Is ‘The Bachelorette’ Cancelled? Season 22’s Fate Hangs in Balance Amid Star’s Police Investigation

Canada Wire | Last Updated: 19 March 2026, 18:00 ET

With just three days until its scheduled season premiere, the future of ABC’s The Bachelorette is mired in uncertainty and controversy. The network faces mounting pressure to cancel Season 22 following a police investigation into domestic violence allegations involving its star, Taylor Frankie Paul.

The Scheduled Premiere & The Allegations

Season 22 of The Bachelorette, featuring The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Taylor Frankie Paul, is officially slated to premiere this Sunday, 22 March 2026, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. However, that plan is now in serious jeopardy.

Multiple reports confirmed this week that Paul and her ex-partner, Dakota Mortensen, are the subjects of a police investigation related to an alleged domestic violence incident. The controversy has forced the temporary halt of production on Season 5 of Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, where Paul is also a cast member.

Conflicting Reports from Within ABC

Confusion reigns behind the scenes. While an ABC spokesperson told Variety that “the investigation will not impact the premiere” and the show’s Instagram account continues to post promotional material, other sources paint a picture of chaos.

An exclusive report from Rob Shuter’s Substack claims ABC is in “emergency talks” and actively considering pulling the season from its schedule. Similarly, Reality Tea reports that “crisis talks could end in Taylor Frankie Paul’s season being axed.”

Taylor Frankie Paul broke her silence on the allegations in a statement Wednesday, though she did not directly address the investigation’s details. “I am focusing on the positive and the incredible journey ahead,” she said, according to NBC News.

Public & Commercial Backlash Grows

The scandal has triggered a significant public and commercial reaction:

  • Fan Boycott: Viewers have taken to social media to call for a boycott of the season, citing the serious nature of the allegations.
  • Sponsor Exodus: Pastry giant Cinnabon has severed ties with both The Bachelorette and The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, a major financial and reputational blow to the productions.
  • Media Scrutiny: Outlets from The New York Times to Forbes have published pieces analysing the controversy, with many criticising ABC’s initial casting choice given Paul’s reality TV history.

Contractual Precedent & Financial Stakes

While contestants traditionally are not paid, the lead role is a lucrative gig. Recent Bachelorettes have commanded salaries rumoured to be well over $100,000 per season. Breaching the show’s strict contract also carries a heavy price; former contestant Luke Parker was ordered to pay $100,000 for a breach.

Pulling the season would represent a massive financial loss for ABC in production costs and lost advertising revenue, potentially running into the millions.

The Bottom Line

As of the close of business on Thursday, 19 March 2026, ABC has not announced any change to the premiere schedule. The official line remains that Season 22 will air as planned this Sunday.

However, with advertiser pressure mounting, public sentiment turning, and conflicting reports emerging from within the network, the situation remains highly fluid. The decision likely rests on whether ABC executives believe the negative publicity and potential sponsor fallout outweigh the sunk costs and scheduled programming.

Canada Wire will continue to monitor this developing story.