Taylor Frankie Paul speaks out on how her daughter has been affected by 2023 video leak
Warning: This article contains discussion of domestic violence which some readers may find distressing.
Taylor Frankie Paul has now spoken out about how her daughter has been affected by a recent video leak of a 2023 video showing a violent altercation between her and her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen.
Mother-of-three Paul shares daughter Indy and son Ocean with her ex-husband, Tate Paul, before welcoming her two-year-old son Ever with Mortensen in 2024.
The 31-year-old reality TV star has since taken to social media to reveal that her child is once again dealing with the fallout from the 2023 domestic violence case, after video of the altercation began circulating again last week.
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The shocking footage, first reported by TMZ, shows Paul throwing metal chairs at Mortensen during the incident. At one point, Mortensen is heard saying: "Your daughter just got hit in the head by a metal chair."
The moment when her daughter was hit is also detailed in a 2023 indictment obtained by PEOPLE.
At the time, the MomTok founder faced misdemeanour charges of assault, criminal mischief, and commission of domestic violence in the presence of a child. She pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated assault and had the other charges dismissed.
Writing in a comment under a TikTok post, which discussed the incident between Paul and Mortensen, on Friday (20 March), The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star opened up about how her family was being affected by the renewed attention.
"Worst part is my daughter having to relive and see it all over again years later after extensive work with her and apologies to her about that night and my baby boy birthday was taken from him," she wrote.
Paul's latest comments come shortly after the upcoming season of The Bachelorette was dropped.
ABC cancelled the 22nd season of The Bachelorette just a matter of days before its scheduled premiere on Sunday (22 March).
A Disney Entertainment Television spokesperson previously said: "In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of The Bachelorette at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family."
If you are experiencing domestic violence, please know that you are not alone. You can talk in confidence to the national domestic violence helpline Refuge on 0808 2000 247, available 24/7, or via live chat, available 10am-10pm, Monday to Friday.
A timeline of the drama between Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen
September 2022: Taylor announces her relationship with Dakota
After splitting from her husband Tate Paul, who she had been married to since 2016 and welcomed two children, the 'MomTok' founder hard-launched her relationship with Dakota on TikTok, which featured a video of the pair dancing to Beyoncé's 'Cuff It'.
February 2023: Domestic violence arrest
Following a turbulent few months, which saw the couple briefly split and sadly suffer an ectopic pregnancy, Taylor was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, two counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child, child abuse with injury and criminal mischief after the incident.
All but the aggravated assault charge were dismissed.
The scandal then played out on Taylor's Hulu reality show, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
September 2023: Pregnancy announcement
Despite the domestic violence incident, Taylor and Dakota happily announced they were expecting. Their son, Ever True Mortensen, was welcomed on March 19, 2024, with the pair describing him as 'our angel sent from heaven'.
December 2024: Taylor and Dakota split
Taylor posted an emotional TikTok video announcing their split, along with the caption: "Chaos to pure silence. Wouldn’t wish this pain upon anyone, if you’re there take a drive, scream, cry, feel the pain, because I promise avoiding it will make it much worse."
Throughout 2025, the pair would spark rumours of a reconciliation, but ultimately, their relationship never restarted.
March 2026: Leaked video showing domestic incident
On March 19, Taylor's The Bachelorette season was pulled by ABC after a video from 2023 was leaked, which appeared to show a domestic violence incident going on between her and Dakota.
March 2026: Taylor and Dakota speak out
A spokesperson for Taylor said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE Magazine: "Taylor is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritises her family’s safety and security.
"After years of silently suffering extensive mental and physical abuse as well as threats of retaliation, Taylor is finally gaining the strength to face her accuser and taking steps to ensure that she and her children are protected from any further harm."
Taylor then spoke out herself on Good Morning America, saying: "When your life is broadcasted out there in these headlines, it’s like the end of the world, that’s what it feels like. I’m not going to lie.
"I will say I’ve been here before and I got through it, and I’ve shared my story and my light, and I’m hoping I can do that again."
Dakota later broke his silence, telling Page Six in a statement: “As anyone who has seen the video will understand, this is a deeply upsetting situation.
“I am, unfortunately, used to these baseless claims about me and our relationship, which I categorically deny. I am focusing on our son and his safety, and hope that Taylor will do the same.”
Topics: Celebrity, TV And Film, Reality TV, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives
Rhiannon Ingle