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 her family’s safety and security,” a spokesperson for the reality TV star tells Page Six.
“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.”
Page Six confirmed Thursday that the network pulled the plug on Season 22 of the dating show after footage of an alleged domestic violence incident between Paul and her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen was leaked.
“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,” the network told Page Six in a statement.
In the disturbing video from 2023, Paul can be seen throwing chairs at Mortensen and attempting to put him in a headlock — all while her daughter Indy, who was 5 at the time, was present in the room.
The child could then be heard crying after seemingly being struck, and Mortensen later claimed, “Your daughter just got hit in the head with a metal chair.”
Paul later alleged to police that Mortensen threw her on the ground before he began filming her with his cell phone.
On Thursday, a spokesperson for Paul slammed the release of the “selectively edited” video, “which conveniently omits context,” dubbing it part of Mortensen’s “never-ending, desperate, attention-seeking, destructive campaign to harm Taylor without any regard for the consequences for their child.”
Mortenson, who shares a 2-year-old son, Ever, with Paul, said in his own statement, “As anyone who has seen the video will understand, this is a deeply upsetting situation. I am, unfortunately, used to these baseless claims about me and our relationship, which I categorically deny. I am focusing on our son and his safety, and hope that Taylor will do the same.”
Paul was arrested over the 2023 incident and charged with three felonies — one count of aggravated assault and two of domestic violence in the presence of a child — as well as one misdemeanor count each of child abuse and criminal mischief.
The MomTok member pleaded guilty to the aggravated assault under a plea deal that would reduce the charge to a misdemeanor if she abided by her three-year probation.
Paul shared during her “Call Her Daddy” appearance in September 2025 that the other charges were dismissed, while promoting her upcoming “Bachelorette” season.
The network’s decision comes on the heels of another alleged domestic abuse dispute between the former couple that occurred last month.
Season 22 of “The Bachelorette” was set to premiere Sunday where a group of 22 men were selected to vie for Paul’s heart.
One of the contestants, Clayton Johnson, spoke out about the canceled season via Instagram Stories Thursday, praising his fellow cast members.
“I can honestly say this was one of the best groups of men I’ve ever been around,” his statement began. “So much integrity, respect, and heart across the board.
“Even the tough moments never took away from that,” he continued. “Any woman would be lucky to be with any of these guys. Real integrity. Real respect. Real men. Love you boys.”
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