 after TMZ released the 2023 video of Paul in a physical altercation with Dakota Mortensen, citing family support amid the resurfaced footage and ongoing investigation.
Did ABC cancel The Bachelorette? Yes—did ABC cancel the Bachelorette 2026 is confirmed. The fully filmed season starring Taylor Frankie Paul was scrapped March 19, 2026.
What does the Taylor Frankie Paul TMZ video show? It depicts a 2023 argument where Paul allegedly assaults Mortensen with barstools in front of their daughter, leading to her 2023 arrest and plea.
Is The Bachelorette still going to air? No—Bachelorette cancelled 2026, has the Bachelorette been canceled, and is Bachelorette cancelled queries confirm the season won’t premiere.
How old is Taylor Frankie Paul? 31 years old (born May 23, 1994).
Who is Taylor Frankie Paul’s ex-husband? Tate Paul, father of her two older children; they divorced after the 2022 swinging controversy.
What happened with Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen? They share son Ever. A 2023 incident led to arrest; a 2026 investigation involves mutual allegations. Mortensen sought protective measures.
Did Taylor Frankie Paul get arrested for domestic violence? Yes—in 2023. She pled to aggravated assault in abeyance; probation continues through August 2026.
What is Taylor Frankie Paul’s connection to Secret Lives of Mormon Wives? Main cast member and MomTok founder; Season 5 filming halted due to recent events.
Will there be a replacement Bachelorette season? ABC has not announced plans; the slot temporarily airs American Idol reruns.
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