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Draper Today
By the People, for the People
ABC Hires PR Crisis Manager Amid Bachelorette Controversy
Taylor Frankie Paul's upcoming season faces uncertainty due to domestic assault investigation.
Mar. 17, 2026 at 9:39pm
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News recently broke that Taylor Frankie Paul, the upcoming Bachelorette, and her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen were involved in a 'blowup' incident that halted production on their reality show 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.' The Draper City Police Department confirmed an open domestic assault investigation regarding the couple, with allegations made in both directions. While ABC has stated the investigation will not impact the release schedule for The Bachelorette, TMZ reports that producers were 'blindsided' and the network has hired a public relations crisis manager to handle the fallout.
Why it matters
The Bachelorette is one of ABC's highest-rated and most lucrative reality TV franchises, so any controversy surrounding the upcoming season could have significant financial and reputational implications for the network. The situation also raises broader questions about how reality TV shows handle domestic violence allegations involving cast members.
The details
According to reports, the alleged incident between Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen occurred in late February, with police making contact with the 'involved parties' on February 24th and 25th. The investigation is ongoing, with allegations made 'in both directions.' While ABC has stated the probe will not impact the season's release, producers were apparently caught off guard and the network has brought in a crisis PR team to manage the fallout.
- Taylor Frankie Paul's season of The Bachelorette is scheduled to premiere on March 22, 2026.
- The alleged incident between Taylor and Dakota occurred on February 24th and 25th, 2026.
- Production on 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' was halted due to the incident.
The players
Taylor Frankie Paul
The upcoming lead of the 2026 season of The Bachelorette.
Dakota Mortensen
Taylor's ex-boyfriend, who was involved in the alleged domestic assault incident.
ABC
The television network that airs The Bachelorette and has hired a public relations crisis manager to handle the fallout from the controversy.
Draper City Police Department
The law enforcement agency that is conducting the open domestic assault investigation regarding Taylor and Dakota.
What’s next
The judge overseeing the domestic assault investigation will determine if any charges will be filed against Taylor Frankie Paul or Dakota Mortensen.
The takeaway
This controversy surrounding the upcoming Bachelorette season highlights the challenges reality TV producers face in managing cast member scandals, especially those involving allegations of domestic violence. How ABC navigates this situation could set an important precedent for the industry.
