Image Credit: Disney
When ABC tapped Taylor Frankie Paul for The Bachelorette season 22, social platforms blew up. Some were thrilled to observe the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives personality try to encounter romance, while others disapproved of the choice to bring in a personality from outside of Bachelor Nation. However, the unscripted TV star is now dealing with another obstacle: her probe into an act of domestic violence. This dilemma arose mere days before the premiere of the forthcoming Bachelorette season. Has ABC axed it, or is it slated to be broadcasted on Sunday, March 22?
Find the latest info regarding Taylor’s debated stint on The Bachelorette here.
(Disney/John Fleenor)
Was The Bachelorette Starring Taylor Frankie Paul Shelved? What ABC Has Stated
Indeed, as per reports from various sources, including TMZ and Page Six, season 22 of The Bachelorette has been nixed. The network communicated to Page Six in a formal statement, “Considering the just-released footage that emerged today, we have opted to halt the new season of The Bachelorette currently, shifting our attention to caring for the family.
The U.S. Sun stated that pulling the season would be impractical due to production expenditures.
A source close to production indicated to the publication earlier in the month that, “at this point,” the program “is continuing as planned due to the vast costs [Disney] would incur if it were shelved.”
“Though airing it still has expenses, it is significantly less than not airing it entirely,” the insider elaborated. “There isn’t a contingency, since it’s unheard of for the lead to create such mayhem, so there is no fallback option.”
The source also mentioned that those in charge of Bachelorette affairs are “livid with Taylor.”
“It’s not only detrimental from a perception perspective, but it’s also evident that her quest for ‘happily ever after’ isn’t panning out, as she is still grappling with issues involving Dakota, making the whole situation a disaster,” the insider added.
Will Taylor Frankie Paul’s Bachelorette Season Ever Air in 2026?
Evidently, Taylor’s installment of The Bachelorette will not be broadcasted in 2026.
Was The Bachelorette Postponed or Still Debuting on March 22?
No. Season 22 of The Bachelorette will no longer be presented on Sunday, March 22, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
Speculation About Why The Bachelorette Season 22 May Be Axed by ABC
Viewers conjectured that Taylor’s run on The Bachelorette might be dropped due to her domestic abuse investigation with former partner Dakota Mortensen, with whom she co-parents a child called Ever.
In addition, TMZ released video footage on March 19 displaying Taylor striking Dakota with a chair when her child was present during the 2023 incident, which led to her pleading guilty to aggravated assault.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.