Yes, ABC really canceled ‘The Bachelorette’ — but here’s what aired instead
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
Taylor Frankie Paul’s ‘The Bachelorette’ season could be one of the most anticipated shows of 2026. However, a string of unexpected revelations has now put a halt to that. Fans are now concerned whether the franchise is done for good, after a recent debacle. ABC decided not to move forward with the franchise’s 22nd season after TMZ released video footage of an altercation between the lead, Taylor Frankie Paul, and her then-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen. It remains unknown whether the entire season will become lost media or, one day, get its moment in the spotlight.
E! News stated that the season was scheduled to premiere on March 22, 2026, at 7 pm Arizona time and 8 pm ET/PT. ABC replaced the show with a rerun of 'American Idol.' The show’s future was already uncertain when it went on hiatus during the summer of 2025. The show’s future now hangs in the balance after the latest controversy surrounding the lead, famous TikToker Paul. There have been no announcements for future renewals. TMZ claims that the season’s contestants attended a virtual meeting with ABC’s executives, where they were instructed to continue upholding the network guidelines, which means they are not allowed to release spoilers.
For now, ABC has evidently canceled Paul’s season. However, the decision was deemed the right call, but many questioned how the altercation had escaped the showmakers' attention. Paul was chosen as the lead to reinvigorate the franchise and elevate the ratings after her part in the successful 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' (SLOMW). The plans, though, went down the drain when TMZ released footage showing Paul throwing metal chairs and hitting her then-partner, Mortensen, amidst an argument. Mortensen can be heard saying, “Your daughter is right here,” before two more chairs came his way. The cancellation reportedly led to a loss of several million, as per TMZ.
A child’s crying is clearly audible during the couple’s argument. “Stop throwing stuff and help your daughter,” Mortensen says at one point. “Help your daughter. Stop screaming at me. God. Stop, Taylor.” Sounds of shuffling and fighting can be heard in the background, but the exact nature of the events remains unclear, as the camera is not focused in that direction. TMZ claimed that the incident happened in 2023.
After the incident, Paul was taken into custody and charged with one count of felony aggravated assault, two counts of felony domestic violence in the presence of a child causing injury, one count of misdemeanor child abuse, and one count of misdemeanor criminal mischief, as per court documents released by the District Attorney for Salt Lake County. She pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in August 2023, while her other charges were dismissed. TMZ released the video on March 19, 2026, without specifying its source.
The video came on the heels of 'SLOMW' allegedly halting production due to another recent dispute between the couple. Seeing the situation at hand, ABC executives quickly concluded the show’s fate. “In light of the newly released video just surfaced today,” the spokesperson said in a statement to E! News, “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.” After the recent altercation, Mortensen reportedly filed a restraining order against Paul and also requested temporary physical custody of the son he shares with Paul, claiming that she is aggressive with him in front of her children. As per the recent updates, both his requests have been accepted.
