Taylor Frankie Paul, the polarizing centerpiece of Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and the lead of the upcoming season of The Bachelorette, addressed the public for the first time Tuesday regarding an active domestic assault investigation involving her and ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen.
Speaking exclusively at a press preview in New York City ahead of the March 22 premiere of The Bachelorette, Paul, 31, described the current period as “heavy” and “unfortunate,” acknowledging the difficulty of promoting a romantic reality series while facing serious legal scrutiny.
“Honestly, my heart hurts to see it, to go through it, especially at this time,” Paul stated. “I’m struggling for sure, but I also feel like if I don’t show up, then I’m just giving these opportunities away.”
Dual Investigations and Casting Concerns
The Draper City Police Department confirmed Monday that an open investigation is underway following allegations made by both Paul and Mortensen. According to a department spokesperson, authorities made contact with both parties on February 24 and 25. While details remain sparse due to the ongoing nature of the case, the timing has sent shockwaves through two major television networks.
Paul’s casting as the lead for ABC’s The Bachelorette was initially seen as a high-stakes crossover event. However, sources close to the production indicate the “gentlemen” vying for her heart are reeling. One insider reported that several contestants feel “betrayed” by the news of the investigation, which allegedly stems from a volatile dynamic with Mortensen that was a recurring theme on her Hulu series.
Despite the turmoil, Paul maintained that filming the dating competition provided a necessary escape from what she described as a “toxic bubble” in Utah.
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Production Halts on ‘Mormon Wives’
The fallout has extended beyond the ABC ballroom. Production for Season 5 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has been abruptly halted. Sources close to the “MomTok” circle indicate that Paul’s costars have collectively distanced themselves from her.
“The girls are very overwhelmed. They all banded together and they don’t want to come back right now,” a production source confirmed. “They were just getting tired of Taylor, honestly.”
The friction within the cast reportedly stems from long-standing resentment regarding Paul’s personal life and its impact on the group’s collective brand. Recent episodes of the Hulu series showed costars expressing concern over Paul’s fitness to lead The Bachelorette, specifically citing a night she allegedly spent with Mortensen immediately before leaving to film the ABC series.
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A History of Legal Complications
This is not Paul’s first encounter with the justice system regarding domestic disputes. In 2023, she was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence following an incident where she was accused of throwing a chair that allegedly struck her young daughter.
Paul later pleaded guilty in abeyance to aggravated assault. Under the terms of that agreement, the charge will be dismissed if she complies with court-mandated conditions. The current investigation in Draper City could potentially complicate her legal standing if new charges are filed.
As of Tuesday afternoon, representatives for Paul, Mortensen, and ABC have declined further comment. The Bachelorette is currently still scheduled to premiere this Sunday at 8 p.m. ET.
