ABC pulls Taylor Frankie Paul’s 'Bachelorette' season after assault video surfaces
Key Takeaways
- ABC pulled the heavily promoted Season 22 of The Bachelorette hours after it has been reported that TMZ published a video showing Taylor Frankie Paul allegedly attacking her ex-boyfriend in 2023.
- Paul was charged in connection with the incident; court records indicate she pleaded guilty in abeyance to an aggravated assault charge in August 2025 and other charges were dismissed with prejudice — legal terms that affect future prosecution and records.
- Alumni and fans have criticized network vetting and expressed sympathy for contestants, production staff and the child allegedly present during the incident.
- The decision marks the first time a full season of the franchise has been pulled from airing and raises questions about background checks, liability for broadcasters, and the personal consequences for those involved.
What happened
ABC announced it would not air the upcoming season of The Bachelorette starring Taylor Frankie Paul after TMZ published a video that, it has been reported, shows Paul allegedly attacking her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, during a 2023 incident in front of a young child. The West Jordan, Utah, Police Department confirmed it received a domestic violence allegation related to Paul but declined to disclose details about timing or charges. The network’s move came less than 24 hours after the video surfaced and prompted immediate public scrutiny.
Reaction and human impact
Former leads and contestants in “Bachelor Nation” reacted strongly. Rachel Lindsay questioned how the situation passed vetting; Arie Luyendyk expressed sympathy for contestants and production crews who had put their lives on hold; and some alumni said they were both disturbed and morbidly curious about the unaired footage. For contestants, crew and vendors, the cancellation can mean lost income, canceled travel and suddenly revoked publicity opportunities. For the child allegedly present, the public airing of the incident also raises questions about privacy and child welfare.
Legal status and what comes next
Court records show Paul pleaded “guilty in abeyance” to an aggravated assault charge in August 2025, while other charges were dismissed with prejudice. “Guilty in abeyance” generally means a defendant admits guilt but the entry of a formal conviction is deferred pending specified conditions; if conditions are met, the charge may not result in a lasting conviction. “Dismissed with prejudice” means those charges cannot be refiled. The ongoing public attention could affect civil liability, custody proceedings and future employment opportunities in media; networks and talent agencies often treat criminal findings and publicity as disqualifying for on-screen roles. It has been reported that the network is now facing scrutiny over its background-check processes and potential legal exposure for promoting and then shelving a season.
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