Taylor Frankie Paul's Bachelorette Season Cancellation: Everything We Know & What Happens Next

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives premiered in September 2024, and addressed Taylor's 2022 "soft-swinging" scandal, which led to her divorce from her husband, Tate Paul, with whom she shares two children: Indy, 8 and Ocean, 5. The show also documented Taylor's February 2023 arrest on misdemeanor charges of aggravated assault, two counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child, child abuse with injury, and criminal mischief, after a drunken altercation with her then-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, who's the father of her third child, Ever, 2.

Taylor pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in August 2023, but the other charges were dismissed. Taylor's plea deal allowed her charge to be reduced from a third-degree felony to a misdemeanor if she complied with probation terms for 36 months. In September 2025, she was announced as the star of The Bachelorette season 22, making history as the first lead from outside of the franchise. The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives season 4 ended with Taylor spending one last night with Dakota before she left to film her Bachelorette season on October 26, 2025.

However, according to People, in March 2026, filming for The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives season 5 was paused after Taylor and Dakota were involved in another incident. A spokesperson for the Draper City Police Department confirmed that there is an open "domestic assault investigation" regarding Taylor and Dakota. The spokesperson confirmed that "allegations have been made in both directions" and "contact was made with involved parties on [Feb] 24th and 25th."

According to TMZ, Dakota filed for a protective order in Utah on March 17, 2026, which detailed these events. Dakota claimed that he and Ever were at Taylor's home when they got into an argument that escalated to her choking him, shoving him into a window, and striking him. Ever woke up during the argument, during which Dakota alleged that Taylor was yelling and screaming.

Dakota stated that he called 911 for help, but claimed that Taylor pressured him into telling dispatch that Ever was sick so that the call would end. He also said that Taylor was emotionally volatile and said that she wanted to harm herself. Dakota also claimed that he left Taylor's home with Ever and went to his house for their safety.

Dakota stated that the following night, Taylor threw his phone into the wall and physically blocked him from exiting her home. When he got into his truck, Taylor followed him and started to attack him. He alleged that he tried to drive away, but she grabbed and squeezed his face, threw a drink on him, and struck parts of his car. Dakota stated that Ever was left inside the home when he was under Taylor's watch. In addition, he added that he'd pushed Taylor away from him to protect himself, and she made contact with the passenger seat.

Dakota stated that he left Taylor's home, and she later texted him that she had a bloody nose and needed medical attention. He claimed that this was an attempt to get him to go back to the house and prevent him from calling the police. Dakota said that he was concerned for his and Ever's safety and that he suffered bruises and lacerations because of Taylor. He also mentioned Taylor's 2023 arrest.

In the petition, Dakota requested temporary custody of Ever, and asked that Taylor not drink or use drugs when she was responsible for Ever. TMZ also reported that Dakota ran into Taylor's ex-husband, Tate, at the courthouse, where they were both filing separate protective orders against Taylor.

TMZ had previously reported that Dakota's friend had called the police after noticing injuries from the fight. Alleged scratches were documented. The outlet also stated that there is an active Utah Division of Child and Family Services investigation tied to the situation.

Why Was Taylor Frankie Paul's Bachelorette Season Canceled?

Three days before The Bachelorette season 22's March 22, 2026 premiere, ABC announced that Taylor's season was being canceled because of a new video of the 2023 incident between her and Dakota, released by TMZ. The video showed Dakota videoing Taylor as she attacked him. As she threw metal chairs at Dakota, one of them hit her daughter, then 5 years old, in the head, and she was heard crying in the video. Taylor was heard repeatedly screaming, "You did this!," at Dakota.

TMZ reported that the child had a goose egg on her head. A neighbor called the police to complain about the noise, and the officer can be heard in the video trying to separate Taylor and Dakota. During the altercation, Taylor yelled that Dakota threw her, and later claimed to the police that Dakota had thrown her to the ground before the events of the video.

The ABC statement read, "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."

Did ABC Know About Taylor's Arrest Before She Was Cast As The Bachelorette?

ABC knew about Taylor's arrest before she was cast as The Bachelorette because it was common knowledge and even featured in a storyline on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. However, the resurfaced video was the catalyst for the network canceling the show.

What Did Taylor Say About The Bachelorette Cancellation?

In a statement obtained by People, a spokesperson for Taylor said, "Taylor is very grateful for ABC's support as she prioritizes her family's safety and security. 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.

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."

Did Taylor's Recent Incident With Dakota Violate Her Probation?

According to TMZ, Taylor could be facing serious consequences after her February 2026 incident with Dakota. Utah prosecutors are considering whether her most recent assault allegations constitute a violation of her three years of probation from her 2023 arrest, which is ongoing until August.

Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill stated, "We have received the police report for the new allegations, and it is our understanding the case is being screened by the Draper City prosecutor. We requested the police report so our prosecutors could evaluate how those new allegations may affect the case for which the defendant is currently on probation."

What Will Air In Place Of The Bachelorette?

In a press release, ABC announced that on Sunday, March 22, it will rebroadcast the March 16 episode of American Idol season 24 in place of Taylor's Bachelorette season 22 premiere, titled "Top 20 at Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawai'i – Part 1." The episode featured the first ten contestants from the Top 20 performing at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai'i. Brad Paisley and Keke Palmer mentored the finalists, and Keke served as a guest judge. In addition, American Idol season 21 winner Iam Tongi and season 23 Top 5 finalist Thunderstorm Artis performed together.

Sources: People, TMZ, ABC, TMZ, People, TMZ, ABC