Reality Star Confronts Abuse Allegations Following Show Cancellation
Taylor Frankie Paul, known from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, has publicly addressed allegations against her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, after ABC abruptly pulled her scheduled season of The Bachelorette this week. The network's decision came in response to a newly surfaced video from 2023 that appears to show a domestic violence incident between Paul and Mortensen, with whom she shares a child.
Network Support and Family Safety Prioritized
A spokesperson for Paul provided a detailed statement to Variety, emphasizing her gratitude for ABC's support during this challenging period. Taylor is very grateful for ABC's support as she prioritizes her family's safety and security, the representative explained. 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.
ABC confirmed to HuffPost that their primary focus remains on supporting the family through this difficult situation. The network's cancellation of Paul's Bachelorette season follows the release of a video by TMZ, reportedly recorded by Mortensen, which appears to depict Paul hitting him while their eight-year-old daughter was present in the room. In the footage, Mortensen can be heard stating, This is called physical abuse, and alleging, Your daughter just got hit in the head by a metal chair.
Legal History and Ongoing Investigation
This incident is not the first legal trouble involving the couple. Paul was previously arrested in 2023 on assault and domestic violence charges related to Mortensen. She ultimately pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, with all other charges being dismissed with prejudice as part of the agreement.
According to the Draper City Police Department in Utah, there remains an open domestic assault investigation into the matter. A police spokesperson informed People magazine that authorities are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the allegations.
Breaking the Silence on Abuse
In her statement to Variety, Paul directly addressed the broader issue of domestic violence, stating, 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. She concluded her remarks by explaining her previous silence, noting, 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.
For those affected by domestic violence, support is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) in the United States.
