ABC Cancels 'The Bachelorette' Season 22 After Leaked Footage

Network scraps premiere after video surfaces of contestant Taylor Frankie Paul allegedly assaulting her ex-boyfriend

Mar. 22, 2026 at 2:05pm

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ABC has decided to cancel the upcoming 22nd season of 'The Bachelorette' just days before its scheduled premiere, following the release of shocking footage showing season 22 Bachelorette Taylor Frankie Paul allegedly assaulting her then-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen in 2023. The network cited the 'newly released video' as the reason for the cancellation, saying their 'focus is on supporting the family'.

Why it matters

The cancellation of 'The Bachelorette' season 22 highlights the serious consequences that can arise from allegations of domestic violence, even years after an incident. It also raises questions about what ABC knew about the video prior to its public release, and whether the network should have been aware of Paul's history of alleged abuse.

The details

The footage, recorded in 2023, showed Paul, then 31, kicking and throwing metal stools at Mortensen. One of the chairs struck the couple's 5-year-old daughter Indy. Paul was arrested following the incident and entered a plea in abeyance to a third-degree felony count of aggravated assault. Other charges, including criminal mischief and commission of domestic violence in the presence of a child, were dropped.

  • In March 2023, Paul was arrested following the incident with Mortensen.
  • In August 2023, Paul entered a plea in abeyance to a third-degree felony count of aggravated assault.
  • On March 19, 2026, TMZ published the footage of the 2023 incident.
  • On March 20, 2026, Mortensen was granted a protective order and temporary custody of the couple's son, Ever.
  • On March 22, 2026, ABC announced the cancellation of 'The Bachelorette' season 22, just days before its scheduled premiere.

The players

Taylor Frankie Paul

The season 22 Bachelorette, who was set to star in the upcoming season before it was canceled. Paul has a history of alleged domestic violence, including an incident in 2023 where she was arrested for assaulting her then-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen.

Dakota Mortensen

Paul's ex-boyfriend, who was the victim of the alleged assault in 2023. Mortensen was recently granted a protective order and temporary custody of the couple's son, Ever, amid ongoing domestic violence allegations between the two.

Disney Entertainment Television

The parent company of ABC, which made the decision to cancel 'The Bachelorette' season 22 following the release of the video footage.

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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

A hearing has been set for April 7, 2026 to further address the domestic violence allegations and custody issues between Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen.

The takeaway

This cancellation highlights the serious consequences that can arise from allegations of domestic violence, even years after an incident. It also raises questions about what ABC knew about the video prior to its public release, and whether the network should have been aware of Paul's history of alleged abuse.