ABC halts The Bachelorette over contestant Taylor Frankie Paul domestic abuse row

ABC pulled reality show The Bachelorette just days before its premiere after allegations involving Taylor Frankie Paul surface, leaving the show's future uncertain.

In Short

• ABC's The Bachelorette pulled from schedule following contestant conflict
• Disney Entertainment prioritises supporting family amid controversy
• Utah police investigate domestic violence claims involving cast members

ABC has pulled the upcoming season of The Bachelorette just days before its scheduled premiere, following domestic violence allegations involving contestant Taylor Frankie Paul. The show, which was due to air on Sunday, March 22, has been removed from the network’s schedule with immediate effect.

The decision comes after newly surfaced video related to the allegations against Paul and her partner Dakota Mortensen. In a statement, a spokesperson for Disney Entertainment Television said the network would not move forward with the season “at this time”, adding that its focus is on supporting the family. It remains unclear whether the series will return at a later date.

Why has The Bachelorette been pulled?

The move follows the circulation of video footage shared by TMZ showing an alleged altercation between Paul and Mortensen. Authorities in Utah are now investigating the situation after police were called to the residence. Production on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 5 has also been paused as both parties have made allegations of domestic violence.

Paul had been actively promoting the dating show in the days leading up to the decision, appearing in interviews and at press events in New York. Speaking earlier this week, she acknowledged the situation, describing the timing as “extremely hard”.

What is the background of the case?

Paul and Mortensen, who share a one-year-old son, have had a turbulent relationship over the years. In 2023, Paul was arrested following an alleged domestic dispute. She later pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated assault, while other charges, including child abuse, were dismissed.

The incident was previously referenced in the first season of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, which documented events leading up to her involvement in The Bachelorette.

What happens next for the show?

For now, ABC has not confirmed a revised release date or whether the season will air in its current form. The network’s decision marks a significant disruption for one of its flagship reality franchises, with future scheduling likely to depend on the outcome of the ongoing investigation.

- Ends