The network pulled the plug on the “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star’s season of “The Bachelorette” just three days before it was set to premiere.

ABC reveals what it will air in place of The Bachelorette after abruptly scrapping Taylor Frankie Paul’s season

The network pulled the plug on the "Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" star's season of "The Bachelorette" just three days before it was set to premiere.

By Wesley Stenzel

Wesley Stenzel

Wesley Stenzel is a news writer at **. He began writing for EW in 2022.

EW's editorial guidelines

March 19, 2026 9:30 p.m. ET

Leave a Comment

Taylor Frankie Paul on 'The Bachelorette'. Credit:

Bachelor Nation on ABC/YouTube

- ABC shelved Taylor Frankie Paul's season of *The Bachelorette* just three days before it was set to premiere.

- The network announced that it will air a rerun of *American Idol* in its place on Sunday night.

- A representative for Paul said the *Secret Lives of Mormon Wives* star is "very grateful for ABC's support."

*The Bachelorette* will no longer air on Sunday night — and now we know what will take its place.

Following Thursday's decision to scrap Taylor Frankie Paul's season of *The Bachelorette*, ABC revealed that it will instead air a rerun of *American Idol* on Sunday night from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. The episode in question will be the 8th episode of season 24, which originally aired on Monday, March 16, featuring Keke Palmer and Brad Paisley as guest mentors.

** has reached out to ABC representatives for comment.

Lionel Richie, Keke Palmer, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan on 'American Idol'.

Disney/Eric McCandless

A representative for Disney Entertainment Television confirmed that ABC was not moving forward with the latest season of *The Bachelorette* on Thursday — just three days before the season was set to premiere — after TMZ published a video of a 2023 domestic violence incident involving Paul prior to the series premiere of her show *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives*.

"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," the spokesperson told EW.

Taylor Frankie Paul's ex Dakota Mortensen reacts to domestic violence investigation

Taylor Frankie Paul's rep reacts to shocking video of 2023 arrest leaking

A representative for Paul responded to the decision to pull the show in a statement to EW.

"Taylor is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family's safety and security," the statement began. "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."

Taylor Frankie Paul during 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: Reunion Special'.

Fred Hayes/Disney

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."

***Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our ******EW Dispatch newsletter******.***

Paul's ex, Dakota Mortensen, shared a statement with EW after ABC pulled the plug on *The Bachelorette* and he filed a restraining order against Paul.

"As anyone who has seen the video will understand, this is a deeply upsetting situation," Mortensen said. "I am, unfortunately, used to these baseless claims about me and our relationship, which I categorically deny. I am focusing on our son and his safety, and hope that Taylor will do the same."

EW has reached out to Paul for comment on Mortensen's statement.

- Bachelor Universe Fandom

Original Article on Source

Source: “EW Bachelor”