Taylor Frankie Paul has spoken out after footage emerged that appears to show an altercation with her ex-boyfriend — and ABC has now pulled the already-shot 2026 season of The Bachelorette just days before it was due to air.
TMZ published a video on Thursday in which Paul is seen pushing and kicking Dakota Mortensen while a child is present. In the clip, Mortensen appears to be filming and repeatedly asks her to stop.
“let me go”
TMZ reports the video relates to an incident from 2023 that led to Paul’s arrest.
In connection with the 2023 incident, Paul was charged with assault, criminal mischief, and domestic violence in the presence of a child. Court records show she later entered a guilty plea in abeyance to an aggravated assault charge in August 2025, with the remaining four charges dismissed.
After the footage circulated this week, Disney confirmed that the upcoming season of The Bachelorette — which had been filmed with Paul as the lead — will not be moving forward ahead of its planned premiere this Sunday.
“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 Disney Entertainment Television spokesperson said.
Paul is known for her role on Hulu’s reality series Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, which follows a group of Utah-based Mormon mothers who built an online audience.
After news of the show’s cancellation, a representative for Paul shared a statement with PEOPLE Magazine emphasizing that she plans to prioritize her family.
“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.”
The representative continued by framing the situation as reflective of a wider issue, and said Paul is considering how to proceed publicly.
“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.”
Mortensen also provided a statement to PEOPLE, saying he disputes allegations made about him and is focused on their child.
“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.”
Separately, Us magazine reports that production on season five of Mormon Wives was paused following a separate altercation involving Paul and Mortensen prior to the release of the video.
Draper City Police Department confirmed on Monday that there is an open ‘domestic assault investigation’ involving both parties. Police said that ‘allegations have been made in both directions’ and that ‘contact was made with involved parties on [Feb] 24th and 25th’.
A spokesperson for Mortensen also issued an additional statement emphasizing co-parenting and their son’s wellbeing.
“His number one priority here is protecting their son, Ever.
“He knew there was a possibility it could come out, but he was not going to be the one to proactively do that because he has always wanted a decent relationship with Taylor.
“It’s been really hard to achieve that, but he wants to coparent well.”
If you are experiencing domestic violence, please know that you are not alone. You can talk in confidence 24 hours a day to the national domestic violence helpline Refuge on 0808 2000 247.