Taylor Frankie Paul‘s Bachelorette contestants are speaking out after ABC announced season 22 would not air due to her ongoing domestic violence investigation.
TMZ released video footage on Thursday, March 19, shot during a confrontation between Taylor and ex Dakota Mortensen that led to her 2023 arrest. The footage showed Taylor throwing a chair at Dakota during a physical altercation. (Taylor pled guilty to aggravated assault in 2023 while lesser charges were dropped.)
Taylor’s spokesperson subsequently told TMZ the video was edited as part of an alleged “never-ending, desperate, attention-seeking, destructive campaign” to “harm” the reality star.
“Releasing an old and selectively edited video on their son’s birthday is a reprehensible attempt to distract from his own behavior,” her rep claimed at the time.
In response to Taylor’s allegations, Dakota told Us in a 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.”
The leaked footage came on the heels of a separate incident in February, where Utah’s Draper City Police Department confirmed to Us that Taylor and Dakota were involved in an open “domestic assault investigation” where “allegations have been made in both directions.” (Production on Taylor’s Hulu series, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, was paused amid the investigation.)
Dakota subsequently filed for a restraining order against Taylor on Thursday, accusing his ex of being “emotionally volatile” in his court filings. (Taylor and Dakota share a 2-year-old son, Ever. She is also mom to daughter Indy, 8, and son Ocean, 5, whom she shares with ex-husband Tate Paul.)
All of Taylor’s legal drama overshadowed the impending premiere of her season of The Bachelorette, which was ultimately cancelled three days ahead of its premiere.
“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,” a Disney Entertainment spokesperson told Us on March 19, 2026.
Earlier this month, Us exclusively reported that Taylor’s suitors on The Bachelorette were supporting one another behind the scenes amid the brewing scandal.
“The men on The Bachelorette have all been rallying around each other in solidarity and feel extremely upset and let down by Taylor and the situation,” a source told Us exclusively.
Keep scrolling to see how the cast of The Bachelorette reacted to the cancellation of season 22.
Taylor Frankie Paul Said She Was Preparing to Tell Her Side of the Story
A spokesperson for Taylor Frankie Paul confirmed to Us on Thursday that she was focused on her family and preparing to tell her side of the story.
“Taylor is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security,” her rep said. “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.”
Taylor’s 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.”
Clayton Johnson Praised His Fellow ‘Bachelorette’ Contestants
Singer-songwriter Clayton Johnson was the first Bachelorette season 22 contestant to directly address the cancellation.
“I can honestly say this was one of the best groups of men I’ve ever been around,” he wrote via his Instagram Story on Thursday. “So much integrity, respect and heart across the board. Even the tough moments never took away from that.”
Clayton went on, “Any woman would be lucky to be with any of these guys. Real integrity. Real respect. Real men. Love you boys.”
Brad Ledford Offered a Cryptic Response
Brad Ledford reacted to ABC’s decision to shelve The Bachelorette season 22 by simply posting “…” via his Instagram Story on March 19, 2026. He made no further comment.
Richard Van De Water Subtly Addressed the ‘Bachelorette’ Controversy
The Charleston, South Carolina-based photographer seemingly referenced Bachelor Nation drama with an Instagram Story on March 19, 2026. In that brief video, Richard Van De Water promoted “Choosin’ Texas” singer-songwriter Ella Langley releasing some new music.
Richard paused for a moment, shrugged and added, “That’s all I got to say.”
