‘Bachelorette’ Taylor Frankie Paul Responds to Domestic Violence Claims

“I’m a person that will always speak my truth,” declared Taylor Frankie Paul, the star of “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” during a recent interview. As she prepares for the premiere of “The Bachelorette” this weekend, she finds herself at the center of a domestic violence investigation that has disrupted filming and led to the withdrawal of at least one advertiser.

In an appearance on “Good Morning America,” Paul expressed her dismay over the timing of the allegations, stating, “It’s been a heavy time to see the headlines, especially during this time of ‘The Bachelorette’ being released.” Her focus remains on her three children, as she navigates this turbulent period.

Paul shares a child with Dakota Mortensen, who is also involved in the alleged domestic violence incident. Mortensen has appeared on “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” which gained notoriety following Paul’s involvement in a widely publicized Mormon swinging scandal. The show’s fourth season premiered last week on Hulu.

Both “SLOMW” and “The Bachelorette” are under the ABC umbrella. Representatives for Paul and the shows have not responded to requests for comments regarding the ongoing allegations.

According to a spokesperson from Draper Police Department in Utah, an investigation into domestic assault involving Paul and Mortensen is underway. The spokesperson noted that “allegations have been made in both directions” and that police had contacted the involved parties in late February. Further comments from law enforcement have not been forthcoming.

In statements to Entertainment Weekly, Mortensen’s representative denied claims that he was responsible for leaking information about the investigation. “He knew there was a possibility it could come out, but he was not going to be the one to proactively do that because he has always wanted a decent relationship with Taylor,” the rep stated, emphasizing Mortensen’s desire for effective co-parenting.

While Mortensen typically refrains from discussing their tumultuous relationship, his representative acknowledged that the gravity of the situation has made it difficult to remain silent. Reports surfaced that he had warned producers of “The Bachelorette” about Paul’s “behavior and past abuse” prior to her filming.

The fallout from these allegations has impacted both of Paul’s shows significantly. Cinnabon announced this week that it is terminating its collaborations with both programs due to the recent developments. “Recent developments and allegations surrounding the lead cast member led us to reassess this collaboration as it no longer aligns with our brand values,” Cinnabon stated, having previously launched “Bachelorette”-themed products.

During her “Good Morning America” segment, Paul confirmed that filming for the fifth season of “SLOMW” has been paused. “As far as I know it was, but I don’t know for how long,” she remarked.

A source close to production revealed that Paul’s co-stars are distancing themselves from her amid the controversy. Meanwhile, Sunday’s premiere of “The Bachelorette” features a clip where Paul discusses a domestic incident: “I was very lost in every aspect, and I came home mad one night and we got in a fight. I’ve never drank since that night. I got my act together. I got in major therapy, and I’ve been in that ever since. I cleaned up my life,” she tearfully confesses to one of her suitors.

Previously, Paul faced arrest for domestic violence involving Mortensen in 2023, resulting in misdemeanor charges including assault and criminal mischief. Police indicated evidence suggested her actions had harmed a child present during the incident. Later that year, she reached a plea deal, pleading guilty to aggravated assault while all other charges were dismissed with prejudice.