In a shocking development, Taylor Frankie Paul was seen attacking her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen in a video released by TMZ on March 19, 2026. The incident occurred in front of her daughter, raising serious concerns about child safety.
The video shows Paul, who has a history of legal troubles including a 2023 assault charge, engaging in violent behavior after a girls’ night out where she reportedly consumed alcohol. Notably, her daughter, aged 8, was struck during the altercation.
In light of the disturbing footage, ABC announced the cancellation of Paul’s upcoming season of ‘The Bachelorette’, which was set to premiere on March 22, 2026. This decision reflects the network’s commitment to prioritizing family welfare amidst the ongoing investigation.
Paul’s spokesperson claimed that the video release was a manipulation tactic by Mortensen, stating, “It’s sad to see the latest installment of his never-ending, desperate, attention-seeking, destructive campaign to harm Taylor without any regard for the consequences for their child.” Meanwhile, Mortensen has publicly stated, “This is called physical abuse,” highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
As part of the investigation, the Utah Division of Children and Family Services is looking into ongoing allegations of violence between the two. Both parties have been ordered to undergo psychological evaluations, indicating the gravity of the circumstances.
In a previous incident in 2023, Paul was arrested after Mortensen reported that she had hit him in front of their children. Paul later pleaded guilty in abeyance to an aggravated assault charge in August 2025, which adds to the troubling history surrounding this case.
Mortensen has also filed for a protective order against Paul on the same day the video surfaced, further escalating the legal ramifications of their relationship.
As reactions pour in from various quarters, the focus remains on the well-being of the children involved. A spokesperson for Disney Entertainment Television stated, “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.”
Details remain unconfirmed as the situation develops, but the implications of this incident are significant for all parties involved.