Former Bachelorette star James McCoy Taylor arrested for alleged assault

James McCoy Taylor, a former contestant on the American reality series The Bachelorette, was arrested in Texas on Friday on allegations of assault causing bodily injury and unlawful restraint.

The 39-year-old country singer was detained on a warrant relating to an incident in April 2024 and was released the same day after posting a $10,000 surety bond.

This latest legal development follows a 2025 conviction where Taylor pleaded guilty to separate charges involving a 19-year-old student, for which he received a sentence of community service and anger management classes.

The franchise has faced further turmoil following the emergence of a distressing video involving another former participant, Taylor Frankie Paul.

The footage, which shows Paul in a physical altercation with a former partner, prompted Disney and ABC to cancel the upcoming season of The Bachelorette just days before its scheduled premiere.

A spokesperson for Disney Entertainment Television confirmed the decision, stating: “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.”

In a statement released through a representative, Paul claimed she was taking steps to ensure her family’s protection after years of alleged abuse.

Her spokesperson noted: “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.”