Summary (tl;dr)

TMZ has released a video from a 2023 domestic violence incident involving reality star Taylor Frankie Paul, leading ABC to cancel her upcoming season of "The Bachelorette" and halting production on "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives."

Essential Background

Taylor Frankie Paul is a Utah-based TikTok influencer and a prominent figure on the Hulu reality series "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives." Her public profile expanded significantly in 2022 following revelations about her involvement in a "soft-swinging" arrangement within her Mormon community. In February 2023, Paul was arrested in Herriman, Utah, after a domestic dispute with her then-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, turned physical. The incident allegedly involved Paul throwing objects, some of which reportedly struck one of her children who was present. She later pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in August 2023, with other charges being dismissed.

The Full Story

On March 19, 2026, TMZ published video footage of the February 2023 domestic violence altercation involving Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen. The video reportedly depicts Paul kicking Mortensen, attempting a headlock, and throwing barstools, with Mortensen claiming one of the chairs struck their daughter. Following the release of this video, ABC announced the immediate cancellation of Paul's upcoming season of "The Bachelorette," which was slated to premiere in just a few days. In addition, production for the fifth season of her reality series, "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," has also been halted. Separately, Paul and Mortensen are currently subjects of a new domestic assault investigation in Draper City, Utah, with authorities confirming that allegations have been made by both parties regarding incidents in late February 2026.

Why It Matters

This situation holds significant importance as it demonstrates a major network's swift action in response to newly surfacing evidence of domestic violence allegations against a prominent reality TV personality. The public exposure of the 2023 incident's video, combined with ongoing legal issues, brings into question the due diligence and vetting processes for individuals cast in high-profile entertainment roles. The alleged involvement of a child in the initial altercation and the continuation of domestic assault investigations further amplify the serious concerns regarding personal safety and accountability within the public eye.

Geographic Location

• Herriman, Salt Lake County, Utah, United States (location of 2023 domestic violence incident and arrest)
• Draper City, Salt Lake County, Utah, United States (location of ongoing domestic assault investigation in February 2026)
• Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States (location of ABC/Disney Entertainment Television, which canceled "The Bachelorette" season)