Taylor Frankie Paul's 'Bachelorette' Suitors Consider Suing ABC Over Canceled Season

Contestants feel they were in an unsafe working environment given Paul's past domestic violence incident.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 9:11pm

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Several contestants from Taylor Frankie Paul's canceled season of 'The Bachelorette' are reportedly considering taking legal action against ABC and Warner Bros. Discovery. Sources say the men feel the network created an unsafe working environment by allowing Paul, who was involved in a 2023 domestic violence incident, to be in intimate settings with them. The contestants also claim they put their lives on hold and lost financial opportunities to compete on the show, which was abruptly canceled after a video of Paul throwing chairs at her ex surfaced.

Why it matters

The cancellation of Paul's 'Bachelorette' season is expected to cost ABC tens of millions, as the network had already negotiated deals and freebies with various partners. The situation also raises questions about the network's vetting process and whether they were aware of Paul's past domestic violence issues before casting her.

The details

According to reports, five contestants from Paul's season are considering a lawsuit against ABC and Warner Bros. Discovery. The men feel the network created an unsafe work environment by allowing Paul, who was arrested in 2023 for a domestic violence incident involving her ex-partner Dakota Mortensen, to be in close contact with them. The contestants also claim they made personal and professional sacrifices to appear on the show, only to have the season canceled and lose their opportunity for exposure.

  • In 2023, a video surfaced showing Paul throwing chairs at her ex, Dakota Mortensen, during a domestic violence incident.
  • On Thursday, March 21, 2026, Disney confirmed that ABC was pulling the plug on Paul's 'Bachelorette' season.

The players

Taylor Frankie Paul

The 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' star whose upcoming season of 'The Bachelorette' was canceled after a video of her domestic violence incident with her ex-partner surfaced.

Dakota Mortensen

Paul's ex-partner, who was involved in the 2023 domestic violence incident with Paul.

ABC

The network that canceled Paul's 'Bachelorette' season after the video of her domestic violence incident surfaced.

Warner Bros. Discovery

The production company behind Paul's canceled 'Bachelorette' season.

The Bachelorette Contestants

Five contestants from Paul's canceled season who are reportedly considering taking legal action against ABC and Warner Bros. Discovery.

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What they’re saying

“The video 'conveniently omits context' and Mortensen's 'never-ending, desperate, attention-seeking, destructive campaign to harm Taylor without any regard for the consequences for their child.'”

— Taylor Frankie Paul's Representative

“I am focusing on our son and his safety, and hope that Taylor will do the same.”

— Dakota Mortensen

What’s next

The judge in any potential lawsuit filed by the 'Bachelorette' contestants will decide whether to allow the case to move forward.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the importance of thorough background checks and vetting processes for reality TV participants, as well as the potential legal and financial consequences for networks when such issues are not properly addressed. It also underscores the need for a safe and supportive work environment for all involved in the production of these shows.