’Mormon Wife’ star cancelled as ’Bachelorette’ by ABC amid explosive video

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, ABC has officially pulled the plug on Taylor Frankie Paul’s upcoming season of The Bachelorette just 72 hours before its scheduled debut. The high-stakes decision follows the sudden emergence of disturbing video footage involving the reality star, bringing a swift halt to a premiere originally slated for Sunday, March 22.

The cancellation, first reported by People, marks a dramatic fall for the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives breakout star. In a statement released Thursday, March 19, a spokesperson for Disney Entertainment Television confirmed the network’s exit from the project.

“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,” the statement read. “Our focus is on supporting the family.”

A History of Turmoil Re-emerges

The footage in question, obtained and reported by TMZ, reportedly captures a violent confrontation between Paul and her ex-partner, Dakota Mortensen. In the video, Paul is seen throwing chairs at Mortensen while a child is present.

The timing of the leak is particularly poignant; Paul and Mortensen, who began their relationship in the summer of 2022, share a son, Ever, who turned two on the very day the video surfaced. Paul is also mother to two children from her previous marriage to Tate Paul: daughter Indy, 8, and son Ocean, 5½.

This is far from the first time the couple’s volatile relationship has made headlines. Their domestic struggles were a central fixture of the Hulu docuseries The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives since its 2024 launch. Following a January 2025 breakup, Paul took to Instagram to describe her emotional distress, citing “the quiet after the chaos” and the pain of missing time with her children.

The fallout from Paul’s past appears to be spreading; earlier this week, sources confirmed that filming for the fifth season of Mormon Wives has also been suspended due to “serious issues” related to her history.

Investigations and Allegations

The Draper City Police Department has confirmed an active domestic assault investigation involving both Paul and Mortensen. Authorities noted that allegations have been leveled by both sides, with police contact occurring as recently as February 24 and 25.

A representative for Mortensen told Entertainment Weekly that his “number one priority” remains the protection of their son. The spokesperson added that Mortensen has opted for silence in hopes of a private resolution and a “healthy co-parenting relationship.”

The video released on March 19 appears to provide a visual record of a 2023 incident that led to Paul’s arrest on charges of domestic violence and misdemeanor assault in the presence of a child. During that period, CBS News reported that Paul faced child abuse allegations after a chair she allegedly threw struck her daughter, Indy.

In the harrowing footage, a child’s cries are audible as the argument escalates. Mortensen can be heard saying, “This is called physical abuse,” before adding, “Your daughter just got hit in the head by a metal chair.” These details align with court documents previously obtained by People describing “heavy, metal chairs” being used in the altercation. Despite the severity of the footage, Paul claimed during a 2025 appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast that all charges in the case had been dropped.

A War of Words

Paul’s camp has responded to the video’s release with a scathing rebuke of Mortensen’s motives. Her spokesperson characterized the leak as a “desperate, attention-seeking, destructive campaign” intended to harm Paul without regard for their child.

“Releasing an old video, which conveniently omits context, on their son’s birthday is a reprehensible attempt to distract from his own behavior,” the spokesperson stated. “Thankfully, the public has seen this act before and knows who he is and sadly, many will recognize this pattern of manipulation.”

As of now, ABC has not announced a replacement lead or a new schedule for the franchise, leaving the future of The Bachelorette in a state of unprecedented uncertainty.