Cancellation of ‘Bachelorette’ season over abuse of boyfriend video sparks mixed reactions

ABC has cancelled the latest upcoming season of “The Bachelorette” only days from its previously scheduled March 22 premiere.

The cancellation comes after TMZ released horrifying footage of this season’s star bachelorette, former “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star Taylor Frankie Paul, physically abusing her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, in 2023.

Watch (*Graphic content):

EXCLUSIVE: Taylor Frankie Paul repeatedly attacked Dakota Mortensen during the 2023 incident in which she pled guilty to aggravated assault; video shows that one of her children was struck during the fight.

Trigger Warning. https://t.co/77CKYpLxvn pic.twitter.com/avr49EacY3

— TMZ (@TMZ) March 19, 2026

In the video, Paul attacked Mortensen with a chair right in front of her own daughter.

According to People magazine, Paul’s behavior in the video above ultimately resulted in her “arrest for alleged domestic violence.”

“[S]he faced misdemeanor charges of assault, criminal mischief and commission of domestic violence in the presence of a child,” according to the magazine.

It’s not clear why footage from the altercation has only now been publicly released.

“In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of The Bachelorette at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family,” a Disney spokesperson told Page Six after the video’s release.

This decision is reportedly expected to cost ABC a LOT of money.

“ABC could lose millions of dollars from license fees to Warner Bros. Unscripted TV, to marketing dollars, ad sales and ‘trade outs,’” People notes. “Each episode reportedly costs an estimated $2 million to make.”

Warner Bros. owns the show.

Ryan Fournier, the founder of Students for Trump, has claimed credit for “The Bachelorette” being cancelled, though he’s not explained how he was involved.

Well I just got The Bachelorette canceled for the season.

You’re welcome, America pic.twitter.com/j9KxHqkSRl

— Ryan Fournier (@RyanAFournier) March 19, 2026

As for Paul, a spokesperson issued a statement to Page Six on her behalf basically portraying her as the victim.

“Taylor is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security,” the spokesperson said. “After years of silently suffering extensive mental and physical abuse as well as threats of retaliation, Taylor is finally gaining the strength to face her accuser and taking steps to ensure that she and her children are protected from any further harm.”

“There are too many women who are suffering in silence as they survive aggressive, jealous ex-partners who refuse to let them move on with their lives. Taylor has remained silent out of fear of further abuse, retaliation, and public shaming. She is currently exploring all of her options, seeking support, and preparing to own and share her story,” the spokesperson added.

In a statement to People, Mortensen denied Paul’s narrative.

“I am, unfortunately, used to these baseless claims about me and our relationship, which I categorically deny,” he said. ” I am focusing on our son and his safety, and hope that Taylor will do the same.”

Yet many female critics have sided with Paul, perhaps because of their shared gender?

Look:

Funny how he doesn’t show what led up to it.

You know, him deliberately pissing her off to get a reaction and then playing the victim

— rowena (@shipoopii69) March 19, 2026

This looks like reactive abuse. He doesn’t sound like he is upset. He sounds like he is trying to escalate the situation? He knows what to say to push her buttons, then he records.

— Brooke Foster (@BrookeFoster0l) March 20, 2026

This was is 2023 which she had already talked about and worked through on her show and was very remorseful for. She was also arrested for it. While I don’t agree with her abusing him at all I do believe people deserve second chances. People can change.

— Shelly (@ShellyCuel78160) March 19, 2026

Men, meanwhile, have been quick to note the obvious double standard.

“If this was a dude throwing a chair at his ex and hitting a kid, he’d be canceled and in jail already,” one man noted. “Double standards much? Proof once again that women can be abusers too. But watch the feminists rush to defend her because ‘context’ or whatever.”

DONATE TO BIZPAC REVIEW

Please help us! If you are fed up with letting radical big tech execs, phony fact-checkers, tyrannical liberals and a lying mainstream media have unprecedented power over your news please consider making a donation to BPR to help us fight them. Now is the time. Truth has never been more critical!