Taylor Frankie Paul breaks silence on ABC pulling her season of The Bachelorette
Warning: This article contains discussion of domestic violence which some readers may find distressing.
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Taylor Frankie Paul's representative has issued a statement after her already-filmed season of The Bachelorette was canceled, just days before it was set to premiere.
The reality TV star, 31, was supposed to be this season's bachelorette, with the first episode due to premiere this Sunday (22 March) on ABC.
However, a Disney Entertainment Television spokesperson said in a statement yesterday (19 March): "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."
Advert
It comes after allegations have been made against Paul involving a domestic incident.
A Draper City Police Department representative previously confirmed that a 'domestic abuse investigation' had been opened earlier this week involving Paul and her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen.
The spokesperson said that 'allegations have been made in both directions', and that 'contact was made with involved parties on [Feb] 24th and 25th'.
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star was previously arrested on suspicion of domestic violence in 2023 following an argument with Mortensen, 33.
At the time, the mum-of-three faced misdemeanor charges of assault, criminal mischief, and commission of domestic violence in the presence of a child. However, she struck a deal in which she pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated assault and had the other charges dismissed.
On Thursday (19 March), footage was released by TMZ allegedly showing what led to the arrest, prompting ABC to pull Paul's season of The Bachelorette.
Now, breaking her silence on the show being cancelled, a spokesperson for Paul said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE Magazine: "Taylor is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes 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."
The spokesperson added: "There are too many women who are suffering in silence as they survive aggressive, jealous ex-partners who refuse to let them move on with their lives.
"Taylor has remained silent out of fear of further abuse, retaliation, and public shaming. She is currently exploring all of her options, seeking support, and preparing to own and share her story."
While Mortensen said in a statement to PEOPLE: "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."
Paul also appeared on Good Morning America on Wednesday (18 Mar) in her first televised interview since the 'domestic incident' news broke.
She said: "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."
The reality TV star added: "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."
Paul is a mother of three children - she shares her two oldest with her ex-husband Tate Paul, Indy, eight, and Ocean, five, and her youngest, Ever, one, with her ex, Mortensen.
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.
Topics: Reality TV, News, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Crime, Entertainment, TV And Film
Madison Burgess