The new season of dating show The Bachelorette has been cancelled following domestic violence allegations against this season's star, ABC has said. The Disney-owned network stated it 'made the decision to not move forward with the new season at this time' after footage of Taylor Frankie Paul emerged on Thursday appearing to show her in an altercation with her ex-partner in 2023.
Paul, a TikTok influencer who also stars in Hulu's Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, was arrested in relation to the incident in 2023. She pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, according to US media reports.
The new season of The Bachelorette was set to premiere on Sunday, and following the cancellation news, the BBC contacted Paul's representatives for comment. A Disney Entertainment Television spokesperson mentioned that the decision to cancel was made 'in light of the newly released video just surfaced today,' referring to the footage published by TMZ.
Although ABC did not provide details on what programming would fill the show's scheduled timeslot, Paul appeared on ABC's Good Morning America programme earlier in the week to discuss the series, referencing the negative press surrounding the allegations. 'Honestly, it's been a heavy time to see the headlines, especially during this time of 'The Bachelorette' being released,' she noted.
Subsequent to the cancellation announcement, Paul confirmed that production for the upcoming fifth season of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has also been paused, with co-star Mikayla Matthews sharing on social media, 'We didn't feel comfortable filming with everything that was happening.'
Taylor Frankie Paul gained fame as a #MomTok influencer, showcasing parenting and lifestyle content. She first made headlines in 2022 regarding personal issues, including her divorce and the dynamics of her marriage.
Paul, a TikTok influencer who also stars in Hulu's Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, was arrested in relation to the incident in 2023. She pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, according to US media reports.
The new season of The Bachelorette was set to premiere on Sunday, and following the cancellation news, the BBC contacted Paul's representatives for comment. A Disney Entertainment Television spokesperson mentioned that the decision to cancel was made 'in light of the newly released video just surfaced today,' referring to the footage published by TMZ.
Although ABC did not provide details on what programming would fill the show's scheduled timeslot, Paul appeared on ABC's Good Morning America programme earlier in the week to discuss the series, referencing the negative press surrounding the allegations. 'Honestly, it's been a heavy time to see the headlines, especially during this time of 'The Bachelorette' being released,' she noted.
Subsequent to the cancellation announcement, Paul confirmed that production for the upcoming fifth season of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has also been paused, with co-star Mikayla Matthews sharing on social media, 'We didn't feel comfortable filming with everything that was happening.'
Taylor Frankie Paul gained fame as a #MomTok influencer, showcasing parenting and lifestyle content. She first made headlines in 2022 regarding personal issues, including her divorce and the dynamics of her marriage.
