ABC has become thelatest network to pull a reality seriesin the wake of controversy.
On March 19 — just three days before its scheduled premiere — the network scrappedTaylor Frankie Paul's already-filmed season ofThe Bachelorette. The decision came afterTMZreleased a February 2023 video that showedThe Secret Lives of Mormon Wivesstarthrowing chairsat her ex-boyfriend,Dakota Mortensen.
"In light of the newly released video that surfaced today, we have made the decision not to move forward with the new season ofThe Bacheloretteat this time, and our focus is on supporting the family," a Disney Entertainment Television spokesperson said in a statement.
Paul was previouslyarrestedfor alleged domestic violence in 2023. She pled guilty in abeyance to aggravated assault, which means that if she complies with the conditions of the plea, that charge will be dismissed. Meanwhile, the other charges have already been dismissed.
A spokesperson for Paul said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE, "Taylor is very grateful for ABC's supportas she prioritizes her family's safety and security. 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."
The statement continued, "There are too many women who are suffering in silence as they survive aggressive, jealous ex-partners who refuse to let them move on with their lives. Taylor has remained silent out of fear of further abuse, retaliation and public shaming. She is currently exploring all of her options, seeking support, and preparing to own and share her story."
Mortensen called the incident "a deeply upsetting situation" in a statement to PEOPLE. "I am, unfortunately, used to these baseless claims about me and our relationship, which I categorically deny," he said. "I am focusing on our son and his safety, and hope that Taylor will do the same."
Paul's situation is far from unprecedented. Over the years, several reality shows have been pulled following headline-making scandals. In 2009,Megan Wants a Millionairewas canceled after it was revealed that one of itscontestants was a suspect in a murder case.
A few years later, VH1 scrappedEv and Ochoin 2012 afterChad "Ocho Cinco" Johnsonwasarrested on a misdemeanor domestic violence charge.
Here's everything to know about eight reality TV shows that never aired — and why.
Welcome to the Neighborhood
In 2005, ABC canceledWelcome to the Neighborhoodless than two weeks before its premiere date after facing intense backlash over its controversial premise, perThe Spokesman-Review.
The reality series followed a group of diverse families competing to win a home near Austin, Texas, but the twist — having three White, conservative families decide which contestants were "fit" to be their neighbors — drew immediate criticism.
Advocacy groups and critics argued that the format risked promoting racial, religious and anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination, while some raised concerns that it could even violate fair housing laws.
"Why should people of color and others be humiliated and degraded to teach White people not to be bigots?" Shanna Smith, former president of the National Fair Housing Alliance, said at the time. "That's not good for race relations in America."
ABC said in a statement, "Given the sensitivity of the subject matter in early episodes we have decided not to air the series at this time."
I Love Money Season 3 and Megan Wants a Millionaire
BothI Love Moneyseason 3 andMegan Wants a Millionairewere pulled by VH1 in 2009 after a shocking real-life crime involved one of their contestants.
The network canceled the shows after it was revealed thatRyan Jenkins— who had appeared onMegan Wants a Millionaireand wonI Love Moneyseason 3 — was a suspect in the murder of his wife, modelJasmine Fiore.
Fiore was found dead in a suitcase in California in August 2009, and Jenkins was later charged with her murder. As the case gained national attention, Jenkins fled to Canada, where he wasfound dead by suicide.
In response, VH1 immediately removedMegan Wants a Millionairefrom its schedule after only a few episodes had aired, whileI Love Moneyseason 3 — despite being fully filmed — was never broadcast.
"Given the unfortunate circumstances, VH1 has postponed any future airings. This is a tragic situation and our thoughts go out to the victim's family," a statement from the network read.
Ev and Ocho
VH1 canceledEv and Ochoin August 2012 following a domestic violence incident involving its stars,Chad "Ocho Cinco" Johnsonand his then-wife, Evelyn Lozada.
"Due to the unfortunate events over the weekend and the seriousness of the allegations, VH1 is pulling the series 'Ev and Ocho' from its schedule and has no current plans of airing it," the network said in a statement at the time, perVariety.
Just weeks before the reality series was set to premiere, Johnson was arrested on a charge of misdemeanor domestic violence after allegedly head-butting Lozada. The incident quickly made headlines, and Lozadafiled for divorceshortly afterward.
"I would like to apologize to everyone for the recent events that have occurred. I would like to wish Evelyn well and will never say anything bad about her because I truly love her to death," Johnson said in a statement at the time.
Lozada added, "It is my sincere hope that he seeks the help he needs to overcome his troubles. Domestic violence is not okay, and hopefully my taking a stand will help encourage other women to break their silence as well."
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Johnson was ultimately sentenced to 30 days in jail, perThe Guardian.
Good Grief
Lifetime'sGood Griefwas canceled in July 2014 before it ever aired after a shocking criminal investigation derailed the series ahead of its premiere, per theFort Worth Star-Telegram.
The reality show centered on the Johnson Family Mortuary in Fort Worth, Texas, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how the family-run business helped clients navigate loss while planning funerals and honoring the lives of loved ones.
However, just days before its scheduled debut, authorities arrested the mortuary's owners after multiple decomposing bodies were discovered inside the facility. The case quickly escalated, with officials each charging Dondre Johnson and Rachel Hardy-Johnson with seven counts of abuse of a corpse.
"The program featuring the Johnson Family Mortuary has not and will not air on Lifetime," Les Eisner, former vice president of corporate communications and publicity at Lifetime Networks, said in a statement. "The allegations are deeply troubling, and our thoughts and prayers go to the families affected by this situation."
Dondre ultimately pled guilty to nine counts of abuse of a corpse, perKSL. He was ultimately sentenced to two years in prison relating to charges of felony theft, per theLos Angeles Times; meanwhile, Rachel was sentenced to nearly two years in prison on anunrelated food stamps charge. It's unclear what happened in their abuse of corpse cases.
Flip It Forward
In 2014, HGTV canceledFlip It Forwardfollowing controversy over hosts David and Jason Benham's past remarks on LGBTQ+ issues and abortion.
The home renovation series was set to follow the real estate brothers as they helped homeowners transform and sell properties for a profit. However, shortly before its debut, reports resurfaced highlighting the Benhams' involvement in speaking engagements and activism tied to organizations opposing same-sex marriage and abortion.
The backlash was swift, with critics arguing that the brothers' views clashed with HGTV's inclusive brand. The network ultimately chose to pull the show, saying in a statement, "HGTV is not moving forward with the Benham Brothers' series at this time."
"The conversation didn't last long. They didn't explain why," Jason toldABC Newsof their phone call with HGTV. "We kind of understood why, and we didn't want to pry. They simply said, 'We need to part ways, we can't go on any longer.' "
The Great American Baking Show Season 3
ABC pulledThe Great American Baking Showseason 3off the air in December 2017 after sexual harassment allegations surfaced against judgeJohnny Iuzzini.
In aMicreport, two pastry chefs and two unpaid externs who worked under Iuzzini at Jean-Georges in New York City between 2009 and 2011 accused him of inappropriate behavior, prompting several more women to come forward with similar claims.
Iuzzini denied the allegations at the time, but the controversy ultimately led ABC to halt the remainder of the season.
"In light of allegations that recently came to our attention, ABC has ended its relationship with Johnny Iuzzini and will not be airing the remainder ofThe Great American Baking Showepisodes," an ABC spokesperson said in a statement at the time. "ABC takes matters such as those described in the allegations very seriously and has come to the conclusion that they violate our standards of conduct."
The season's winner, Vallery Lomas, spoke about the decision in a December 2017 Facebook Live. "Unfortunately because of the actions of Johnny Iuzzini, we are not able to broadcast the show as was originally planned," she said. "I have experienced harassment, disrespectful comments and the pain those comments and actions can cause."
The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Season 4
Season 4 ofThe Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Triphas never been released by Bravo or Peacock following an alleged incident involving cast membersCaroline ManzoandBrandi Glanville.
A year later, Manzo filed aformal lawsuitagainst Bravo over the alleged sexual harassment she said she experienced during filming. In asigned affidavitobtained by PEOPLE in May 2024, Manzo claimed that Glanville "rubbed her vagina on me" while they were seated on a couch.
She also alleged that Glanville later followed her into a bathroom, locked the door and began "forcibly kissing me, rubbing her vagina on me and then [fondling] my vagina against my will."
Glanville hasdenied the allegationsand said the decision to delay the season's release has only prolonged the situation.
"I just want it to air so I can move on with my life," Glanville toldEntertainment Tonightin January 2024. "Nothing happened, that's all I can really say. It's been the worst year of my life."
If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go tothehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.
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