Taylor Frankie Paul Breaks Silence After ‘The Bachelorette’ Cancellation, Preparing to ‘Own’ Her ‘Story’

Taylor Frankie Paul has broken her silence after ABC pulled the plug on her season of The Bachelorette.

“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 rep for the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star told People on Thursday, March 19.

“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,” the statement continued. “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.”

As Star previously reported, after a video of a physical altercation between Paul and her ex Dakota Mortensen surfaced, ABC announced its decision not to air Paul’s season of the reality dating series.

In the footage from a 2023 altercation, the mother of three, 31, can be seen hurling metal barstools at Mortensen, 33. One of the stools struck Paul’s then-5-year-old daughter, Indy, whom she shares with ex-husband Tate Paul, in the head.

In addition to Indy, Paul shares son Ocean, 6, with her ex-husband, and son Ever, 2, with Mortensen.

The Momtok founder was arrested in February 2023 and charged with one felony count of aggravated assault and two felony counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child, along with one misdemeanor count each of child abuse and criminal mischief.

She later accepted a plea deal and pleaded guilty to a third-degree felony count of aggravated assault. Her four other charges were dropped with prejudice, and the felony would drop to a misdemeanor as long as she adhered to the terms of the deal, according to the Salt Lake Tribune.

Paul was ordered to abstain from alcohol or illegal drug use for three years.

Season 22 of The Bachelorette was originally scheduled to premiere on Sunday, March 22.