Full Breakdown
Domestic Violence Allegations Lead to Cancellation of Taylor Frankie Paul's Season of _The Bachelorette_
3/20/2026, 12:14:24 PM
Overview of the Incident
Taylor Frankie Paul, a reality star known for her role in _The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives_, has found herself at the center of a domestic violence investigation involving her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen. The Draper City Police Department in Utah confirmed that an open investigation is underway, with allegations made in both directions. This situation escalated dramatically when a video surfaced, showing Paul physically attacking Mortensen during an altercation in 2023, which reportedly occurred in the presence of their daughter, Indy.
The leaked footage, published by TMZ, depicts Paul throwing metal barstools at Mortensen, with one chair allegedly striking her daughter. Mortensen can be heard in the video stating, “Your daughter just got hit in the head by a metal chair,” as the child cries in the background. This incident led to Paul's previous arrest in 2023, where she faced multiple charges, including aggravated assault and domestic violence in the presence of a child. She later pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, with other charges dismissed.
Cancellation of _The Bachelorette_
In light of the newly released video, ABC announced the cancellation of Paul's upcoming season of _The Bachelorette_, which was set to premiere on March 22, 2026. A spokesperson for Disney Entertainment stated, “In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of _The Bachelorette_ at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family.” This unprecedented move comes just days before the show's scheduled debut, marking a significant moment in the franchise's history.
Impact on Production and Co-Stars
The fallout from the investigation has also affected production on _The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives_, with filming for its fifth season paused. Sources indicate that cast members are distancing themselves from Paul amid the ongoing situation, expressing discomfort with filming alongside her. Mikayla Matthews, a co-star, confirmed that the decision to halt production was a collective one, stating, “We didn’t feel comfortable filming with everything that was happening.”
Official Statements and Reactions
Paul's representatives have characterized the release of the video as part of a “never-ending, desperate, attention-seeking, destructive campaign” by Mortensen to harm her reputation. They argue that the timing of the video's release, coinciding with their son's birthday, was a deliberate attempt to distract from Mortensen's own behavior. Mortensen, in his response, emphasized his priority is the safety of their son, Ever, and denied any intention to provoke public scrutiny.
Paul, during a press event for _The Bachelorette_, expressed her distress over the situation, stating, “Honestly, it’s been a heavy time to see the headlines, especially during this time of _The Bachelorette_ being released.” She acknowledged the emotional toll the allegations have taken on her, describing it as feeling like “the end of the world.”
What's Next?
As the investigation continues, it remains unclear whether ABC will eventually air Paul's season of _The Bachelorette_ or if it will be permanently shelved. The network has not provided further details on the future of the show, leaving fans and industry observers questioning the implications of this scandal on the franchise's reputation and future casting decisions.
The situation highlights the complexities of reality television, particularly regarding the personal lives of its stars and the potential for serious consequences stemming from their actions. As the investigation unfolds, both Paul and Mortensen's futures in the public eye remain uncertain.
