Taylor Frankie Paul, former star of ABC’s ‘Bachelorette’, has been at the center of controversy following the cancellation of her highly anticipated season. Amid allegations of domestic violence involving her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen, ABC made the decision to pull the plug on Paul’s season just days before its scheduled premiere on Sunday, Mar. 22.
In a shocking turn of events, TMZ released a never-before-seen video showing an altercation between Paul and Mortensen in 2023. The video appears to capture Paul assaulting Mortensen, prompting ABC to take swift action in canceling her season. A Disney Entertainment spokesperson stated, “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 isn’t the first time Paul has been involved in a domestic violence incident. In 2023, she was arrested on misdemeanor charges following an argument with Mortensen, during which she allegedly threw a chair at him in the presence of her daughter. Paul ultimately pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, leading to a 3-year probation sentence.
The leaked video from TMZ paints a disturbing picture of the altercation, with Paul seen hitting Mortensen, putting him in a headlock, and throwing metal bar stools at him while her daughter watched. The police report noted that the young girl was hit during the incident, sustaining a head injury.
In response to the leaked video, a spokesperson for Paul issued a statement condemning Mortensen’s actions, calling them a desperate attempt to harm Paul without regard for their child. The statement highlighted a pattern of manipulation on Mortensen’s part, both in the leaked video and on the reality show where they first met.
The Draper City Police Department confirmed an ongoing domestic assault investigation involving Paul and Mortensen, with allegations made in both directions. While contact was made with the parties involved in late February, the details of the investigation remain confidential.
As the scandal continues to unfold, it serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding domestic violence. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, help is available 24/7 through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.
The cancellation of Taylor Frankie Paul’s season marks a significant moment in the ongoing conversation surrounding domestic violence. It serves as a somber reminder of the impact of such actions on individuals and families alike.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.