The powers that be at ABC were not impressed with the drama surrounding Taylor Frankie Paul.
“ABC is livid over the situation,” a source exclusively shared with Us Weekly. “Taylor had a breach of contract, and they are internally investigating.”
Before Disney Entertainment Television confirmed to Us on Thursday, March 19, that ABC would not be moving forward with season 22 of The Bachelorette, the insider claimed many companies pulled their commercials and advertisements from the premiere because of the drama surrounding Taylor, 31.
“They have already lost a lot of money,” the source continued. “They face losing $40 to 50 million now that they’ve canceled.” Us has reached out to ABC for comment.
Taylor and her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen found themselves making headlines in the days before season 22 of The Bachelorette was scheduled to premiere on Sunday, March 22.
For starters, a spokesperson for the Draper City Police Department confirmed to Us that there is an open “domestic assault investigation” involving the former couple. According to authorities, “allegations have been made in both directions” and “contact was made with involved parties on February 24th and 25th.”
Things took another difficult turn when TMZ obtained footage of a 2023 altercation between Taylor and Dakota, 33.
In the footage, Taylor is seen throwing multiple chairs at Dakota as they yell at each other. Taylor’s daughter, Indy, now 8, whom she shares with ex-husband Tate Paul, can be heard crying in the background. (Taylor also shares son Ocean, 5, with Tate, as well as son Ever, 2, with Dakota.)
Since the footage was made public, Dakota has filed for a protective order in Utah against Taylor. In his filing obtained by TMZ, the DadTok member detailed the incidents that he claims went down on February 23 and February 24.
In a statement to Us, Taylor’s rep spoke out about ABC’s decision to cancel season 22 of The Bachelorette.
“Taylor is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security,” the statement read. “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 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.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.
