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Earlier this week, there were reports that Hulu had halted production of Secret Lives with Mormon Wives because of domestic violence claims against Taylor Frankie Paul with her ex, Dakota Mortensen. She had been arrested over those claims in 2023 and is serving three years of probation because of it. But this information has been out there.
However, the story kept getting attention, and I was like, is ABC going to pull her season of The Bachelorette, which was slated to debut on Sunday? The network seemed like they were going full speed ahead, and even had her doing press on their shows, like Good Morning America and Live with Kelly and Mark, yesterday.
However, a lot can happen in a day. Today, TMZ posted a video of that alleged domestic violence incident with her older child in the room. In it, you can hear Dakota say that she hit her daughter in the head with a metal chair.
And with that, ABC had no other choice. Therefore, Disney Entertainment Television spokesperson said in a statement, “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.”
And now they are left with a huge hole in their schedule. This week, it will be filled with an American Idol repeat. After that, who knows?
Paul’s people released a statement about the cancellation. “Taylor is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security,” a spokesperson for Paul said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. “After years of silently suffering extensive mental and physical abuse as well as threats of retaliation, Taylor is finally gaining the strength to face her accuser and taking steps to ensure that she and her children are protected from any further harm.
“There are too many women who are suffering in silence as they survive aggressive, jealous ex-partners who refuse to let them move on with their lives. Taylor has remained silent out of fear of further abuse, retaliation and public shaming. She is currently exploring all of her options, seeking support, and preparing to own and share her story.”
Who will air her side of it? We shall find out, because, you know, someone will pay her good money to do so.
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