Taylor Frankie Paul is speaking out after ABC canceled her season of The Bachelorette.
“Taylor is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes the safety and security of her family,” a spokesperson for the reality TV star told Page Six.
“After enduring years of extensive emotional and physical abuse and threats of retribution in silence, Taylor has finally found the strength to confront her accusers and is taking steps to protect her and her children from further harm.
“Too many women suffer in silence while surviving ex-partners who are aggressive, jealous and refuse to move on with their lives.”
“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.”
Page Six confirmed Thursday that the network has canceled Season 22 of the show after footage of a domestic violence incident between Paul and ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen was leaked.
“In light of the new video that was just released today, we have made the decision not to move forward with a new season of ‘The Bachelorette’ at this time. We are focused on supporting our families,” the network told Page Six in a statement.
A disturbing video released in 2023 shows Paul throwing a chair at Mortensen and attempting to put him in a headlock while his then-5-year-old daughter Indi was in the room.
A child could then be heard crying as if she had been hit, and Mortensen later claimed, “Your daughter just got hit in the head with a metal chair.”
Paul later claimed to police that Mortensen threw her to the ground before he began filming her with his cell phone.
On Thursday, Paul’s spokesperson condemned the release of the “selectively edited” video that was “conveniently taken out of context,” calling it part of Mortensen’s “endless, desperate, attention-seeking, destructive campaign to harm Taylor with no regard for the impact on the child.”
Mortenson, who has a 2-year-old son, Ever, with Paul, said in a statement: “As anyone who has seen the video will know, this is a very upsetting situation. Unfortunately, I am no stranger to baseless claims about my relationship and I categorically deny them. I am focused on my son and his safety, and I hope Taylor does the same.”
Paul was arrested in the 2023 incident and charged with three felonies, one count of aggravated assault and two counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child, and one misdemeanor count each of child abuse and criminal mischief.
The MomTok members pleaded guilty to aggravated assault under a plea deal that reduced the charge to a misdemeanor if they served three years of probation.
Paul appeared on Call Her Daddy in September 2025, promoting the upcoming season of The Bachelorette while revealing that the other charges had been dismissed.
The network’s decision comes on the heels of another alleged domestic violence dispute between the former couple that occurred last month.
Season 22 of “The Bachelorette” is scheduled to premiere on Sunday, with a group of 22 men chosen to compete for Paul’s heart.
One of the contestants, Clayton Johnson, spoke out about the season cancellation via his Instagram Story on Thursday, praising his fellow cast members.
“I can honestly say this was one of the best groups of guys I’ve ever been around,” his statement began. “Overall it’s very honest, respectful and heartfelt.
“Even in difficult moments, they were never forgotten,” he continued. “Any woman would be lucky to be with a man like this. True loyalty. True respect. True men. I love you.”
