Taylor Frankie Paul breaks silence on Bachelorette cancellation, alleges abuse

Taylor Frankie Paul has broken her silence after ABC canceled her upcoming season of "The Bachelorette" following the release of a video showing a physical altercation with her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen.

In a statement issued through her representative to E! News, the 31-year-old "Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" star expressed gratitude toward the network while addressing the controversy surrounding her personal life.

"Taylor is very grateful for ABC's support as she prioritizes her family's safety and security," the statement read. "After years of silently suffering extensive mental and physical abuse as well as threats of retaliation, Taylor is finally gaining the strength to face her accuser and taking steps to ensure that she and her children are protected from any further harm."

The statement continued: "There are too many women who are suffering in silence as they survive aggressive, jealous ex-partners who refuse to let them move on with their lives. Taylor has remained silent out of fear of further abuse, retaliation, and public shaming. She is currently exploring all of her options, seeking support, and preparing to own and share her story."

ABC pulled the plug on the highly anticipated season March 19, just days before its scheduled March 22 premiere. A Disney Entertainment spokesperson cited the "newly released video" that surfaced online, obtained by TMZ, showing Paul grabbing and kicking Mortensen during a 2023 incident.

Following the 2023 altercation, Paul was arrested and charged with felony aggravated assault, domestic violence in the presence of a child, child abuse and criminal mischief. She pleaded guilty to aggravated assault that August, with other charges dismissed.

Paul and Mortensen, who share a 2-year-old son named Ever, are also under investigation for a separate February incident that halted production on season five of "Secret Lives of Mormon Wives." Draper City police confirmed an investigation with "allegations made in both directions."

Mortensen's representative previously stated his priority is protecting their son and co-parenting effectively.