Taylor Frankie Paul is speaking out after ABC announced that season 22 of The Bachelorette will not air on Sunday, March 22nd as originally scheduled.
“Taylor is extremely grateful for ABC’s support as her priority is the safety and security of her family. After enduring years of extensive emotional and physical abuse and threats of retaliation in silence, Taylor has finally found the strength to confront her accusers and is taking steps to ensure she and her children are protected from further harm,” a spokesperson said in a statement. “Too many women suffer in silence while surviving ex-partners who are aggressive, jealous and refuse to move on with their lives.
Her statement concluded: “Taylor remains silent out of fear of further abuse, retaliation, and public shaming. She is now exploring all options, seeking support, and preparing to own and share her story.”
Paul, who rose to fame on Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, was arrested in 2023 over a domestic dispute with ex Dakota Mortensen. (The arrest ended the series premiere.) According to a police report at the time, she threw a chair at her partner, which hit her daughter. She pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated assault. Additional charges of child abuse, criminal mischief and domestic violence in the presence of a child were all dismissed.
On Monday, March 16, Variety confirmed that Hulu had halted production on “The Mormon Lady’s Secret” amid a new domestic violence investigation stemming from an incident between Paul and Mortensen in late February. Police are investigating both claims.
Throughout the week, Paul carried out scheduled press activities to promote “The Bachelorette.” On “Good Morning America,” she said, “I’m someone who always speaks the truth. That’s what I’m known for. When the time is right, I will. But right now, I’m just trying to focus on the present moment. But really, the kids come first… It’s been a back-and-forth process. I’ve been trying to be here in the moment and worrying about home and worrying about the headlines. It’s been stressful, to be honest.”
Everything changed Thursday morning when TMZ obtained video of the 2023 incident that is part of the evidence. Video footage of the altercation shows Paul throwing a bar stool around the room and kicking his ex-girlfriend along with his daughter.
Hours later, ABC announced that it would not be airing this season of The Bachelorette at this time. It is unknown whether it will be screened at a later date.
