ABC is preparing to release Taylor Frankie Paul’s shelved season of The Bachelorette as early as mid-July, according to production sources. The network pulled the season days before its scheduled premiere in March after disturbing footage of Paul attacking her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, surfaced online.
The Disney-owned network never officially canceled the season, instead using the phrase “not move forward at this time,” a deliberate choice that kept the door open. Behind the scenes, editors continued working on episodes even after the show was shelved.
The March 19 video showed the 32-year-old Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star throwing metal barstools at Mortensen during a 2023 altercation, with one chair striking her young daughter. Paul pleaded guilty to aggravated assault following that incident and remains on probation until August.
Despite the controversy, sources say network executives have taken note of Paul’s recent social media posts discussing personal growth and healing. ABC has reportedly been polling audiences to gauge whether public opinion has cooled enough to safely air the season.
Paul and Mortensen remain locked in a custody dispute over their two-year-old son Ever. A Utah judge granted mutual protective orders against both parties in April, requiring them to stay 100 feet apart. Both have accused each other of domestic violence.
The drama also paused production on Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 5, though filming has since resumed. Paul has recently won some custody victories, including unsupervised visitation with her son.
Sources say ABC is targeting a mid-July premiere window, though final plans remain unconfirmed. If the season airs, it would represent a significant gamble for the network, which reportedly invested tens of millions in production. Reality Steve previously predicted the season would air on ABC rather than being dumped on a streaming service.
Paul’s next custody hearing is scheduled for July 8 . For now, it appears those roses are finally heading to air this summer.
