American television network ABC is reportedly being hit hard in the pocket as fallout from Bachelorette Taylor Frankie Paul’s shock domestic dispute mounts.
After footage depicting the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star hurling chairs at ex-partner Dakota Mortensen resurfaced online, the network immediately pulled the plug on her season of the reality dating show, which had been set to premiere next week.
Now, a source has revealed ABC is facing massive financial loss as a result of the move.
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In the hour following the 2023 video’s release, a Disney Entertainment spokesperson issued statement confirming the show had been cancelled.
Watch the video above.
“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 statement read.
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As per TMZ, this decision came at a huge cost to the network, with sources claiming the show cost an estimated $US2 million (approx. $2.8 million) per episode to produce.
While Sunday’s episode was reportedly the only one completed at the time of the cancellation, the source claims the rest were already in the process of being edited.
ABC reportedly may also lose a “fortune” due to quashed brand deals, with many having paid hefty sums in advance to be featured on the show.
Its projected ratings for the upcoming season of The Bachelor are also expected to take a hit, with the titular Bachelor originally set be selected from this season’s cast of hopeful singles.
The video at the centre of the network’s alleged money woes was published by TMZ on Thursday morning, to immediate backlash from fans.
The graphic footage showed Paul appearing to pull her ex-partner into a headlock, then proceeding to kick and fling two metal chairs towards him.
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Paul’s daughter, Indy, seemed to witness the altercation out-of-shot, and could be heard crying in the background of the video.
The reality star was arrested at the time the incriminating footage was filmed, facing a number of charges including aggravated assault, as well as domestic violence in the presence of a child.
Fans of the show took to Paul’s Instagram to leave comments about the video, calling it “disturbing” and “hard to watch.”
A representative for the reality star has since released a statement to People magazine, labelling the video a “manipulation tactic” on Mortensen’s part.
Paul first rose to fame on hit reality show The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, which follows a group of Mormon MomTok ‘Mumfluencers’ caught in the midst of a swinging sex scandal.
She was announced as the lead for Season 22 of The Bachelorette last December, during her appearance on Alex Cooper’s Call Her Daddy podcast.
Per PEOPLE, Paul’s rep said 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 in need of support due to domestic or family violence contact 1800RESPECT on 1300 737 723.
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