In an unprecedented move, ABC announced on Thursday, March 19, that season 22 of “The Bachelorette,” led by “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star Taylor Frankie Paul, will no longer be airing.
The decision was made after a video of Paul and her ex Dakota Mortensen, with whom she shares 2-year-old son Ever, went viral via TMZ.
“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,” announced a Disney Entertainment Television spokesperson, per People. “Our focus is on supporting the family.” Following the decision, Paul has broken her silence and given her side to the story.
Taylor Frankie Paul Has Responded to the Show’s Cancelation
GettyIn a statement to People, a spokesperson for Paul, who is currently under alongside Mortensen investigation for domestic assault, showed her appreciation for the network, and revealed her reaction to the news.
“Taylor is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security,” the statement read. “After years of silently suffering extensive mental and physical abuse as well as threats of retaliation, Taylor is finally gaining the strength to face her accuser and taking steps to ensure that she and her children are protected from any further harm.”
As a reminder, Paul was previously arrested in 2023 for an altercation with Mortensen. The video published today shows some of what happened between the former couple.
“There are too many women who are suffering in silence as they survive aggressive, jealous ex-partners who refuse to let them move on with their lives,” the statement continued. “Taylor has remained silent out of fear of further abuse, retaliation and public shaming.”
“She is currently exploring all of her options, seeking support, and preparing to own and share her story,” the statement concluded.
Taylor Frankie Paul Made Another Statement After the Video Came Out
The resurfaced video, which was filmed by Mortensen, got plenty of attention earlier in the day. In it, Paul is seen throwing chairs at Mortensen while her daughter Indy, now 8, is also in the room. Following the video, a spokesperson for Paul shared a statement with People.
“It’s sad to see the latest installment of his never-ending, desperate, attention-seeking, destructive campaign to harm Taylor without any regard for the consequences for their child,” the spokesperson said. “Releasing an old video, which conveniently omits context, on their son’s birthday is a reprehensible attempt to distract from his own behavior.”
“Thankfully, the public has seen this act before and knows who he is and sadly, many will recognize this pattern of manipulation, both in his actions on the show, and from their own experiences,” the statement concluded.
Season 22 of “The Bachelorette” was set to premiere on Sunday, March 22.
