Bachelorette Bombshell: Reality TV Star’s Dark Past Exposed as ABC Axes Show Just Days Before Premiere
- A disturbing video has surfaced showing The Bachelorette’s lead, Taylor Frankie Paul, attacking her ex-partner, Dakota Mortensen, leading to the show’s cancellation.
- The video, filmed in 2023, appears to show Paul hitting Mortensen as he records the incident, with their eight-year-old daughter in the room.
- Paul was arrested in 2023 and charged with three misdemeanours, including assault, criminal mischief, and domestic violence in the presence of a child, and later pleaded guilty to aggravated assault.
The Bachelorette has been abruptly cancelled in the US just three days before its scheduled premiere, following the release of a shocking video involving its lead, reality TV star Taylor Frankie Paul.
The Secret Lives Of Mormon Wives star and TikToker was set to headline the new season of the dating show, but ABC pulled the plug on the program after the disturbing footage surfaced.
The decision came hours after TMZ published the two-year-old video, which appears to show Paul attacking her ex-partner, Dakota Mortensen. The video, filmed in 2023, shows Paul hitting Mortensen as he records the incident, with their eight-year-old daughter in the room.
At one point, Paul can be seen throwing chairs at him while her daughter is present.
Disney addressed the move in a statement, saying, “In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, 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.”
The incident is not the first time Paul has been involved in a domestic violence incident. In 2023, she was arrested and charged with three misdemeanours: assault, criminal mischief, and domestic violence in the presence of a child.
Paul later reached a plea deal in her assault case, pleading guilty to aggravated assault. The other charges against her were dropped.
In March this year, the Draper City Police Department allegedly told PEOPLE that Paul and Mortensen, who have a two-year-old son together, are connected to an open “domestic assault investigation”.
The spokesperson said “allegations have been made in both directions” and “contact was made with involved parties”.
Analysis: What This Means for Australia
The cancellation of The Bachelorette has raised questions about the responsibility of reality TV shows to vet their contestants and protect their participants from harm. The incident also highlights the need for greater awareness and support for victims of domestic violence.
As the Australian Government continues to grapple with the issue of domestic violence, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing this critical issue.
Security analysts say that the incident also raises concerns about the safety and security of reality TV contestants, particularly in the wake of the MeToo movement.
“Reality TV shows have a responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of their contestants,” said one analyst. “This incident highlights the need for greater scrutiny and accountability in the industry.”
Industry observers believe that the cancellation of The Bachelorette will have a ripple effect on the reality TV industry, with many shows now re-examining their vetting processes and contestant selection criteria.
“This incident is a wake-up call for the industry,” said one observer. “Reality TV shows need to take a hard look at their processes and ensure that they are doing everything they can to protect their contestants.”
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.
In an emergency, call triple-0.
