ABC Cancels Taylor’s Season of The Bachelorette Following Controversy
In the wake of a recently leaked video, Disney has confirmed that ABC has decided to cancel Taylor’s upcoming season of “The Bachelorette,” which was set to debut this Sunday.
Castmate Speaks Out Against Domestic Violence
Leila Taylor, a cast member of the show, took to her Instagram Story, expressing her disbelief and emphasizing her stance against domestic violence. “Given my personal history as a survivor, it is impossible for me to remain silent. I am firmly against domestic violence in any form,” she stated on Friday.
Concerns for Children Amid Domestic Violence Allegations
While Taylor refrained from mentioning Paul directly, she did express concern for the children involved, stating, “My thoughts are with the children, and above all, I want them to be safe.”
Further Incidents Lead to Production Delays
Earlier this week, more allegations surfaced regarding domestic violence incidents involving both Paul and Mortensen, prompting a temporary halt in the filming of Season 5 of “Mormon Wives.” The West Jordan Police Department in Utah confirmed to NBC News that they received a domestic violence complaint concerning Paul, although specific details have not been disclosed.
Police Investigate Ongoing Domestic Assault Case
The Draper Police Department also affirmed to People magazine that an investigation into domestic assault involving Paul and Mortensen is active, with charges being pursued against both parties. A police spokesperson noted that they contacted those involved on February 24 and 25.
Legal Proceedings and Public Statements
This year, Paul faced charges including assault in the presence of a child and domestic violence. Court documents indicate that he pleaded guilty in August 2025 to a deferred charge of aggravated assault, while four other charges were dismissed with prejudice. Following the video’s release, Paul stated his intent to reveal the truth in a phone interview with NBC News before the cancellation was announced.
Publicist Defends Paul Amid Backlash
After TMZ published the video, a representative for Paul characterized the situation as a “destructive campaign” aimed at harming Taylor and disregarding the well-being of Mortensen’s children. The spokesperson accused others of exploiting the situation for personal agendas, stating, “Releasing an old video, conveniently taken out of context, on my son’s birthday is a reprehensible attempt to distract from his own actions.”
Cast Expresses Concerns During Meeting with ABC Executives
As previously reported by NBC News, the cast of “Mormon Wives” voiced their apprehensions to ABC executives regarding the show’s continuation if Paul remained involved. Recorded audio from a March 7 Zoom meeting revealed cast members discussing their fears for their careers and the show’s reputation amidst the allegations against Paul. One member articulated, “This is a dangerous situation, a sad situation, and Taylor is our friend, so we don’t know how to navigate it.”
Disney Executives Aware of the Seriousness of the Situation
During the meeting, attended by three Disney executives, including Rob Mills, the vice president of unscripted and alternative entertainment, Mills conveyed uncertainty regarding the situation’s implications. While he stressed he was not ignoring the issues, he also expressed his reluctance to delve deeper, summarizing his position by saying, “I don’t know much, and I don’t really want to know.”
