ABC has canceled the upcoming season of “The Bachelorette” starring Taylor Frankie Paul, only days before the scheduled premiere. The network made the decision after a video from a 2023 domestic incident resurfaced online, prompting widespread backlash.

The season had already been filmed and was originally set to premiere on March 22, 2026. However, the network ultimately chose not to broadcast the show.

ABC said the decision came after reviewing the situation and considering the well-being of those involved.

“In light of the newly released video, the network will not air the season.”

As a result, the highly promoted installment of the popular dating franchise will remain unaired.

⚠️ Controversy Surrounding Taylor Frankie Paul

The controversy centers on Taylor Frankie Paul, a social media personality and reality TV figure. She previously appeared on the series “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.”

Reports say the resurfaced video shows Paul involved in a violent altercation with her former partner, Dakota Mortensen, during an incident that occurred in 2023.

Authorities had already investigated the case at the time. Paul faced several charges related to the incident, though the legal case later resulted in a plea agreement that dismissed some counts.

Meanwhile, the video’s release renewed public scrutiny of the case. Consequently, criticism of the show and its casting decision intensified.

📺 Season Was Set to Break Franchise Tradition

The planned season also marked a notable shift for the franchise. Taylor Frankie Paul would have been the first “Bachelorette” lead who had never appeared on “The Bachelor.”

Producers had hoped that casting a well-known influencer and reality TV personality would attract new viewers and revitalize the long-running show.

Filming for the season began in October 2025 and concluded in December 2025, with locations including California, Las Vegas, Miami, and Saint Lucia.

However, the controversy changed the network’s plans shortly before the premiere.

📉 Fallout for the Long-Running Dating Franchise

The cancellation represents a major setback for the “Bachelor” reality TV franchise, which has aired on ABC for more than two decades.

The network had already promoted the new season and invested heavily in production. Nevertheless, the resurfaced video and public response created reputational risks for the broadcaster.

Meanwhile, the future of the already-filmed season remains uncertain. The network has not confirmed whether it will ever release the episodes.

For now, ABC has replaced the scheduled premiere with other programming.