ABC plans to air shelved Bachelorette season in July

ABC is reportedly preparing to air the previously shelved season of "The Bachelorette" starring Taylor Frankie Paul, with a potential premiere in mid-July. The network had canceled the season's debut in March, just days before its scheduled premiere, after a video surfaced showing a 2023 physical altercation between Paul and her former partner, Dakota Mortensen.

The decision to pull the season followed the release of footage by TMZ that showed Paul kicking Mortensen and throwing metal barstools at him during a dispute. In a statement at the time, a Disney spokesperson said the network would not move forward with the new season, citing a focus on supporting the family involved. A spokesperson for Paul said she was grateful for ABC's support as she prioritized her family's safety and security.

Now, according to multiple reports citing production sources, the network is moving toward airing the season. Editors have continued to cut episodes throughout the hiatus, and ABC has reportedly conducted audience testing to gauge viewer sentiment toward Paul several months after the controversy. Sources indicate network executives have also taken note of Paul's social media posts discussing...