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ABC Halts 'The Bachelorette' Season With Taylor Frankie Paul After Viral Video

Disney says the season will not move forward for now pending a Utah police domestic-violence investigation.

Overview

  • ABC pulled the March 22 premiere after a spokesperson said the network would not proceed with the new season at this time.
  • TMZ published 2023 footage showing Paul in a violent altercation with then-partner Dakota Mortensen in the presence of a child, prompting public backlash.
  • Draper, Utah police confirmed an active domestic-violence investigation tied to Paul and Mortensen, and production on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has been paused.
  • Variety reported the decision could cost ABC/Disney tens of millions of dollars, with Citytv in Canada replacing the slot with an American Idol repeat.
  • Executives are weighing options that could include a Hulu release or a later ABC slot, and studio personnel had earlier reservations about casting Paul, according to trade reports.