ABC pulled the plug on Taylor Frankie Paul’s season of The Bachelorette just three days before the premiere. The cancellation was in response to a video released by TMZ on March 19 that showed Taylor physically attacking her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, in 2023. She was arrested on charges of assault, criminal mischief, and commission of domestic violence in the presence of a child. New details emerged this week that show Dakota urging police to arrest him instead of Taylor.
Here’s what you need to know.
Cops explained that Dakota Mortensen was “victimized” by Taylor Frankie
On Monday, March 23, TMZ released police bodycam footage of the 2023 incident. In the video posted to Twitter, Dakota pleads with the Herriman City police to take him into custody instead of Taylor.
“Can I go?” Dakota is heard asking a police officer in the video. “I can’t do this to her, dude.”
The police officer responds to the request, saying, “You were victimized tonight. That’s why we’re here. We don’t want further violence.”
“I truly just want her to get help,” Dakota says in the video.
According to court records obtained by NPR, Dakota plead guilty to the third-degree felony of aggravated assault charge. She has been serving 36 months of probation.
It is unclear if The Bachelorette will continue with a new lead after the recent cancellation. Disney Entertainment issued a statement last week, informing viewers that Taylor’s season will not air on ABC.
“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,” the statement read, reported by the New York Times.
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is streaming on Hulu.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.
TELL US – WHAT IS YOUR REACTION TO THIS NEW FOOTAGE OF THE 2023 INCIDENT?
