Taylor Frankie Paul had been honest about her on–off relationship with Dakota Mortensen while filming The Bachelorette.
“There were several conversations had [about Taylor’s status with Dakota], and the writing was on the wall,” a source exclusively tells Us Weekly, referring to Taylor and her Bachelorette contestants. “Many feel like their time was wasted.”
Taylor, 31, was named The Bachelorette lead in September 2025, shortly before she left Utah to film season 22. Just before her flight to California, Taylor hooked up with Dakota, 33, despite a breakup earlier that year. (Taylor and Dakota have dated on and off since 2023 and share 2-year-old son Ever.)
Just days before The Bachelorette was scheduled to premiere Sunday, March 22, ABC canceled the season after newly released footage from Taylor’s 2023 domestic violence arrest was revealed. Taylor pleaded guilty to aggravated assault following an argument with Dakota where she, per the video, threw chairs at him in the presence of her daughter, Indy, now 8. (Taylor shares Indy and son Ocean, 5, with ex-husband Tate Paul.)
Taylor Frankie Paul dropped several teases about her journey on The Bachelorette ahead of ABC deciding to cancel the season. News broke in March that Taylor and on-again, off-again ex Dakota Mortensen were involved in a domestic incident, which led to The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives halting production on season 5. A spokesperson for […]
“They gave up months away from work and their families for nothing,” the insider adds of Taylor’s onscreen suitors. “It’s upsetting to everyone.”
Shortly before the cancellation news, Taylor exclusively told Us that she was “very open” with her suitors about her history with Dakota.
“I really told everyone as a whole if there’s anything you want to know, please let me know,” the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star told Us on Tuesday, March 17. “I wasn’t trying to shove everything down their throat of that in my life. I wanted to tell them what they wanted to know.”
According to Taylor, she was “adamant” that her contestants understand her past.
“Like, ‘Please ask anything. I am [a] very open book,’” she recalled. “Especially the ones towards the end, I was open with the situation. So yeah, I was very honest, I feel like.”
Taylor has since released a statement after her Bachelorette journey was scrapped.
“Taylor is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security,” her rep said on Thursday, March 19. “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 spokesperson concluded, “She is currently exploring all of her options, seeking support and preparing to own and share her story.”
Despite Taylor Frankie Paul’s season of The Bachelorette being canceled, she has needed to carry on as usual. “[I’m] always on [my phone],” Taylor, 31, wrote via Instagram comment on Friday, March 20, after a fan questioned why the reality TV star was posting on social media amid the Bachelor Nation scandal. “It’s my job, […]
As for Dakota, he has denied any accusations against him.
“As anyone who has seen the video will understand, this is a deeply upsetting situation,” Dakota, who has since received sole custody of Ever after a protective order against Taylor was granted, said in a separate statement on Thursday. “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.”
While Taylor and Dakota have yet to further address the incident, several of the Bachelorette contenders have also spoken out about the show’s cancellation.
“In light of everything that has happened, I am just sending prayers to Taylor because that was her moment and her moment was blocked,” Doug Mason said in an Instagram Stories video on Friday, March 20. “All we can do right now is just be hopeful, and I am headed off to run to watch the sunrise.”
Taylor Frankie Paul meets Richard on Night One of ‘The Bachelorette’ season 22. Disney/Bahareh Ritter
He concluded, “I hope you guys have a great day, and let’s stay positive and show nothing but support for people in need.”
Clayton Johnson, for his part, revealed that he met “the best group of men” during production.
“I can honestly say this was one of the best groups of men I’ve ever been around,” Clayton, 36, wrote via his Stories. “So much integrity, respect and heart across the board. Even the tough moments never took away from that. Any woman would be lucky to be with any of these guys. Real integrity. Real respect. Real men. Love you boys.”
ABC has not further revealed plans for the Bachelor Nation franchise. A rerun of American Idol will air in place of The Bachelorette premiere on Sunday.
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.
