The Draper City Police Department has confirmed an ongoing investigation into allegations of domestic assault involving reality television star Taylor Frankie Paul and her former partner Dakota Mortensen. The situation has arisen amidst rising tensions as Paul prepares for her role as the lead on the upcoming season of ABC’s popular dating show, The Bachelorette, which is set to premiere on 22 March.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/taylor-frankie-paul-bachelorette-031726-e14ce0b8b77e4ea0a09811fcf7b8782f.jpg)
Sources have indicated to People that filming for the fifth season of *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives*, in which Paul features, has been temporarily halted due to significant developments relating to her personal circumstances. The police department stated that “allegations have been made in both directions,” indicating that both parties are subjects of the inquiry, and that they had been in contact with the involved individuals on 24 and 25 February.
At present, Paul remains focused on her impending Bachelorette debut, with sources emphasising the importance of this moment for her career. “She obviously has a really big moment coming up next week,” a source noted, highlighting her determination to concentrate on the show’s launch despite the drama surrounding her private life.
However, not all has been smooth sailing for Paul as reports suggest that several contestants vying for her affection have expressed feelings of betrayal after learning of the unfolding events. “They felt betrayed when they found this out because they all went into this to genuinely get to know Taylor,” said a source close to the cast, reflecting their disappointment regarding the situation.
Meanwhile, the women from Paul’s co-starring cast in *Mormon Wives* are reportedly distancing themselves from her amidst the controversy. Statements from sources suggest that many cast members do not wish to be associated with her during this turbulent period, revealing the strain the ongoing investigation has placed on her relationships within the group.
This is not the first time Paul has faced scrutiny for her personal life. Earlier in 2023, she was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence following an altercation with Mortensen. In that incident, she was charged with misdemeanour assault and related offenses, allegedly involving the throwing of a chair during an argument that endangered her child. Paul later claimed on the podcast *Call Her Daddy* that the charges were dropped.
As the premiere date approaches, her castmates have raised questions about her readiness for the matchmaking process. “I don’t think she’s ready,” stated fellow cast member Mayci Neeley, expressing concern for Paul in light of her recent history. Others have remarked on the dual nature of her impending reality television journey, with Mikayla Matthews suggesting that while it may be entertaining, there are genuine uncertainties regarding Paul’s emotional preparedness.
However, some of her castmates remain optimistic about her potential for growth through this experience. Whitney Leavitt remarked on Paul’s willingness to share her life experiences, commenting, “She’s willing to put her whole life out there—the good, the bad, the scandals, the dirty, the ugly.” Jessi Ngatikaura even referred to the show as a “Dakota rehab,” suggesting that the experience could ultimately lead to meaningful lessons for Paul.
The Bachelorette, which is set to air its latest season this Sunday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, represents a critical opportunity for Paul to explore new relationships and navigate her tumultuous private life in front of the cameras. As anticipation builds for the programme, viewers will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how these recent developments shape her narrative on the show and beyond.