Taylor Frankie Paul's Bachelorette Season Canceled After Alleged Domestic Violence Video Surfaces

The Bachelorette contestants were told their contracts will remain in place for a year despite the season's cancellation.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 1:27am

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On March 19, 2026, Warner Bros. held a meeting with Taylor Frankie Paul's Bachelorette cast, the same day ABC announced the season's cancellation. A 2023 video had surfaced showing Paul, 31, throwing chairs at her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen in the presence of their child. Paul was previously arrested for alleged domestic violence following an altercation with Mortensen, 33, with whom she shares a 2-year-old son. The Bachelorette contestants were told their contracts will remain in place for a year, and opportunities to appear on shows like Bachelor in Paradise were discussed.

Why it matters

The cancellation of Taylor Frankie Paul's Bachelorette season and the release of the alleged domestic violence video raise concerns about the show's vetting process and the well-being of contestants. It also highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing domestic abuse allegations in the entertainment industry.

The details

On March 19, 2026, Warner Bros. held a meeting with all but one of the 22 men of Taylor Frankie Paul's Bachelorette cast, the same day ABC announced the season's cancellation. The lawyers told the contestants that their contracts will be in place for a year. Opportunities to appear on shows like Bachelor in Paradise were also discussed, though casting for the spinoff series has not taken place yet. The decision to cancel the season came after a 2023 video surfaced showing Paul, 31, throwing chairs at her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen, 33, in the presence of their child. This incident appears to be connected to Paul's 2023 arrest for alleged domestic violence following an altercation with Mortensen, with whom she shares a 2-year-old son.

  • On March 19, 2026, Warner Bros. held a meeting with Taylor Frankie Paul's Bachelorette cast.
  • On March 19, 2026, ABC announced the cancellation of the planned Sunday, March 22, 2026 premiere of The Bachelorette.
  • In 2023, an incident occurred that led to Taylor Frankie Paul's arrest for alleged domestic violence following an altercation with her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen.

The players

Taylor Frankie Paul

A 31-year-old reality TV personality who was set to be the lead on the upcoming season of The Bachelorette, but the season was canceled after a 2023 video surfaced showing her allegedly throwing chairs at her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen in the presence of their child. Paul has also been arrested for alleged domestic violence in the past.

Dakota Mortensen

Taylor Frankie Paul's ex-boyfriend, with whom she shares a 2-year-old son. Mortensen, 33, was involved in the alleged domestic violence incident with Paul in 2023 that led to her arrest.

Warner Bros.

The production company that holds the contracts for the contestants on The Bachelorette and met with Taylor Frankie Paul's cast on March 19, 2026 to inform them their contracts will remain in place for a year despite the season's cancellation.

ABC

The television network that announced the cancellation of Taylor Frankie Paul's Bachelorette season on March 19, 2026, the same day the alleged domestic violence video surfaced.

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What they’re saying

“As anyone who has seen the video will understand, this is a deeply upsetting situation. I am, unfortunately, used to these baseless claims about me and our relationship, which I categorically deny. 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 the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Taylor Frankie Paul out on bail.

The takeaway

The cancellation of Taylor Frankie Paul's Bachelorette season and the release of the alleged domestic violence video raise serious concerns about the show's vetting process and the well-being of contestants. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing domestic abuse allegations in the entertainment industry and the need for greater accountability and support for victims.