ABC canceled Season 22 of The Bachelorette on Thursday following the publication of a 2023 video showing star Taylor Frankie Paul throwing metal barstools at her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen. The cancellation occurred three days before the scheduled premiere of the fully filmed reality television season.
A Utah court granted Mortensen temporary custody of the couple’s 2-year-old son on Tuesday. Mortensen filed a protective order detailing recent physical altercations. A custody hearing is scheduled for April 7.
The network decision followed the March 19 release of the 2023 surveillance footage by TMZ. The video showed Paul throwing a barstool that ricocheted and struck her young daughter. Paul previously pleaded guilty to aggravated assault stemming from that specific incident and is currently serving a three-year probation sentence.
🚨'Bachelorette' star shares statement following the release of a video by TMZ, apparently showing her throwing metal bar stools at her ex-boyfriend.
A spokesperson for Taylor Frankie Paul says the video "omits context," calling its release "desperate."
"It’s sad to see the… pic.twitter.com/dzigeJ7E7k
— DailyTea ☕️ (@Daily_Tea_Talk) March 20, 2026
Mortensen filed his protective order on March 17. He cited alleged physical incidents occurring on February 23 and 24. The Draper City Police Department confirmed an active domestic assault investigation related to those February dates. Police noted allegations were made by both parties.
Representatives for Paul released a statement describing the reality television personality as a survivor of extensive mental and physical abuse. They stated she faced threats of retaliation and will fight to protect her children. Mortensen issued a counter-statement calling the abuse claims baseless. He stated his sole focus remains the safety of their son.
The fallout extends beyond the ABC franchise. Paul shares two older children with her ex-husband Tate Paul. Reports indicate Tate Paul is currently seeking full custody of those children following the video leak. Utah’s Division of Children and Family Services evaluated the situation and determined the immediate danger threshold for removing the older children was not met.
Paul originally gained mainstream attention on the Hulu series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. Production on the upcoming season of that program is currently paused.