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ABC Financials · Content Risk · Entertainment Production · Media Lawsuit
Five contestants from "The Bachelorette" are considering legal action against ABC and Warner Bros.
Discovery after their season, featuring Taylor Frankie Paul, was canceled due to a leaked domestic violence video, costing ABC an estimated $50 million or more. The cancellation stemmed from a disturbing 2023 video, leaked Thursday, showing Paul throwing chairs at her ex, Dakota Mortensen, while their 5-year-old daughter, Indy, was present.
Paul was arrested and charged with misdemeanor assault, criminal mischief, and domestic violence in the presence of a child, though all charges were later dropped. Contestants, who put their lives on hold and lost financial opportunities, claim Warner Bros.
Discovery created an unsafe working environment by casting Paul given her past. Insiders told Page Six the cancellation costs ABC tens of millions, potentially $50 million or more, with some sources suggesting $10 to $15 million for production alone.
ABC is replacing the season with "American Idol" reruns. Paul's rep stated the video "conveniently omits context," while Mortensen denied her allegations.
