ABC Cancels Bachelorette Season, Losing Millions

0:00This is entertainment and celebrity news today, powered by AI and presented by the Daily News Now. ABC canceled Taylor Frankie Paul's upcoming season of the Bachelorette after a video surfaced showing a physical fight with her ex. The 31-year-old star from Secret Lives of Mormon Wives was set to premiere on March 22, but the network pulled the plug to avoid airing the controversy. The decision is hitting ABC hard financially, with production costs around $2 million per episode, only one episode was finished, and others weren't editing, leading to layoffs for post-production staff and losses from brand deals like airlines and hotels. Network insiders say there's tension over who puts the bill and handles the fallout from casting Paul in the first place. It also scrambles plans for the next bachelor, who was supposed to come from her group of contestants, which could tank future ratings. The footage from 2023 shows Paul throwing metal stools at her ex Dakota Mortensen, accidentally hitting her then five-year-old daughter.

1:01In the head, she faced charges, including aggravated assault and child-related offenses, but took a plea deal that reduced it to a misdemeanor if she follows the rules. Paul's team says she's looking into her options, getting support, and plans to share her side of the story soon. A quick thank you to our sponsor of today's episode. A pillow that sounds as good as it feels. Bill for listening in bed, S-O-L-I, solely pillow.com.