ABC Cancels Taylor Frankie Paul's Bachelorette Season After Domestic Violence Allegations

Bachelor Nation reacts to the franchise's decision following resurfaced video of altercation between Taylor and ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 5:48pm

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ABC has canceled the upcoming season of The Bachelorette featuring Taylor Frankie Paul after a video surfaced of a 2023 physical altercation between Taylor and her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen. The video showed Taylor throwing objects at Dakota while their young child was present. Bachelor Nation stars Zach Shallcross and Kaity Biggar reacted to the news, calling for the franchise to return to its roots of finding genuine connections. A contestant from Taylor's season also expressed frustration over the wasted time and emotional investment. Taylor's representative said she is prioritizing her family's safety and preparing to share her side of the story.

Why it matters

The cancelation of Taylor's Bachelorette season highlights the franchise's struggle to balance entertainment value with ethical considerations, especially when it comes to allegations of domestic violence. It raises questions about the show's vetting process and whether it should reconsider its approach to casting controversial figures. The situation also underscores the challenges faced by survivors of abuse in seeking public platforms to share their stories.

The details

In February 2023, Taylor Frankie Paul was arrested in Utah following a confrontation with her then-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen. She was accused of throwing metal chairs and a wooden playset at him while their young child was in the room. Taylor later pleaded guilty to a felony count of aggravated assault, with the charge reduced to a misdemeanor as long as she completed a treatment program. Video footage of the 2023 incident later surfaced, showing Taylor yelling at Dakota and attempting to strike him. The responding officer's report confirmed that the child was hit by one of the thrown objects.

  • In February 2023, Taylor Frankie Paul was arrested following a confrontation with her then-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen.
  • In August 2023, Taylor pleaded guilty to a felony count of aggravated assault, with the charge reduced to a misdemeanor.
  • In March 2026, footage of the 2023 altercation between Taylor and Dakota surfaced online.
  • On March 19, 2026, ABC canceled Taylor's upcoming season of The Bachelorette.

The players

Taylor Frankie Paul

A reality TV personality who rose to fame on #MomTok and was set to star as the lead on the upcoming season of The Bachelorette before it was canceled.

Dakota Mortensen

Taylor's ex-boyfriend, with whom she was involved in a physical altercation in 2023 that led to her arrest and eventual guilty plea.

Zach Shallcross

The lead of The Bachelor season 27, who reacted to the cancelation of Taylor's Bachelorette season.

Kaity Biggar

Zach Shallcross' wife, who also reacted to the cancelation of Taylor's Bachelorette season.

A contestant from Taylor's Bachelorette season

An unnamed contestant who expressed frustration over the cancelation and the wasted time and emotional investment.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.