Dakota Mortensen denies 'baseless claims' as The Bachelorette is cancelled

The cancellation of the upcoming season of The Bachelorette has followed the emergence of a distressing video involving former couple Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen.

Disney Entertainment confirmed the decision to halt production after footage surfaced showing Paul throwing chairs in Mortensen's presence while a child was nearby.

Mortensen, 33, has since issued a statement to E! News addressing the situation and the surrounding domestic violence allegations. “As anyone who has seen the video will understand, this is a deeply upsetting situation,” he noted, adding, “I am, unfortunately, used to these baseless claims about me and our relationship, which I categorically deny.”

The Draper City Police Department confirmed an active domestic assault investigation is underway, noting that “allegations have been made in both directions.”

In response to the show’s cancellation, Paul’s representative claimed the reality star is finally “gaining the strength to face her accuser” after years of alleged abuse. However, Mortensen maintains his focus is on the safety of their two-year-old son.

Disney Entertainment stated their current priority is “supporting the family” following the release of the controversial footage.

The Draper City Police confirmed that “contact was made with involved parties on [Feb] 24th and 25th,” though specific details remain confidential.

While Paul’s team initially denied she was “violent” during the recorded incident, the network’s decision to drop the season highlights the perceived severity of the situation. Both parties have expressed a commitment to prioritising the security of their children as the investigation continues.