"The Bachelorette" Returns with "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" Star Taylor Frankie Paul Leading Season 22
by Katie Campione
September 10, 2025


"The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" Taylor Frankie Paul hasn’t given up on love just yet — and she’s taking over another Disney franchise in hopes of finding it.

The MomTok sensation has been tapped as the leading lady for Season 22 of ABC‘s "The Bachelorette". Per her ABC bio, she’s looking to lead with “humor, resilience and a fearless openness” to inspire others to “embrace life’s chaos and own their story.”



Deadline understands that the upcoming season of "The Bachelorette" will essentially replace "The Bachelor" in early 2026, though an exact release date has not yet been revealed.

Her casting marks the first time that "The Bachelorette" will be led by a woman who was not previously part of the franchise in some capacity.

https://deadline.com/2025/09/the-bachelorette-season-22-taylor-frankie-paul-mormon-wives-1236519246/

The Bachelorette producers were reportedly blindsided by Taylor Frankie Paul domestic violence investigation (https://www.tmz.com/2026/03/17/taylor-frankie-paul-scandal-blindsides-bachelorette-producers/)

ABC is still scheduled to premiere the Paul-led season of The Bachelorette this Sunday as she and her ex and baby’s daddy Dakota Mortensen are being investigated for allegations of domestic violence. The investigation has resulted in The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives shutting down production. TMZ reports The Bachelorette producers are “guilty of willful blindness. A source connected to the show with direct knowledge tells TMZ ... the latest crop of producers on the ABC show wanted Taylor Frankie Paul from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives in a bad, bad way. They felt she could bring in a wider audience because her reality show was such a hit, and that’s why our source says they ‘cut corners’ in the vetting process.” ALSO: Bachelor Alum Sydney Warner slams Taylor Frankie Paul’s casting as The Bachelorette lead (https://people.com/bachelor-alum-sydney-warner-slams-taylor-frankie-paul-bachelorette-casting-11927586).


Cinnabon cuts ties with The Bachelorette and The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives over Taylor Frankie Paul domestic violence investigation. (https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/cinnabon-bachelorette-taylor-frankie-paul-investigation-1236691683/)

ABC Pulls "The Bachelorette" after Taylor Frankie Paul Drama
by Peter White
March 19, 2026


Disney is canceling this season of "The Bachelorette".

“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,” Disney noted in a statement.



It comes after star Taylor Frankie Paul has been engulfed in a domestic assault investigation, which had thrown ABC into disarray this week ahead of Sunday’s Season 22 premiere.

So far, ABC hasn’t said whether Season 22 will ever see the light of day. Deadline understands Disney even yanked the first episode off its press screening site around mid-day Thursday as the internal decision was made to pause this season’s rollout.



A video that surfaced Thursday shows Frankie Paul, in 2023, repeatedly trying to physically attack Mortenson and throwing several metal barstools at him while a child is present, an incident that eventually led Frankie Paul to plead guilty to aggravated assault.

Draper City Police Department confirmed that there is an open “domestic assault investigation” involving the pair with allegations “made in both directions.” Frankie Paul also alleged wrongdoing on Mortenson’s part in the 2023 case.



During a press dinner Monday night, Frankie Paul was asked about the news, to which she said, “Honestly, just like, my heart hurts to see it, to go through it, especially at this time. Just the timing is hard, and it’s a big deal. I feel like every premiere that I’ve experienced, I’ve never enjoyed fully, so this is another one… It’s extremely hard, and it took everything to get me here today.”

https://deadline.com/2026/03/abc-pulls-the-bachelorette-taylor-frankie-paul-1236760780/

Taylor Frankie Paul Breaks Silence after ABC Pulls "The Bachelorette" Premiere
by Armando Tinoco
March 19, 2026


Taylor Frankie Paul is breaking her silence after ABC opted to cancel the premiere of "The Bachelorette".

“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 People. “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.”




On all the headlines surrounding Paul’s life amid the media tour for the premiere of the dating series, she told GMA, “It’s been a heavy time to see the headlines, especially during this time of The Bachelorette being released, and it’s supposed to be a really exciting time.”

“I’m a person that will always speak my truth, and that’s what I’m known for. When the time is right, I will speak, but right now, I’m just trying to be in the present moment. The thing is, my kids come first. And so it’s been just a back-and-forth process, trying to be here, the present moment, worrying about home and headlines. It’s been stressful, to be honest.”

https://deadline.com/2026/03/taylor-frankie-paul-breaks-silence-abc-canceled-the-bachelorette-premiere-1236760911/

Disney knew the risk: Taylor Frankie Paul’s The Bachelorette casting was bound to be a disaster (https://variety.com/2026/tv/columns/taylor-frankie-paul-bachelorette-casting-scandals-1236694144/)

Disney's decision to cast Taylor Frankie Paul (https://www.reddit.com/r/entertainment/comments/1rya49o/abc_cancels_the_bachelorette_after_taylor_frankie/) as the lead for Season 22 (https://www.reddit.com/r/TheBachelorette/comments/1ryajlx/bachelorette_season_22_axed_after_disturbing/) of The Bachelorette (https://forums.primetimer.com/topic/1537-the-bachelorette-in-the-media/page/65/) has culminated in an unprecedented disaster (https://share.google/aimode/PEfyUSlCuX9chtw2c), with ABC (https://www.reddit.com/r/Fauxmoi/comments/1ryakhc/abc_has_pulled_the_bachelorette_following/) officially canceling (https://www.lipstickalley.com/threads/the-bachelorette-cancelled-after-taylor-frankie-paul-assault-video.6096316/) the already-filmed season on March 19, 2026—just three days before (https://www.resetera.com/threads/variety-abc-pulls-%E2%80%98the-bachelorette%E2%80%99-amid-taylor-frankie-paul-domestic-violence-allegations.1467913/) its scheduled premiere.

The cancellation (https://www.datalounge.com/thread/36349297-new-season-of-%E2%80%98the-bachelorette%E2%80%99-starring-taylor-frankie-paul-has-been-canceled) follows the release of a 2023 video by TMZ showing Paul physically attacking her former partner, Dakota Mortensen, in the presence of her young daughter. While Disney cited this specific footage as the reason for pulling the plug (https://www.reddit.com/r/TheBachelorette/comments/1ryai2e/bachelorette_tfp_cancelled/), the move occurs amid a broader crisis, including a new, active domestic violence investigation involving both Paul and Mortensen.


ABC will lose tens of millions (https://pagesix.com/2026/03/19/entertainment/the-bachelorette-cancellation-will-lose-tens-of-millions-for-abc-creating-big-headache-for-new-disney-chairman/)

Disney knew the risk: Taylor Frankie Paul’s The Bachelorette casting was bound to be a disaster (https://variety.com/2026/tv/columns/taylor-frankie-paul-bachelorette-casting-scandals-1236694144/)

Disney's decision to cast Taylor Frankie Paul (https://www.reddit.com/r/entertainment/comments/1rya49o/abc_cancels_the_bachelorette_after_taylor_frankie/) as the lead for Season 22 (https://www.reddit.com/r/TheBachelorette/comments/1ryajlx/bachelorette_season_22_axed_after_disturbing/) of The Bachelorette (https://forums.primetimer.com/topic/1537-the-bachelorette-in-the-media/page/65/) has culminated in an unprecedented disaster (https://share.google/aimode/PEfyUSlCuX9chtw2c), with ABC (https://www.reddit.com/r/Fauxmoi/comments/1ryakhc/abc_has_pulled_the_bachelorette_following/) officially canceling (https://www.lipstickalley.com/threads/the-bachelorette-cancelled-after-taylor-frankie-paul-assault-video.6096316/) the already-filmed season on March 19, 2026—just three days before (https://www.resetera.com/threads/variety-abc-pulls-%E2%80%98the-bachelorette%E2%80%99-amid-taylor-frankie-paul-domestic-violence-allegations.1467913/) its scheduled premiere.

The cancellation (https://www.datalounge.com/thread/36349297-new-season-of-%E2%80%98the-bachelorette%E2%80%99-starring-taylor-frankie-paul-has-been-canceled) follows the release of a 2023 video by TMZ showing Paul physically attacking her former partner, Dakota Mortensen, in the presence of her young daughter. While Disney cited this specific footage as the reason for pulling the plug (https://www.reddit.com/r/TheBachelorette/comments/1ryai2e/bachelorette_tfp_cancelled/), the move occurs amid a broader crisis, including a new, active domestic violence investigation involving both Paul and Mortensen.


ABC will lose tens of millions (https://pagesix.com/2026/03/19/entertainment/the-bachelorette-cancellation-will-lose-tens-of-millions-for-abc-creating-big-headache-for-new-disney-chairman/)


The background (https://www.reddit.com/r/television/comments/1ryewe5/comment/obe8fk2/) for folks not in the know:

Taylor Frankie Paul (the bachelorette (https://www.reddit.com/r/television/comments/1ryewe5/bachelorette_season_pulled_after_abuse_allegations/)) is the de facto leader of a group called "Mom Tok" - a group of Mormon wives who do tik tok dances.
Mom Tok became embroiled in a swinging scandal involving Taylor, her (now ex-) husband, her friend Miranda and Miranda's (now ex-) husband.
The swinging scandal was leveraged into starting a reality TV show - The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, in which a bunch of people behave in absolutely unMorman ways. Miranda is now also on this show. Messy, messy.
As the show got bigger, the women branched out. Two of them (Whitney and Jen Affleck) were on the recent season of Dancing with the Stars
Taylor having broken up with her husband got into an incredibly toxic relationship with a man named Dakota. She became pregnant and they had a son. He keeps popping back up on the show, they fight, they have sex.
She signs up to be the Bachelorette. Dakota reportedly contacted production of the show and told them she's too much trouble, they ignored him
The current season of Secret Lives has the two women on Dancing with the Stars and Taylor preparing for The Bachelorette. Despite this, and despite being broken up, she's repeatedly lost it when Dakota is involved with any other women (and then they have sex)

ABC scrambles to erase promos for Taylor Frankie Paul’s Bachelorette season. (https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/abc-delete-bachelorette-promo-content-taylor-frankie-paul-1236694852/)

Taylor Frankie Paul was supposed to be a new kind of Disney princess in a fairy tale fit for the reality era (https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/2026/03/bachelorette-mormon-wives-taylor-frankie-paul/686483/)

ABC cancelled the new season of The Bachelorette starring Taylor Frankie Paul, known from Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, following resurfaced 2023 domestic violence allegations, including a guilty plea to aggravated assault. Intended as a scandal-driven ratings draw (https://www.google.com/search?q=Taylor+Frankie+Paul+was+supposed+to+be+a+new+kind+of+Disney+princess+in+a+fairy+tale+fit+for+the+reality+era&sca_esv=aa563a5fc25e091e&biw=1235&bih=547&sxsrf=ANbL-n4W4XvZ0dx4D1y4QHVfCx8423b1GQ%3A1774083042158&ei=4lu-adqkCZ-c0PEPs_mtuQ0&ved=2ahUKEwjanZ6szrCTAxUfDjQIHbN8K9cQ4dUDegQIBRAN&uact=5&oq=Taylor+Frankie+Paul+was+supposed+to+be+a+new+kind+of+Disney+princess+in+a+fairy+tale+fit+for+the+reality+era&gs_lp=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&sclient=gws-wiz-serp), the casting backfired after a video emerged, forcing the network to scrap the "reality era" fairy tale.

Taylor Frankie Paul Leaving Mormon Church, Reveals Panic Attacks Amid Scandals: "The Last 40 Days Felt Like Hell on Earth"
by Selome Hailu
April 6, 2026


Taylor Frankie Paul is leaving the Mormon church. The star of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” shared the personal news on Easter Sunday.

“The last 40 days felt like hell on earth. Through every panic attack I prayed for strength as I could feel my body breaking down and out from the distress of it all,” Paul wrote in an Instagram caption.



Along with the beginning of Lent, the 40-day window before Easter lines up with the incident between herself and Mortensen that led production on “Mormon Wives” Season 5 to go on pause, kicking off the scandal that led to “The Bachelorette” being pulled.

Though specific details about the late February incident have not been made public, police investigated domestic violence allegations both parties made against each other.






The caption was posted under a video stitching together various images of Paul taking notes on the Bible, texting people about her faith and dealing with physical symptoms of her stress.

Paul continued, “And HE sent just that in various ways along with so many undeniable signs saying ‘I am with you’ which I can’t wait to share that part. I’ve prayed since I was young and never strayed away because I believe he wants us to ask for help especially during our lowest points. However, instead of just asking I switched over to thanking him at the end of each day no matter how low I felt.”




And in an Instagram story, Paul more directly addressed her religious affiliation: Though she remains a Christian, she’s no longer a Mormon.

“Born and raised Mormon (lds) and I’ll always have love and respect towards it. I’ll even continue to go with my family at times, with that being said, it’s time to detach myself from it,” Paul wrote. “I strongly believe in Christ, God, the bible, the divine. I believe we are loved whether we are praying in church building or from a bathroom floor at home. I’ve also experienced grace and love from amazing people that aren’t sure what they believe if at all and that’s okay too. Point being there is more out there to learn. And I’m writing this out as a release.”

https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/taylor-frankie-paul-leaving-mormon-church-bachelorette-1236709276/

No Charges for Taylor Frankie Paul; DA Clears Reality Star of Domestic Violence Claims
by Dominic Patten
April 14, 2026


The latest season of "The Bachelorette" may or may not be coming to a screen near you one day, but Taylor Frankie Paul isn’t heading to court over two domestic violence claims that saw the ABC reality show yanked from the schedule last month.

“After reviewing reports and evidence submitted to the Draper Police Department and West Jordan Police Department, the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office has declined to file charges against Taylor Frankie Paul,” announced DA Sim Gill’s office this afternoon.

Paul remains under ongoing probation and could have seen that privilege revoked and been hit with up to five-year prison sentence for a third-degree felony if DA Gill had decided to pursue further charges.




In letters sent Tuesday to the Draper and West Jordan cop shops, the Utah prosecutor stated: “The complainant in these cases reported several incidents – some of which occurred more than three years ago. Any incidents of misdemeanor offenses which are alleged to have occurred more than two years ago are barred by the statute of limitations. Incidents which are alleged to have occurred within the statute of limitations have also been reviewed.”

The DA added: “Several incidents that were submitted do not rise to the level of criminal offenses. The remaining incidents lack sufficient evidence to support filing criminal charges where the State must be able to prove such allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. Such incidents lack specificity as to when and what actually occurred or corroboration.”

“Based on the evidence submitted for screening by the Draper Police Department and West Jordan Police Department, the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office declines to file any charges.”

https://deadline.com/2026/04/taylor-frankie-paul-no-charges-domestic-violence-1236860787/

Taylor Frankie Paul Shares “Ugly Parts” of Healing after Domestic Violence Charges Dropped: “I’m Forever Freed”
by Glenn Garner
April 19, 2026


After her domestic violence charges were dropped last week, Taylor Frankie Paul has opened up about moving forward by thanking her supporters in an Instagram post and announced she’ll be “sharing the process” of healing.

“Here come the ugly parts of what healing actually looks like. If you know me you know I’ll admit my parts, flaws, and faults. I’m well aware that’s apart of it. We’ll get there. This public atrocity that I not only lived through once but twice now, on even a bigger scale was ultimately the cost to my freedom.

I wouldn’t wish this upon my worst enemy or even the ones who publicized it. I cried on my knees in pain while also saying THANK YOU we have a road ahead but regardless I’m forever freed from a certain living hell I couldn’t find my way out of.



Metaphorically someone witnessed me bleeding out and poured salt all over me… somehow I’m still here.. as we can see barely because I believe God held me through and sent help plus an army which makes me cry because, thank you to all of you that supported even without full context. God undoubtedly had a hand in this because after waiting 7 weeks on the 7th day EXACTLY I received the call all charges dropped.

Those are his numbers symbolic for his plans which I’m nervous to see what’s in store … steps moving forward are the very basics. We’re working on eating, movement, rest, and retraining the nervous system. I’ll be sharing the process, because if my worst is shared better bet I’ll share the rebuilding too.”

https://deadline.com/2026/04/taylor-frankie-paul-healing-charges-dropped-1236865456/

Court Official Addresses Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen's "Very Toxic Relationship", Extends Protective Orders
by Marina Watts
April 30, 2026


Mutual protective orders have been recommended for Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen.

On Thursday, April 30, the reality star and her ex-boyfriend returned to court in Utah to discuss visitation rights for their son Ever, along with dueling requests for protective orders.




During the hearing that lasted over two hours, overseen by Commissioner Russell Minas, mutual protective orders were recommended for Paul and Mortensen that would extend to three years.

Should they violate the protective orders, they can face criminal charges. The commissioner said that the former couple cannot be in the same place at the same time before it starts to turn "violent" between them.




Additionally, Paul and Mortensen were told to work toward mediation. "You guys have to figure out a lot here. You have to figure out how to function as co-parents," Commissioner Minas said. He added that the former couple are in a “very toxic relationship” that is “beyond the pale."

"You’re modeling right now how you deal with conflict to a 2-year-old," he pointed out. "This is going to affect the child."




Parental time is under advisement of Commissioner Minas. Paul and Mortensen will receive a written recommendation no later than May 11 should there be any changes to parent time. The eight hours of parental visit time that was previously recommended on April 7 for Paul will remain in place.

The former couple is due back in court on June 1.

https://ew.com/taylor-frankie-paul-dakota-mortensen-visitation-rights-protective-order-hearing-11961486

Will Taylor Frankie Paul’s Season of "The Bachelorette" Ever Air? – Reality TV Summit
by Katie Campione
May 1, 2026


Will Taylor Frankie Paul‘s season of "The Bachelorette" ever see the light of day? As of now, Disney execs seemingly still are weighing their options.

“It’s still day-to-day, so we’ll see,” Disney’s reality TV chief Rob Mills said during Deadline’s Reality TV Summit on Friday afternoon.



Right now, Mills and his team over at ABC and Hulu is focused on Paul’s wellbeing as she navigates the aftermath of the past few months.

“On a personal level … we want to make sure she’s OK.”

https://deadline.com/2026/05/will-taylor-frankie-paul-season-bachelorette-air-abc-1236878523/

Jimmy Kimmel uses Taylor Frankie Paul’s scrapped Bachelorette season to debunk conspiracy that Cavaliers-Pistons NBA playoff series was rigged (https://deadline.com/2026/05/jimmy-kimmel-bachelorette-cavaliers-pistons-knicks-abc-promo-1236915311/)

“Some believe the series was rigged in favor of the Cavaliers by the league because of this promo that aired on our network ABC the day before Game 7 took place,” Kimmel said. “ABC said they ran the promo by mistake and I believe them,” he added. “If ABC could predict the future, we wouldn’t have wasted $20M on a canceled season of The Bachelorette.”

Report: ABC may air Taylor Frankie Paul’s The Bachelorette season (https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/tv/articles/taylor-frankie-paul-bachelorette-season-203018330.html)

ABC is reportedly reconsidering (https://share.google/aimode/l7WBeOM16WDV8wXPy) its decision to scrap Taylor Frankie Paul's season of The Bachelorette and is eyeing a potential mid-July premiere date. After pulling the entire 22nd season from the broadcast schedule in March—just three days prior to its planned debut—insiders reveal that the network never truly halted post-production and editors have continued working on cutting the episodes.