ABC has canceled Taylor Frankie Paul’s upcoming season of ‘The Bachelorette’ following the release of a 2023 video showing her in a physical altercation with her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen. The incident, which involved domestic violence allegations, was previously documented in court records and referenced in the first season of ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.’
Core Facts and Immediate Action
The video, leaked by TMZ, shows Paul throwing barstools at Mortensen while their daughter was present, crying. Paul later pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in August 2023, with four other charges dismissed. ABC pulled the show hours after the video’s release, citing the seriousness of the allegations.
Deeper Dive and Context
Legal and Public Response
Paul’s legal troubles stem from a February 2023 incident where she was charged with assault, criminal mischief, and domestic violence in the presence of a child. Court records confirm her guilty plea to aggravated assault, with the remaining charges dropped. The video, recorded by Mortensen, does not show the altercation’s full context.
Public and Media Reactions
Jessi Draper, Paul’s co-star on ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,’ expressed sympathy in a ‘Call Her Daddy’ interview, stating Paul was in a ‘dark moment’ but is ‘a good person.’ Paul herself has since addressed the video’s impact on her daughter, calling it a painful reliving of the incident. Social media users have debated Mortensen’s role, with some accusing him of leaking the video on their son’s birthday.
Long-Term Implications
The fallout has reignited discussions about domestic violence in the public eye and the responsibilities of media platforms in handling such content. ABC’s decision underscores the entertainment industry’s sensitivity to such allegations, particularly when involving child witnesses.