WASHINGTON — Taylor Frankie Paul said she is prepared “to own and share her story” following the cancellation of her season of “The Bachelorette.”
In a statement given to TMZ by her spokesperson, the “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” reality star thanked ABC for the support and addressed the domestic abuse allegations that led the network to pull the plug on the new season.
“Taylor is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security,” the statement given to TMZ and People “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.”
“Taylor has remained silent out of fear of further abuse, retaliation, and public shaming,” the statement continued. “She is currently exploring all her options, seeking support and preparing to own and she her story.”
The cancellation of the upcoming season of the reality TV series comes just hours after a 2023 video of a fight between Paul and her ex, Dakota Mortenson, resurfaced.
Season 22 of “The Bachelorette” was set to premiere on Sunday, March 22.
Disney Entertainment Television confirmed the cancellation in a statement on Thursday.
“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 spokesperson said.
Paul was arrested in 2023 for alleged domestic assault following an argument with Mortenson, according to the outlet. She faced misdemeanor charges of assault, criminal mischief and commission of domestic violence in the presence of a child.
A police spokesperson in Draper City, Utah, told People magazine that there was an open domestic violence investigation of Paul and her ex-partner, Mortensen, and that allegations have been made in both directions. Mortensen is the father of one of Paul’s three children.
In Thursday’s video, posted by TMZ, Paul is seen attacking Mortenson and even throwing a chair at him at one point while their daughter, Indy, was in the room crying.
