Why ABC Is Moving Ahead with Taylor Frankie Paul’s Bachelorette Season

ABC has confirmed that The Bachelorette Season 22, starring Taylor Frankie Paul, will premiere as planned on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, with next-day streaming on Hulu.

The decision comes despite an active domestic assault investigation involving the lead and her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen.

Multiple outlets, including Variety and Page Six, report that the investigation “will not impact the release schedule or press plans” for the season. ABC producers were reportedly blindsided by the news, prompting the network to hire a crisis public relations manager to manage fallout and media inquiries.

The Draper City Police Department in Utah confirmed an open “domestic assault investigation” regarding Paul and Mortensen, with allegations reported “in both directions.”

Law enforcement contacted both parties on February 24 and 25, 2026, amid an alleged incident. No charges have been filed at this time, and details remain limited due to the ongoing probe.

This marks a challenging period for Paul, who rose to fame on Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives (where production on Season 5 has paused amid the controversy).

She has a prior 2023 domestic violence arrest involving Mortensen—charges that were later dropped or resolved via plea in abeyance (with the aggravated assault reduced if conditions are met over three years).

In recent interviews, including with Entertainment Tonight and People, Paul addressed the situation emotionally, calling it a “heavy time” and noting the poor timing ahead of her Bachelorette debut. She expressed heartbreak over the headlines but remains focused on the premiere, sharing that the journey was “extremely hard” to reach.

The season—filmed in fall 2025—features Paul searching for love among a diverse group of suitors, with spoilers from Reality Steve indicating an engagement (though post-filming breakup).

A recent teaser during the Oscars and “Before the First Rose” special highlighted drama, bold choices, and advice from past Bachelorettes.

While some fans and critics question the timing given the allegations and franchise history, ABC appears committed to airing the season unchanged. Paul has attended promotional events, including the 2026 Oscars, to build hype.

Bachelor Nation viewers can tune in starting March 22 to see how Taylor’s story unfolds amid the real-life scrutiny. The franchise continues to navigate personal controversies while delivering its signature romance and drama.