In recent developments, Taylor Frankie Paul, known for her appearance on “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” is once again under scrutiny following the resurfacing of a disturbing video from an altercation that occurred in February 2023. The footage captures Paul in a heated confrontation with her then-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, during which she reportedly threw metal chairs and yelled while her five-year-old daughter was present.
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The controversy surrounding this incident has intensified after the video was leaked in March 2026, prompting renewed interest in Taylor’s behaviour during the altercation. The original confrontation led to Taylor’s arrest on charges including assault and domestic violence in the presence of a child. She later pled guilty in abeyance to aggravated assault, a plea that may potentially lessen or dismiss the charge if she complies with specific conditions.

Notably, Taylor’s ex-husband, Tate Paul, has made serious allegations about Taylor’s mother, Liann May, suggesting that she has been “coaching” their daughter in relation to the violent incident. During a police call on February 24, 2023, just days after the altercation with Mortensen, Tate expressed concerns about a “conflict of interest” regarding May’s involvement. He implied that she was not acting in the best interests of their child by interjecting herself into the situation.
According to Tate, May’s influence over their daughter has raised alarm, as he described her attempts to guide the child’s responses. Following the couple’s divorce in 2022, they were granted joint legal and physical custody, which further complicates the dynamics of the case. So far, neither May nor Taylor has publicly responded to Tate’s claims, and efforts to obtain comments from Tate have been unsuccessful.
Details from the 2023 police report indicate that the incident left the couple’s daughter with a small injury described as a “goose egg” on her head. Tate reported that he was unable to capture clear photographic evidence of the injury due to its size and the child’s hair. He also requested that police maintain direct communication with him rather than Liann May during their investigation.
Interestingly, new investigations into Taylor and Mortensen have emerged in early 2026. Two separate police departments in Utah are currently looking into allegations of domestic assault involving the couple, who share a son, Ever, aged two. The Draper City Police Department confirmed an open investigation, stating that allegations have been made by both parties. Meanwhile, the West Jordan Police Department has also reported an active domestic violence case related to Mortensen’s earlier complaints against Taylor.
In light of these continued legal troubles, Mortensen has sought a protective order against Taylor as of March 19, with a hearing scheduled for early April. Following the circulation of the 2023 video, a spokesperson for Taylor defended her, suggesting that the clip omits crucial context and is a disparaging attempt by Mortensen to divert attention from his behaviour.
Conversely, Mortensen issued a statement reiterating the severity of the situation. He expressed his intentions to focus on the wellbeing and safety of their son, while categorically denying any claims made against him. He emphasised that he is accustomed to facing unfounded accusations regarding their relationship.
ABC, which had previously planned to air a season of “The Bachelorette” featuring Taylor, cancelled the show shortly after the video’s release. The network decided to cut the episode just days before its premiere, reflecting the seriousness of the allegations against Taylor.
In response to the cancellation, a spokesperson for Taylor indicated that she is thankful for the supportive stance taken by ABC as she navigates these family crises. The spokesperson further stated that Taylor has lived in silence due to fears of retaliation and public humiliation but is now seeking ways to ensure her family’s safety while contemplating sharing her side of the story.
Reports have also surfaced alleging a pattern of provocation, with indications that Mortensen has a history of inciting Taylor before filming her reactions. A source close to Taylor suggested that videos of the interactions are intentionally misleading, implying that they do not capture the full picture and skew the narrative against Taylor.
As this situation continues to unfold, the legal ramifications for both parties could have lasting implications, particularly for Taylor, who remains on probation stemming from her previous charges. The outcome of the ongoing investigations and court proceedings is eagerly anticipated as they may significantly impact the lives and futures of all involved.
