“What were they thinking?” This question is on the minds of producers, ABC, Hulu, and Disney legal teams following the abrupt cancellation of the upcoming season of “The Bachelorette.” The season, set to premiere Sunday, was scrapped after a video surfaced showing Taylor Frankie Paul, the intended Bachelorette and star of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” attacking her on-again, off-again partner, Dakota Mortensen, and injuring her child.
The Cancellation and the Video
The decision to halt the season came as a video from a 2023 incident, in which Paul pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, circulated online via TMZ. The video depicts Paul putting Mortensen in a headlock and throwing metal bar stools at him while her five-year-old daughter, Indy, was present. After a stool bounced toward the camera, Indy began crying, and Mortensen urged Paul to “help your child.” Even as her daughter cried “Mommy,” Paul continued the assault, and when Mortensen attempted to assist Indy, Paul reportedly screamed at him to “get away from my child.”
A police report indicated Indy sustained a “goose egg” on her head during the incident. Paul pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated assault, a third-degree felony, and received probation. A court will review the charge in August 2026, and it could be lessened to a misdemeanor if Paul complies with the terms of her probation. A recent criminal charge could change this outcome.
A History of “Messy Authenticity”
Paul gained notoriety through MomTok, a TikTok community of Mormon women who openly discuss their lives and challenge traditional norms. Her show, “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” chronicled the fallout from discussions of “soft swinging” with other couples and became Hulu’s most-watched unscripted season premiere in 2024. The show’s subsequent seasons have continued to attract viewers even as ratings for “The Bachelor” franchise have declined.
Paul’s personal life, including her divorce from her first husband and turbulent relationship with Mortensen, has been heavily documented on “Mormon Wives.” Producers reportedly granted her freedoms not typically afforded to other “Bachelorette” contestants, including unmonitored phone utilize.
A Pattern of Scandal
The “Bachelor” franchise has faced numerous scandals in its almost quarter-century history. However, casting someone with a conviction for assault involving harm to a child proved to be a step too far. ABC reportedly knew Paul had been charged in a domestic violence incident but still believed she would make an excellent Bachelorette.
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the cancellation of “The Bachelorette” season?
The season was canceled due to the emergence of a video showing Taylor Frankie Paul involved in a violent incident with her partner, Dakota Mortensen, and injuring her child. Paul had previously pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in connection with the incident.
What is Taylor Frankie Paul known for?
Taylor Frankie Paul gained fame through MomTok, a TikTok community, and her show “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” which documents her life and challenges traditional Mormon norms.
What could happen next with “The Bachelorette” franchise?
It is unclear if ABC will air the Paul-fronted season at any point. The network is also considering the future of Season 5 of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” and how to support Paul and Mortensen.
Given the history of scandal within the reality television landscape, what level of risk is acceptable in the pursuit of ratings and audience engagement?
