Former “Bachelor” and “Bachelorette” star Rachel Lindsay has broken her silence on the drama surrounding Taylor Frankie Paul. The latter was set to lead the next season of the ABC reality series; however, the network shut things down after a video of her assaulting her ex, Dakota Mortensen, was shared online. During an episode of the “Bachelor Party” podcast, Lindsay shared her thoughts on the matter and even predicted what she believes might happen to the franchise.
Former ‘Bachelor’ Star Rachel Lindsay Breaks Silence On Taylor Frankie Paul, Says Her Scandal ‘Completely Destroyed’ The Series
“I think it’s over,” Lindsay said on an episode released on March 20. “I was trying to think of a scenario where it could be different, because this isn’t just, ‘Oh, we put it all on a person. This person did this.’ This is the system that allowed this to happen.”
Lindsay went on to say that the ABC series is “tainted” by the ongoing drama surrounding Paul and her ex. “How do you move forward past that? You can’t.”
Video Of Taylor Frankie Paul Striking And Throwing Chairs At Her Ex-Boyfriend, Mortensen, Has Been Shared Online
Lindsay’s comments come a day after a shocking video of Paul assaulting Mortensen had been shared online. According to The Blast, the video was from an incident that occurred in 2023 and was consistent with what was shared during the first episode of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” in September 2024.
In the video, Paul is seen hitting Mortensen, pulling his hair, and even appears to wrap her arms around his neck. Elsewhere in the video, Paul can be seen throwing heavy, metal chairs at Mortensen, one of which later hit her five-year-old daughter.
“This is called physical abuse. This is all you do,” Mortesen said in the clip. “It’s the only thing you know how to do is hurt me. You think this is OK? It’s not OK. Holy sh-t.”
The video also showed Mortensen attempting to distance himself from Paul; however, the Hulu reality star continued to engage with him. “Leave me alone,” Mortensen said repeatedly.
ABC/Disney Pulls The Next Season Of ‘The Bachelorette’ Following Taylor Frankie Paul’s Video
The horrifying video sparked much backlash, with many calling for ABC to cancel the upcoming season of “The Bachelorette.” According to The Blast, the network did just that.
“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,” a Disney spokesperson said in a statement.
“Glad they canceled her,” someone wrote. “Abuse goes both ways. Putting your child in danger.”
“Absolutely horrendous behavior,” another shared. “That poor child.”
Paul Breaks Silence After Deciding To Scrap Latest Season Of ‘The Bachelorette’
Paul broke her silence after the news that ABC pulled her season of “Bachelorette” became public.
“Taylor is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security. 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,” a representative for the TikTok sensation said.
“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.”
Production Of ‘Secret Lives’ Halted After Second Alleged Dispute
Another report from PEOPLE said that production on season 5 of Hulu’s “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” has been paused following reports that Paul was involved in another alleged dispute with Mortensen in February 2026.
“They are not filming,” a source shared. “Taylor Frankie Paul has some pretty serious stuff happening regarding her past, and they will see what happens. Until that resolves, they are off.”
Another insider told the outlet that the women have been distancing themselves from Paul following the reports. “None of the women want to be associated with her,” they said.
Authorities from the Draper City Police Department confirmed an active investigation involving Paul and Mortensen.