Reality television star Taylor Frankie Paul recently made her first public appearance following the revelation of an ongoing domestic assault investigation involving her and ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen. This appearance occurred on March 17, amidst controversy surrounding her personal life as she prepares for the launch of the latest season of The Bachelorette.
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The investigation is reportedly being conducted by the Draper City Police Department in Utah, where both parties are said to have made various allegations against one another. Paul, 31, spoke exclusively to PEOPLE during a press preview in New York City, expressing her emotional tumult in light of the troubling revelations.
“Honestly, just like, my heart hurts to see it, to go through it, especially at this time,” Paul said. She further acknowledged the difficult timing of the situation, explaining that she has never fully enjoyed a premiere due to personal challenges. “It’s extremely hard, and it took everything to get me here today,” she remarked.
In light of the reported allegations, the production of her previous show, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, has been temporarily paused. Sources close to the situation revealed that cast members are distancing themselves from Paul as the investigation unfolds. “They are not filming,” a source confirmed, indicating that the gravity of Paul’s ongoing issues is significant enough to impact the series.
The tension among cast members appears to be palpable. A source noted that none of the women involved want to be associated with Paul at this juncture. “The girls are very overwhelmed,” the source stated, asserting that they have collectively chosen to take a step back from filming. “They kind of all decided, as a unit, that they’re taking the production pause, that they don’t want to film right now,” another insider added.
Meanwhile, several cast members from The Bachelorette, where Paul is the titular star, are reportedly disillusioned by the circumstances surrounding the unfolding drama. The men competing for her affection on the show are said to be frustrated and feel a sense of betrayal upon learning of the situation. However, another insider claimed that Paul maintains a positive relationship with the contestants.
The allegations surfaced shortly after the release of the latest season of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, which showcased some of Paul’s co-stars expressing concerns about her leading a dating competition given her fraught relationship history with Mortensen. Compounding the issues, it was revealed that Paul spent the night with Mortensen just before starting production on The Bachelorette.
This is not the first time Paul has faced legal challenges regarding her relationship with Mortensen. In 2023, she was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence following a heated argument. Reports indicated that she allegedly threw a chair at Mortensen during an altercation, resulting in misdemeanor charges of assault, criminal mischief, and domestic violence in the presence of a child. Paul pleaded guilty in abeyance to aggravated assault, with the provision that the charge would be dismissed if she met specific conditions.
As this situation evolves, representatives for Paul, Mortensen, and ABC have yet to comment on the latest allegations. Season 22 of The Bachelorette, featuring Paul, is set to air on March 22, just days after her emotional appearance in New York City.
While the future of her personal and professional life hangs in the balance, Paul has expressed her commitment to showing up for her fans and the opportunities before her. “It’s a heavy time, and it’s unfortunate,” she reflected, emphasising her intention to stay focused on the upcoming season.
For those who may be experiencing domestic violence, resources are available, including the National Domestic Violence Hotline, which offers support and assistance 24/7.