ABC Confirms Replacement for The Bachelorette After Decision to Pull It Over Taylor Frankie Paul Allegations
Warning: This article contains discussion of domestic violence which some readers may find distressing.
If you were planning on tuning into ABC at 8pm on Sunday (22 March) to watch the new season of The Bachelorette, here’s what you’ll be getting instead.
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Taylor Frankie Paul was set to headline season 22 of the show, until new allegations of domestic violence emerged involving her and her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen.
Yesterday (19 March), TMZ shared a video appearing to show a domestic incident between Paul and Mortensen from 2023, in which Paul appeared to get Mortensen in a headlock.
The network decided to scrap the whole pre-filmed season, saying in a statement: “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.”
According to the Hollywood Reporter, binning the entire season will have cost the network more than $30 million.
That breaks down to around $2 million per episode, plus $5 million-$10 million marketing costs, plus a loss of around $100,000 for each 30-second commercial they could have shown in the ad breaks.
Taylor Frankie Paul’s upcoming season of The Bachelorette has been scrapped (Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)
While that sounds painful, the outlet says that, to ABC, $30 million is ‘pocket change’.
And now, the network has revealed exactly what will be shown in the 8pm to 10pm slot in the dating show’s place on Sunday (22 March).
Instead of season 22 of the American reality TV show, fans will tune in to an old episode of American Idol – specifically, season 24, episode eight, which initially aired on Monday, 16 March.
The episode in question features Keke Palmer and Brad Paisley as guest mentors, in case you were wondering.
It originally aired on Monday (March 16).
The allegations against Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen explained
TMZ says the new video was used in evidence in a 2023 case which saw Paul entered a plea in abeyance to a third-degree felony count of aggravated assault.
In Utah, that means the court delays entering a judgment of conviction on the condition the defendant follows the conditions set out by the court.
The Salt Lake Tribune reports that if Paul does this, the charge will be entered as a Class A misdemeanour at some point this year.
Taylor Frankie Paul with Dakota Mortensen (Instagram/@dakota_mortensen)
Paul was accused of throwing her phone, a wooden playset and ‘heavy metal chairs’ at an unnamed man. She had four other charges dismissed.
A Draper City Police Department representative said there was currently an ongoing ‘domestic abuse investigation’ involving Paul and Mortensen.
The official confirmed that ‘allegations have been made in both directions’ and ‘contact was made with involved parties on [Feb] 24th and 25th,’ but has opted not to release specifics.
In the most recent development, Paul’s representative issued a statement to PEOPLE Magazine on the decision to scrap her season of The Bachelorette.
The spokesperson said: “Taylor is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security.
ABC has revealed what will air in the show’s place on Sunday (ABC)
“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.”
They continued: “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.”
While Mortensen said in a statement to PEOPLE: “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.”
If you are experiencing domestic violence, please know that you are not alone. You can talk in confidence to the national domestic violence helpline Refuge on 0808 2000 247, available 24/7, or via live chat, available 10am-10pm, Monday to Friday.
