ABC Cancels Bachelorette Season After Assault Video Resurfaces
The upcoming season of The Bachelorette featuring Taylor Frankie Paul has been abruptly canceled by ABC after a disturbing video from 2023 resurfaced showing the reality star attacking her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen. The network pulled the plug on the highly anticipated 22nd season just days before its scheduled premiere, citing the viral footage that depicts a violent domestic incident.
Shocking Video Evidence Emerges
In the graphic video published by TMZ, Paul, 31, is seen physically assaulting Mortensen, 33, while throwing a stool at him as her eight-year-old daughter Indy watches the altercation unfold. The recording captures Mortensen declaring "This is called physical abuse" while filming the incident, with the young girl audibly crying in the background. Mortensen can be heard telling Paul that her daughter "just got hit in the head by a metal chair" during the confrontation.
This footage served as crucial evidence in a 2023 criminal case where Paul ultimately pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated assault after initially facing charges including felony aggravated assault, reckless child abuse, and domestic violence in the presence of a child. The reality star was arrested on February 17, 2023, at her Herriman, Utah home on misdemeanor charges, striking a deal that resulted in other charges being dismissed.
Neighbors Express Surprise and Concern
Residents of Paul's Draper, Utah neighborhood expressed mixed reactions to the cancellation news and resurfaced allegations. Andrew Wollenburg, a local neighbor, told ABC 4 that he was surprised by the developments, describing Paul as appearing "peaceful" in their community.
"But you never know what happens inside the house," Wollenburg cautioned, adding "It's surreal that I live so close to that." He noted the unusual nature of police presence in their typically quiet neighborhood, stating "I never see cop cars. It's very quiet."
Other neighbors who requested anonymity for privacy reasons defended Paul's character, with one stating they had never witnessed disturbances or heard yelling from her home. Another local revealed their children socialized with Paul's children, indicating normal neighborhood interactions despite the serious allegations.
Ongoing Legal Complications and Fresh Allegations
The video's resurgence coincides with new domestic assault investigations involving both Paul and Mortensen, with police confirming "allegations have been made in both directions." Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill revealed prosecutors are examining whether these new accusations might violate Paul's ongoing probation from the 2023 case.
Mortensen has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, describing the claims against him as "baseless." In a statement to the Daily Mail, he called the situation "a deeply upsetting situation" and expressed his focus on their son's safety, hoping Paul would demonstrate similar priorities.
Paul's representative issued a strong rebuke against Mortensen, characterizing his actions as "a never-ending, desperate, attention-seeking, destructive campaign to harm Taylor without any regard for the consequences for their child." The statement criticized the timing of the video's release on their son's birthday as "reprehensible" and accused Mortensen of omitting crucial context.
Broader Implications and Community Reactions
Some neighbors indicated the cancellation didn't surprise them given the couple's turbulent history, which included appearances on Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. Peter Makowski commented "I think all of the lead up that we heard and saw was happening between Taylor and Dakota, this was bound to happen."
Makowski added a broader perspective, stating "I think this is a lesson for everyone in toxic relationships. Learn from this lesson, and let's all just be good to each other."
Police bodycam footage obtained by the Daily Mail shows the emotional aftermath of the 2023 incident, with Paul appearing intoxicated and telling officers she went "ballistic" on Mortensen. The reality star even claimed she was so frightened she had "peed" herself during the altercation. Notably, responding officers seemed unaware of Paul's celebrity status, with one commenting "It's not like she's going to make the news" when Mortensen inquired about mugshot publicity.
Paul's family situation adds complexity to the case, as she shares daughter Indy and a five-year-old daughter with ex-husband Tate Paul, plus a two-year-old son named Ever with Mortensen. In a statement to People Magazine, Paul's spokesperson suggested she has "remained silent out of fear of further abuse, retaliation and public shaming" while exploring options and preparing to share her story.
