Summary (tl;dr)

TikTok star and upcoming "Bachelorette" lead, Taylor Frankie Paul, is embroiled in a domestic violence controversy with her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, which has led to a leaked video of a past incident, an ongoing investigation, and the pausing of her other reality show. This scandal is trending as her "Bachelorette" season is set to premiere.

Essential Background

Taylor Frankie Paul gained fame as part of the "MomTok" community of Mormon influencers in Utah. In 2022, she became widely known after a "soft swinging" scandal that led to her divorce from her first husband, Tate Paul. Her life, including her tumultuous on-again, off-again relationship with Dakota Mortensen, has since been documented on the Hulu reality series "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives." Paul was announced as the newest "Bachelorette" in September 2025, marking the first time someone from outside the franchise was cast in the role.

The Full Story

Taylor Frankie Paul is currently trending due to a resurfaced video and an ongoing domestic assault investigation involving her and her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen. The controversy broke just days before her season of ABC's "The Bachelorette" is scheduled to premiere on Sunday, March 22.

The leaked video, published by TMZ, shows a 2023 domestic violence incident where Paul threw metal barstools, one of which reportedly struck her then-5-year-old child. Following this 2023 incident, Paul was arrested in Herriman, Utah, and later pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in abeyance, with other charges dismissed, and was placed on a three-year probation set to end in August 2026.

More recently, the Draper City Police Department confirmed an open domestic assault investigation between Paul and Mortensen, with "allegations made in both directions." This new investigation has led to both Paul and Mortensen being ordered to undergo psychological evaluations. Furthermore, production for Season 5 of "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" has been paused, reportedly because cast members refused to film with Paul due to the allegations of violence. Despite the intensifying backlash, ABC plans to air Paul's "Bachelorette" season as scheduled.

Why It Matters

This trend matters due to concerns over domestic violence allegations, especially those involving a child, and the decision by ABC to proceed with Paul's "Bachelorette" season amidst the controversy. The situation has sparked significant public discussion about accountability for reality TV stars and the responsibility of networks in casting individuals with documented legal issues. Brands, such as Cinnabon, have reportedly cut ties with Paul and "The Bachelorette," and some viewers are calling for the show's cancellation. The case also highlights the complexities of public and private lives for social media influencers whose relationships and personal struggles are often broadcast for entertainment.

Geographic Location

• Draper, Salt Lake County, Utah, United States (ongoing domestic assault investigation involving Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen)
• Herriman, Salt Lake County, Utah, United States (location of Taylor Frankie Paul's 2023 arrest and domestic violence incident)