Taylor Frankie Paul, TikTok influencer and star of ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’, has shared her heartbreak after her season of ‘The Bachelorette’ was abruptly canceled just days before its premiere.The decision came on March 19, 2026, after TMZ released a 2023 video showing Paul in a physical altercation with his ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen. A spokesperson for Disney Entertainment Television confirmed the shooting, “In light of the video that just came out today, we have made the decision not to move forward with a new season of ‘The Bachelorette’ at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family.“
The video that changed the course of an amazing series
The footage depicted Taylor Frankie Paul throwing chairs at Mortensen in front of her children, sparking a domestic violence investigation in Utah involving the couple. Paul and Mortensen, both members of the #MomTok community of Mormon activists, have a complicated history. Paul first rose to fame in 2022, after it was revealed that she had “walked out” of her marriage through swinger arrangements with other couples, Tate Paul divorced her first husband. She later began dating Mortensen, but their relationship turned rocky, prompting authorities to turn her in late last year.
The competitors were betrayed
Taylor Frankie Paul’s season of “Bachelorette” wrapped a month ago, and the show was set to premiere on March 22 with host Jesse Palmer. The cancellation blindsided the contestants, who reportedly felt “betrayed” after sacrificing time and emotion for the opportunity. An unnamed contestant told E! News, “We all sacrificed so much to be a part of this. We went in with open hearts and treated him with kindness and respect, giving him a second chance.Production on Season 5 of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” has also been halted amid the probe.
Taylor Frankie Paul’s emotional response
In an exclusive interview with People magazine, Taylor Frankie Paul got candid about her emotional journey. “It’s a difficult time, and it’s a big deal,” he said. “I feel like in all the premieres I’ve been through, I’ve never fully enjoyed it, so this is another one… it’s really tough, and it took everything to get here today.” Despite the pain, Paul chose to attend a related event, explaining: “Sure I’m struggling, but at the same time I feel like if I don’t show up, then I’m taking these chances and not enjoying what I’ve worked on and something really exciting to come.” I think it was the right thing to do… even though it’s difficult to show up.”“It’s just tough. It’s a tough time, and it’s unfortunate,” Paul added, his voice taking the weight of public scrutiny. Fans of the 32-year-old influencer, known for her raw honesty about faith, family and fame, have rallied online with messages of support.
