Page Six and USA Today recently interviewed Ashlee Difuntorum to gain legal insights into the potential lawsuits surrounding the cancellation of “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star Taylor Frankie Paul’s “The Bachelorette” season. The cancellation of the 22nd season of ABC’s hit TV show was made abruptly on March 19, 2026, after the release of a 2023 video that showed Paul engaging in violent behavior, including yelling, kicking, and throwing furniture at her previous partner, with a child crying in the background.
The cancellation of the show has left many wondering if Paul, ABC, or the production companies have any legal recourse. Page Six’s article, “Taylor Frankie Paul could face lawsuit, be forced to return ‘Bachelorette’ paychecks over canceled season: expert,” and USA Today’s article, “Taylor Frankie Paul’s ‘Bachelorette’ canceled. Can ABC get a refund?” both call on Ashlee to provide insights into the situation.
Ashlee speculates on whether Paul could sue ABC or the production companies for the late cancellation. She explains how a lawsuit could potentially arise, stating to USA Today, “If she’s already been paid and the production companies feel that they’re under contract and she needs to owe it back, and she doesn’t want to give it back, that could be a lawsuit. … I mean, theoretically, anyone can file a lawsuit.” However, Ashlee acknowledges in the article that she believes it’s unlikely Paul will pursue legal action due to the demanding nature of litigation.
Ashlee weighs in on the question many are asking about whether ABC can sue the show’s production companies, such as Warner Horizon Unscripted Television, due to the financial loss incurred from the canceled season. She shares with Page Six and USA Today that if ABC were to sue Warner Horizon Unscripted Television, it would stem from the production company’s improper assessment of Paul as a lead. Ashlee reveals a potential argument ABC may use, stating that “Warner Horizon Unscripted Television failed to properly background check Paul when casting him, if that was part of the contract.”
Ashlee discusses this topic with Page Six, emphasizing the significance of evaluating Paul as the series lead. She suggests that if ABC believes the production company failed to adequately vet Taylor Frankie Paul, they might seek reimbursement or compensation from the production company. However, Ashlee acknowledges that the production company likely knew about Paul’s alleged assault from 2023, which would make this argument challenging for ABC to pursue. If ABC was aware of the incident before the production and planned release of the season and chose to continue, Ashlee explains to Page Six, “ABC would likely have a hard time obtaining any compensation from the production company.”
Ashlee also discusses the chances of the other contestants winning a legal case, expressing her high skepticism. She informs USA Today that “Usually, contracts explicitly state that it’s the production company’s footage, and they have the freedom to use it as they please, including not using it at all.”
To read the full article in Page Six, visit here.
To read the full article in USA Today, visit here.
