ABC cancels Taylor Frankie Paul’s ‘Bachelorette’ season
Taylor Frankie Paul’s season of The Bachelorette has been canceled following the revelation of a “domestic assault investigation” by Utah State Police.
Utah prosecutors have confirmed that their office is aware of allegations between “Mormon Wives” star Taylor Frankie Paul and her ex-girlfriend Dakota Mortensen.
Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill said in a statement provided to USA TODAY on March 23, “Late last week, we requested all investigative materials to review the latest charges. We made this request because, if charges are filed, the charges could be enhanced due to a prior pending plea to a domestic violence crime.”
Gill’s office did not release details of the investigation. USA TODAY has reached out to the Draper City Prosecutor’s Office and Paul’s attorney for comment.
In 2023, Paul, 31, filed for probation on a felony aggravated assault charge following an alleged domestic violence incident involving Mortensen.
Gill previously told Entertainment Weekly on March 19, “We have received a police report regarding the new charges and it is our understanding that this case is being reviewed by the Draper City Attorney. We requested the police report so that prosecutors can assess how these new charges may impact the case in which the defendant is currently on probation.”
The Draper Police Department in northern Utah confirmed to People on March 16 that a “domestic assault investigation” involving Paul and Mortensen was ongoing. Both suspects are reportedly leveling charges against each other.
Law enforcement contacted the parties on February 24 and 25, a spokesperson told the outlet.
Mortensen has reportedly filed for a protection order against Paul, with whom he reportedly has a 2-year-old son.
Three days later, her season of The Bachelorette was canceled days before its premiere, with no details given as to whether the episode would ultimately air, after TMZ released video of the alleged 2023 domestic violence incident that led to Paul’s arrest.
“In light of the new video that was just released today, we have made the decision not to move forward with a new season of ‘The Bachelorette’ at this time. We are focused on supporting our families,” a Disney Entertainment Television spokesperson told USA TODAY on March 19.
Taylor Frankie Paul pleads guilty to aggravated assault in 2023
Police said Paul was arrested in February 2023 on misdemeanor charges of assault in the presence of a child, criminal mischief and domestic violence.
According to People, local news outlet KSL, and the Salt Lake Tribune, Paul has since filed a motion to suspend the aggravated assault charge. The other criminal charges were dropped, but the aggravated assault charge will reportedly remain for three years until she meets the terms of her guilty plea.
Paul’s case has a review date set for August, KSL previously reported. If she complies with the terms of the agreement, which include supervised probation and avoiding breaking the law for 36 months, the felony will be reduced to a Class A misdemeanor.
Paul’s representatives released statements to People magazine and Variety saying that Paul was a victim of abuse.
“After enduring years of extensive emotional and physical abuse and threats of retaliation in silence, Taylor has finally found the strength to confront her accusers and is taking steps to ensure she and her children are protected from further harm,” the statement said. “Too many women suffer in silence while surviving ex-partners who are aggressive, jealous and refuse to move on with their lives.”
“Taylor remains silent out of fear of further abuse, retribution, and public shaming,” the statement continued. “She is now considering all options, seeking support, and preparing to own and share her story.”
