Former “Bachelor” and “Bachelorette” star Rachel Lindsay has broken her silence on the drama surrounding Taylor Frankie Paul. The latter was set to steer the following season of the ABC reality series; nevertheless, 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 occur to the franchise.
Former ‘Bachelor’ Star Rachel Lindsay Breaks Silence On Taylor Frankie Paul, Says Her Scandal ‘Completely Destroyed’ The Series
“I feel it’s over,” Lindsay said on an episode released on March 20. “I used to be trying to think about a scenario where it may very well be different, because this isn’t just, ‘Oh, we put all of it on an individual. This person did this.’ That is the system that allowed this to occur.”
Lindsay went on to say that the ABC series is “tainted” by the continuing drama surrounding Paul and her ex. “How do you progress forward past that? You possibly 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. In response to The Blast, the video was from an incident that occurred in 2023 and was consistent with what was shared throughout the first episode of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” in September 2024.
Within the video, Paul is seen hitting Mortensen, pulling his hair, and even appears to wrap her arms around his neck. Elsewhere within the video, Paul will be seen throwing heavy, metal chairs at Mortensen, one among which later hit her five-year-old daughter.
“This known as physical abuse. That is all you do,” Mortesen said within the clip. “It’s the one thing you recognize tips on how to do is hurt me. You’re thinking that that is OK? It’s not OK. Holy sh-t.”
The video also showed Mortensen attempting to distance himself from Paul; nevertheless, the Hulu reality star continued to have interaction 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.” In response to The Blast, the network did just that.
“In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we have now made the choice to not move forward with the brand new season of ‘The Bachelorette’ right now, and our focus is on supporting the family,” a Disney spokesperson said in an announcement.
“Glad they canceled her,” someone wrote. “Abuse goes each ways. Putting your child at risk.”
“Absolutely horrendous behavior,” one other 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 could be 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 in addition to threats of retaliation, Taylor is finally gaining the strength to face her accuser and taking steps to make sure that she and her children are shielded from any further harm,” a representative for the TikTok sensation said.
“There are too many ladies who’re suffering in silence as they survive aggressive, jealous ex-partners who refuse to allow them to 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, in search of support, and preparing to own and share her story.”
Production Of ‘Secret Lives’ Halted After Second Alleged Dispute
One other 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 one other alleged dispute with Mortensen in February 2026.
“They are usually not filming,” a source shared. “Taylor Frankie Paul has some pretty serious stuff happening regarding her past, and they’re going to see what happens. Until that resolves, they’re off.”
One other insider told the outlet that the ladies have been distancing themselves from Paul following the reports. “Not one of the women need to be associated along with her,” they said.
Authorities from the Draper City Police Department confirmed an energetic investigation involving Paul and Mortensen.