Featured Image Credit: Craig Barritt/Getty Images for TIME
Topics: Reality TV, American Idol, Entertainment, Celebrity, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Domestic Abuse
Madison Burgess
Topics: Reality TV, American Idol, Entertainment, Celebrity, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Domestic Abuse
Warning: This article contains discussion of domestic violence which some readers may find distressing.
The Bachelorette will no longer air this weekend as the whole pre-filmed season has been scrapped over allegations involving Taylor Frankie Paul.
And now, ABC has revealed exactly what will be shown in the 8pm to 10pm slot in the dating show's place on Sunday (22 March).
Instead of season 22 of the American reality TV show, fans will tune in to an old episode of American Idol - specifically, season 24, episode eight, which initially aired on Monday, 16 March.
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The episode in question features Keke Palmer and Brad Paisley as guest mentors, in case you were wondering.
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Paul, 31, was supposed to be this season's bachelorette; however, a Disney Entertainment Television spokesperson confirmed in a statement yesterday (19 March) that it will no longer be broadcast, after a video resurfaced and allegations were made against Paul involving a domestic incident.
The statement read: "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 Draper City Police Department representative said that a 'domestic abuse investigation' had been opened earlier this week involving Paul and her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen.
The official confirmed that 'allegations have been made in both directions' and 'contact was made with involved parties on [Feb] 24th and 25th,' but has opted not to release specifics.
Following this, a video resurfaced of a previous domestic incident between Paul and Mortensen in 2023, after being shared by TMZ.
At the time, she was arrested in relation to the incident and pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, US media reports.
In the most recent development, Paul's representative issued a statement to PEOPLE Magazine on the decision to scrap her season of The Bachelorette.
The spokesperson said: "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."
They 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."
While Mortensen said in a statement to PEOPLE: "As anyone who has seen the video will understand, this is a deeply upsetting situation.
"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."
If you are experiencing domestic violence, please know that you are not alone. You can talk in confidence to the national domestic violence helpline Refuge on 0808 2000 247, available 24/7, or via live chat, available 10am-10pm, Monday to Friday.