Taylor Frankie Paul has broken her silence after her season of The Bachelorette was pulled just days before its scheduled premiere.
ABC confirmed the decision on March 19 following the release of a 2023 video showing an altercation between Paul and her ex, Dakota Mortensen. The footage appears to show Paul throwing chairs during an argument, with a child nearby.
BREAKING UPDATE: ABC cancels The Bachelorette 3 day before premier after Taylor Frankie Paul attack video leaks. https://t.co/84QgJ453W6 pic.twitter.com/2y1dp38av4
— I Meme Therefore I Am (@ImMeme0) March 19, 2026
“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 The Hollywood Reporter.
“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.”
The incident dates back to 2023, when Paul was arrested following a domestic dispute and later faced misdemeanor charges, including assault and domestic violence in the presence of a child. Court documents alleged she threw “heavy, metal chairs” that struck her daughter.
America, this is your new “Bachelorette”. Video shows Taylor Frankie Paul viciously attacking her ex-boyfriend. ABC should cancel the entire season. pic.twitter.com/cjWnprOtMt
— Mike Sington (@MikeSington) March 19, 2026
Her statement continued, “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.”
An investigation involving both Paul and Mortensen remains open, with police confirming “allegations have been made in both directions.”
Paul has previously said the charges were dropped, calling the situation “the hardest time” in her life.