ABC cancels upcoming season of ‘The Bachelorette’ starring tyler frankie paul after a video purportedly showing a past family row surfaced online.
spokesman disneyThe company that owns ABC said the network decided “not to [to] On with the new season… at this time,” citing the “newly released video,” adding that the focus is “on supporting families.”
The video, posted by TMZ and said to have been filmed in 2023, appears to show Paul getting into an argument with her ex-partner Dakota Mortensen. The video features a child crying in the background. Its authenticity has not been independently verified.
Police investigations and past cases resurface
The video comes as Draper police investigate another alleged domestic violence incident in February 2026 involving Paul and Mortensen.
Paul was previously charged with a crime in 2023, according to court records cited by Northeast Global News felonious assault and domestic violence, as well as misdemeanor counts of child abuse and criminal mischief. She later entered a deferred plea to the felony charge and the other charges were dismissed, the report said.
The ABC told the BBC it “decided not to move forward” after the footage emerged. The season was scheduled to premiere within days.
Meta, brands keep their distance
Its impact extends beyond television. After the video was released, Meta severed ties with Paul, telling TMZ that it had no plans to work with her again after the previous content partnership ended.
Other brands are also retreating.
The controversy reignited controversy over ABC’s decision to cast Paul despite her past. Hayat Birat of Northeastern University’s Domestic Violence Institute called it “shocking” that the network took action only after the video became public and said it “waited too long to pull the season.”
Marketing expert Amy Bay previously noted that influencers like Paul engage audiences in the “attention economy.”
Paul, who also stars in “The Secret Life of Mormon Wives,” recently promoted the show on “Good Morning America” and called the current situation “a difficult time” amid growing headlines.
ABC has yet to announce a replacement for the canceled season.
