ABC has abruptly canceled the upcoming season of The Bachelorette just days before its scheduled premiere, a move projected to cost the network tens of millions of dollars and raise questions about vetting processes in reality television. The season, which was set to debut on Sunday, featured reality TV personality Taylor Frankie Paul as the lead. However, the network’s parent company, The Walt Disney Company , decided to halt the release after a video published by TMZ showed Paul involved in a 2023 domestic dispute with her former partner, Dakota Mortensen . The season was cancelled days befo
ABC has abruptly canceled the upcoming season of The Bachelorette just days before its scheduled premiere, a move projected to cost the network tens of millions of dollars and raise questions about vetting processes in reality television.
The season, which was set to debut on Sunday, featured reality TV personality Taylor Frankie Paul as the lead. However, the network’s parent company, The Walt Disney Company, decided to halt the release after a video published by TMZ showed Paul involved in a 2023 domestic dispute with her former partner, Dakota Mortensen.
The season was cancelled days before its March 22 premiere after TMZ released video of Paul throwing chairs at ex-partner Dakota Mortensen during a 2023 domestic dispute. /Disney
In a statement, a Disney spokesperson said the decision was made “in light of the newly released video,” adding that “our focus is on supporting the family.”
According to Page Six, the cancellation could cost ABC anywhere between $10 million and over $50 million. The losses stem from production expenses, marketing campaigns, and advertising commitments already secured ahead of the premiere.
Advertising disruptions are expected to compound the financial impact, as commercial slots originally sold for the show must now be redistributed to other programming. Additionally, promotional partnership, including travel and hospitality arrangements tied to the show, may require compensation or renegotiation.
The controversy presents an early test for Debra O'Connell, who was recently appointed Chairman of Disney Entertainment Television and now faces a high-profile programming disruption at the start of her tenure.
O'Connell was named chairman of Disney Entertainment Television this week. /Getty Images
ABC has announced that reruns of American Idol will temporarily replace The Bachelorette in its Sunday time slot.
An episode of “American Idol” will replace “Bachelorette” on Sunday. /Disney
The cancellation underscores the financial and reputational risks associated with late-stage production decisions, particularly when new information emerges close to a scheduled release.
Taylor Frankie Paul pictured before ABC's cancellation of her season of The Bachelorette following the emergence of a 2023 domestic violence video. / @taylorfrankiepaul/Instagram
A spokesperson for Paul said she is prioritizing her family’s safety and well-being, adding that she had remained silent “out of fear of further abuse, retaliation, and public shaming,” and is now taking steps to protect herself and her children while preparing to share her story.
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