ABC’s decision to cancel the next season of The Bachelorette is just the latest in a long line of controversies to hit the franchise, which has been heavily scrutinized in the past over its casting choices, cultural awareness and the conduct of its prominent figures.
The network pulled the upcoming season, which was set to feature The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Taylor Frankie Paul, after a violent video of her 2023 assault involving her ex, Dakota Mortensen, was leaked just days before the season was slated to premiere.
“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,” ABC’s parent company, Disney, said in a statement.
In the footage, shared by TMZ, Paul was seen kicking Mortensen and putting him in a headlock. She also threw multiple metal barstools at him while her daughter, who was present in the room, began to cry.
After the disturbing footage came to light, Paul released a statement through her representatives to Variety: “It’s sad to see the latest installment of his never-ending, desperate, attention-seeking, destructive campaign to harm Taylor without any regard for the consequences for their child.”
“Releasing an old video, which conveniently omits context, on their son’s birthday is a reprehensible attempt to distract from his own behavior. Thankfully, the public has seen this act before and knows who he is and sadly, many will recognize this pattern of manipulation, both in his actions on the show, and from their own experiences,” her representatives said.
This cancellation of the upcoming Bachelorette season marks a significant departure for the series, which has historically attempted to navigate issues in real-time rather than shelving an entire season.
For much of its run, The Bachelor and The Bachelorette have faced persistent criticism regarding a lack of diversity, particularly in their leading roles. A 2012 lawsuit, though later dismissed, alleged the show excluded contestants of colour from becoming the lead.
This criticism lasted for years as the franchise predominantly featured white bachelors and bachelorettes. Rachel Lindsay made history as the first Black lead in 2017, a landmark moment following years of public pressure.
She subsequently became a vocal critic, advocating for bigger structural change in the franchise's approach to diversity both on and off-screen. ABC later chose Matt James as its first Black Bachelor in 2020, a move that fans thought was long overdue.
In 2024, Jenn Tran became the franchise’s first Asian American lead, describing the role as deeply personal. However, her season also sparked debate after early criticism regarding the lack of suitors of Asian descent.
Even as casting became more diverse, contestants and leads of color have frequently encountered backlash from segments of the audience. Non-white participants, including Lindsay and James, faced heightened scrutiny and racist commentary online.
Tran’s season further highlighted discussions around how contestants of colour have historically received fewer roses and more criticism from viewers, prompting questions about whether parts of the audience have evolved at the same pace as the franchise’s casting decisions.
One of the franchise’s most high-profile controversies unfolded in 2021 with long-serving host Chris Harrison. He stepped down mid-season after defending contestant Rachael Kirkconnell amidst growing backlash over photos showing her at an antebellum plantation-themed event and dressed in a Native American costume. Harrison later apologized, stating: "By excusing historical racism, I defended it."
Former contestants Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe hosted the remainder of Palmer’s Bachelor season – saw Kirkconnell walk away in a relationship – and the 2021 Bachelorette season, before Jesse Palmer was named the permanent host later that year. ABC affirmed its commitment to improving representation within its production teams at the time.
Moments within the program itself have also drawn censure, such as a 2019 episode set in Singapore where contestants mocked local cuisine, leading critics to suggest a lack of cultural awareness.
Earlier controversies include remarks made by former Bachelor lead Juan Pablo Galavis in 2014. Galavis stated in an interview that he did not believe a gay or bisexual man should lead the show and described gay people as "more pervert, in a sense.”
These comments provoked widespread condemnation and prompted an apology, with Galavis later attributing them to a language barrier. The incident remains one of the franchise’s most discussed early scandals involving a lead, underscoring long-standing questions about inclusion within the series.
Additional reporting by the Associated Press
SLOMW star’s husband files for divorce on same day as Taylor Frankie Paul video leaks
Taylor Frankie Paul was always the wrong choice for The Bachelorette
The Bachelorette season is scrapped after domestic violence video leak
What Austen academics really think of ‘The Other Bennet Sister’
Greg James breaks down after raising millions with mammoth bike ride
Harry Potter star considered quitting HBO series after JK Rowling backlash
