Season 22 of “The Bachelorette” has been canceled amid a police investigation involving its lead, reality TV star Taylor Frankie Paul.
On March 19, just three days before the reality dating show was set to premiere on ABC, the network’s parent company, Disney, announced the show’s fate following headlines involving Paul and her ex, Dakota Mortensen.
Disney addressed its decision in a statement obtained by TODAY.com.
“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,” a Disney spokesperson said.
Following the cancellation, a spokesperson for Paul told NBC News that the reality star is “very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security.”
“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,” the statement reads. “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.
“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 statements concludes.
TODAY has reached out to Mortensen for comment.
Paul is known as one of the creators of #MomTok, a group of Utah moms who create viral dance-based TikTok videos. She is among a group of women who star on “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” which just dropped for a fourth season on Hulu.
Disney decision to scrap “The Bachelorette” came after reports this week that “Mormon Wives” halted filming Season 5 amid an investigation into Paul and Mortensen, and hours after TMZ resurfaced what it said is a two-year-old video of Paul attacking Mortensen.
On March 17, three sources familiar with the matter confirmed to NBC News that Paul and Mortensen are part of an “ongoing investigation” and that “Mormon Wives” had stopped filming during the probe. The sources, who commented on the condition of anonymity, declined to provide further information.
On March 16, the Draper City Police Department told People that Paul and Mortensen, who share a 2-year-old child, are connected to an open “domestic assault investigation.” The spokesperson said “allegations have been made in both directions” and “contact was made with involved parties” on Feb. 24 and 25.
The department declined to confirm the report to NBC News, stating, “it is the practice of the department not to release details related to active investigations.”
While attending a press preview for her season of “The Bachelorette” on March 17, the reality star spoke out about the investigation for the first time.
“Honestly, just like, my heart hurts to see it, to go through it, especially at this time,” she said. “Just the timing is hard, and it’s a big deal. I feel like every premiere that I’ve experienced, I’ve never enjoyed fully, so this is another one… it’s extremely hard, and it took everything to get me here today.”
Mortensen’s representative said in statement that “his number one priority here is protecting (their 2-year-old son), Ever.”
Paul, a mother of three, has also shares two children, an 8-year-old daughter and a 5-year-old son, with her ex-husband, Tate Paul.
Taylor Frankie Paul was arrested in 2023 after a fight with Mortensen, which was documented in the first episode of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.” She was charged with three misdemeanors: assault, criminal mischief and domestic violence in the presence of a child. She later reached a plea deal in her assault case, pleading guilty to aggravated assault in August 2023. The other charges against her were dropped, NBC affiliate KSL in Salt Lake City reported at the time.
TMZ on March 19, hours before Disney pulled “The Bachelorette,” published a video reportedly connected to the 2023 incident, showing Paul pushing and kicking Mortensen in front of their child. Mortensen appears to be holding the camera.
“I will have my truth,” Paul said in a phone interview with NBC News after the video was released.
“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,” Paul’s rep said in a statement, speaking of Mortensen.
Before ABC provided an update on its plans for Season 22 of “The Bachelorette,” Cinnabon, which had previously announced a collaboration with the show, said it plans to cut ties with both Paul and the ABC series.
“Cinnabon has made the decision to terminate its collaboration with ‘The Bachelorette’ and ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,’” the company said in a statement. “Recent developments and allegations surrounding the lead cast member led us to reassess this collaboration as it no longer aligns with our brand values.”