Taylor Frankie Paul’s 'Bachelorette' season pulled after abusive video emerges

WARNING: This article mentions claims of domestic abuse and may be triggering for some readers

Taylor Frankie Paul's season of ‘The Bachelorette’ has just been pulled days from release amid an ongoing investigation into an alleged domestic incident.

This week, TMZ published a video showing ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ star attacking her ex, Dakota Mortensen, in front of one of her children during an incident that occurred in 2023.

“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," Disney wrote in a statement.

Taylor's team has since made a statement following the decision, saying she "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.”

They add: "She is currently exploring all of her options, seeking support, and preparing to own and share her story.”

The video, published by TMZ, appears to be recorded by Mortensen and shows Paul pushing and kicking Mortensen as he repeatedly asks her to stop, saying, “Let me go.” 

The recording, which does not provide context surrounding the argument, reportedly relates to an incident that resulted in Paul’s arrest in 2023.

Amid the reports of abuse, Paul spoke to 'Good Morning America', saying she is going through a "heavy time".

I'm a person that will always speak my truth. That's what I'm known for. So when the time is right, I will be.

“My kids come first, so it’s been a back-and-forth process, trying to be here in the present moment. Worrying about home and headlines has been stressful,” she added.

Following the release of the video, a spokesperson for Paul said in a statement to People: “It’s sad to see the latest instalment of his never-ending, desperate, attention-seeking, destructive campaign to harm Taylor without any regard for the consequences 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 behaviour.”

They continued: “Thankfully, the public has seen this act before and knows who he is, and sadly, many will recognise this pattern of manipulation, both in his actions on the show, and from their own experiences.”

The latest season of ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ largely surrounded the lead-up to Paul filming her season of the ‘Bachelorette’ and the very tangled and messy on-off relationship with Mortensen, the father of Paul’s third child, Ever.

 Paul and Mortensen’s relationship has been a plot line in the four seasons of the show, with many cast members and fans claiming it’s been “toxic” for a long period of time.

In the very first episode of the Disney+ show, police bodycam video of Paul’s 2023 arrest. According to NBC, Paul was charged with assault, criminal mischief and domestic violence in the presence of a child for the 2023 incident. 

In the video, Paul's then five-year-old daughter (with ex-husband Tate Paul) can be heard crying as a stool is thrown toward Mortensen. She is alleged to have been injured during the incident.

Court records indicate that Paul pleaded guilty in abeyance to an aggravated assault charge in August 2025, and the other four charges were dismissed with prejudice.

According to reports, Mortensen has filed for a restraining order against Paul, and filming for the fifth season of ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ has paused while the investigation is ongoing.

If you or someone you know needs help:

• Shine (family violence support for anyone) - 0508 744 633

• Women’s Refuge (support + safe housing for women & children) - 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE)

• Are You OK? (Family Violence Information Line) - 0800 456 450