Season 22 of The Bachelorette has been axed after video footage of Taylor Frankie Paul physically assaulting her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, was released by TMZ. The recent cancellation is a first for the franchise, which has been producing love stories for over two decades.
The controversy arrived at a difficult time for The Bachelorette. In 2025, ABC chose to “pause” the show after Season 21, surrendering its usual summer slot. The network did not reveal the reason for the unprecedented hiatus, but a source told the U.S. Sun that low ratings were to blame. Taylor’s season was seen as an attempt to revive the once-beloved spinoff, which had lost the public’s attention in recent years. Now, fans are uncertain if the show will be able to recover from this controversy.
The Bachelorette’s Most Controversial Moments
The future of The Bachelorette is uncertain, but this is not the first time the show has dealt with controversy. The long-running franchise has seen its fair share of shocking moments throughout the years. Taylor is not the first controversial star the show has platformed. Let’s take a look back at some of the biggest hiccups together.
Kaitlyn Bristowe and Nick Viall’s premature fantasy suite date
Kaitlyn Bristowe and Nick Viall’s premature rendezvous seems quaint in light of recent news, but it was quite the scandal in 2015. Nick, who fans were familiar with from Andi Dorfman’s season, decided to join Kaitlyn’s season late, causing an uproar in the mansion. Fans learned that Kaitlyn and Nick had been chatting before filming began, and they argued it gave him an unfair advantage, because, you know, love is famously fair.
The two had undeniable chemistry, and they could only fight it for so long. In Week 6, Kaitlyn made Bachelorette history when she invited Nick up to her hotel room after a one-on-one date. Fans were outraged because you’re supposed to wait until Week 9 to sleep with the contestants! Duh! Poor Kaitlyn was the subject of endless slut-shaming tweets that were read out loud to her at the After the Final Rose special. Brutal.
Garrett Yrigoyen exposed for liking controversial posts
Becca Kufrin accepted Garrett Yrigoyen’s proposal in the Season 14 finale, but she quickly lost her post-engagement bliss when she got her phone back. During the season’s run, Garrett was exposed for liking Instagram posts that “mocked undocumented immigrants; the trans community; liberal feminists; and that spread misinformation about Parkland, Florida, shooting survivor David Hogg,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Garrett apologized for the likes in an Instagram Post, writing, “I am sorry to those who I offended, and I also take full responsibility for my ‘likes’ on Instagram that were hurtful and offensive,” per the Hollywood Reporter. The post is no longer available.
Jed Wyatt’s girlfriend comes forward
Hannah Brown chose Jed Wyatt in the Season 15 finale, but the romance didn’t last long. It turns out, Jed had a girl back home the whole time. His girlfriend, Haley Stevens, dished to People that the musician misled her about their relationship before leaving for The Bachelorette.
“We spent the night together the night before he headed to L.A.,” she told the outlet. “[Jed] told me [the show] was just an obstacle and we’d be stronger on the other side because of it.”
“He told me [early on] that he had applied,” she added. “He said, ‘It’s probably not going to happen, but it’s a huge opportunity. I’m only doing this for my music.’ He only did it for his career.”
Hannah confronted Jed about the People interview in the After the Final Rose special. Jed told Hannah his motives changed once he fell in love, expressing a desire to continue the relationship. But Hannah was not having it.
Taylor Frankie Paul’s season is cancelled
ABC cancelled Season 22 of The Bachelorette just three days before the premiere. On March 19, TMZ released footage of Taylor physically assaulting her then-boyfriend in 2023. In the video, Taylor appears to kick and grab Dakota. At one point, she throws a barstool in his direction. Disney Entertainment issued a statement last week, informing viewers that Season 22 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.
The Bachelorette is streaming on Hulu and Disney+.
TELL US – WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE MOST SHOCKING MOMENT IN BACHELORETTE HISTORY?
