Taylor Frankie Paul Makes Surprise Social Media Comeback After Canceled Bachelorette Party
ABC canceled her Bachelorette season amid domestic violence allegations — now Taylor Frankie Paul, 31, is back on Instagram, thanking supporters as the fallout grows.
Quick update on a reality TV season you will not be seeing: Taylor Frankie Paul popped back onto Instagram after ABC decided not to air her Bachelorette season. The network hit pause following newly resurfaced footage tied to a domestic violence situation, and now both sides are saying a lot. The dates in this saga are also... not tidy, so let me break it down without the whiplash.
Where ABC landed
Us Weekly said on March 19 that ABC pulled the plug on airing what would have been the 22nd season of The Bachelorette with Taylor as lead, after 2023 footage resurfaced that appeared to show her assaulting ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen. Disney Entertainment Television put it plainly:
"We have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of The Bachelorette at this time. Our focus is on supporting the family. "
What Taylor said after going quiet
Taylor, 31, returned to social media on Thursday, March 26 via Instagram Stories and thanked the people who have checked in, called, or prayed for her, adding that simple kindness can be a lifeline when things get ugly.
Her rep also put out a longer statement saying she appreciates ABC’s support while she prioritizes her family’s safety. The statement alleges Taylor endured years of mental and physical abuse along with threats of retaliation, and that she’s now finding the confidence to confront her accuser and protect herself and her kids. The rep added that many women stay quiet out of fear, and that Taylor is weighing her options, seeking help, and preparing to tell her story in her own words.
The relationship at the center of this
Taylor started dating Dakota, 33, after her 2022 split from ex-husband Tate Paul. She and Tate share two kids: Indy, 8, and Ocean, 5. Taylor and Dakota later welcomed a son, Ever, in March 2024, and they continued an on-and-off relationship after that.
The season you won’t see
Before all this, Taylor was best known from Hulu ’s 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' and had been tapped to lead The Bachelorette season 22. She left to film the show not long after reconnecting with Dakota, and production wrapped in December 2025. Those episodes will not be aired.
What Dakota is saying and doing
On March 17, Taylor told Us Weekly there’s more context to the situation, that it’s been rough, and that she stands by herself as a parent: she believes she’s a good mother who treats her kids well. Dakota put out his own statement emphasizing that Ever’s well-being is his number one priority. His rep said he figured the situation might eventually become public but wasn’t planning to be the one to push it out because he wants a workable relationship with Taylor and to co-parent smoothly, even if that’s been difficult. Dakota has also filed for a restraining order against Taylor and is requesting sole custody of Ever.
Yes, the timeline is messy
The reporting threads don’t line up cleanly across outlets, so here’s the clearest version of events based on what’s out there:
- 2022: Taylor divorces Tate Paul; they share Indy (8) and Ocean (5).
- 2023: Footage later resurfaces that appears to show Taylor assaulting ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen.
- March 2024: Taylor and Dakota welcome their son, Ever.
- September 2025: Taylor tells Us Weekly she and Dakota had split for good earlier that year, before she was named The Bachelorette.
- Late 2025: She films The Bachelorette; production wraps in December 2025.
- February (following the December wrap): Utah police open a domestic violence investigation after an alleged altercation between Taylor and Dakota.
- March 17: Taylor tells Us it’s a complicated situation and defends her parenting.
- March 19: Us Weekly confirms ABC won’t air her Bachelorette season.
- March 26: Taylor returns to Instagram Stories to thank supporters.
Bottom line
ABC is shelving an entire season. Taylor is back online, publicly thanking supporters and, through her rep, alleging years of abuse and promising to tell her side. Dakota is focused on custody and says his priority is Ever’s health and safety. And the Utah investigation that kicked off in February is part of the backdrop to all of it.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.