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‘Bachelorette’ Star Taylor Frankie Paul Throws Bar Stools at Ex Dakota Mortensen in Leaked 2023 Video, Child Near Domestic Incident

What happened

ABC has canceled the upcoming season of 'The Bachelorette' starring Taylor Frankie Paul after a 2023 video surfaced showing her throwing bar stools at her ex-partner Dakota Mortensen during a domestic incident with their child present. The 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' star was set to premiere as the next Bachelorette but the network pulled the season following the video's release. Paul has responded to the cancellation, expressing gratitude for ABC's support while her representatives claim the video lacks context.

Why people care

Paul had become a prominent reality TV figure through 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' and was positioned as ABC's next Bachelorette lead, making this a significant fall from grace. The incident involves domestic violence with a child present, raising serious concerns about ABC's vetting process and the responsibilities that come with platform and influence.

The takes

Paul's team says

The leaked video conveniently omits important context and was released on their son's birthday as a calculated attempt to distract from Dakota Mortensen's own behavior. They frame this as a targeted attack designed to damage Paul's reputation and career at a crucial moment.

Critics say

The video shows concerning behavior that raises legitimate questions about Paul's suitability as a role model and reality TV lead. ABC made the right decision to cancel the season given the serious nature of domestic violence and the presence of a child during the incident.

Sources