Taylor Frankie Paul’s next season as star of ‘The Bachelorette’ has been stormed just days before its premiere on March 22, 2026, with her fellow contestants reportedly feeling blindsided and upset by new allegations of domestic violence. “The Mormon Wives” star, known for her outspoken reality TV persona, is facing renewed scrutiny after production on “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” Season 5 was halted following a blowout with ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortens.
The contestants gathered in shock
A source exclusively told Us Weekly, “The men of The Bachelorette have come together in solidarity and feel very upset and let down by Taylor and the situation.” TMZ spoke to several contestants who echoed feeling “blindsided” by the abuse claims, describing Paul as “genuine, genuine and well-intentioned” on set. They saw a “softer, more authentic side of him” and insisted he came in with a “pure heart” despite the disturbing allegations, noting “misconceptions” about his past. Actors accept the issues, but hold on to their ambitions to “do the right thing for themselves.”
Internal strife has brought “Mormon Wives” to a standstill
On March 16, production on ‘Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ was halted following Paul’s altercation with Mortensen. A source told People: “They’re not filming. Taylor has some serious things about her past, and they’ll see what happens. Until that’s resolved, they’re off.” Draper City Police confirmed an open “domestic assault investigation,” noting that “allegations have been made in both directions” after being contacted on February 24th and 25th. Sources close to both offered conflicting accounts of the altercation. Paul’s history includes an arrest for alleged domestic violence in 2023; He was charged with assault, criminal mischief and domestic violence against a child after he threw a chair at Mortensen who hit his daughter. He pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, with other charges dismissed, and is serving a three-year suspended sentence.
ABC shuffles the looms of the ad premiere
ABC hired a crisis PR manager to navigate the fallout as Paul’s season of The Bachelorette goes off the air. Cinnabon cut ties with him, citing the allegations. TMZ noted that Mortens felt “triggered” by her Bachelorette gig, sparking a physical altercation. Fans are begging ABC to drop the season, but producers are pushing ahead amid the chaos.Paul’s dual reality TV life shrinks under personal demons, leaving the unwilling betrayed and viewers questioning his shot at romance.
