Taylor Frankie Paul fires back at advice to stay away from social media following The Bachelorette controversy
Warning: This article contains discussion of domestic violence allegations which some readers may find distressing.
Taylor Frankie Paul has shared her response to one fan's advice to step back from social media after her season of The Bachelorette was cancelled following domestic violence allegations.
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star hit back at a TikTok user who suggested she should step away from posting online during the controversy.
Taking to the platform over the weekend, the TikToker began: "Taylor Frankie Paul Get Off Your Phone Challenge.
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"Why are you commenting back to people and reposting TikToks? Her world literally just blew up. I would say her team should take her phone away from her, but no, she literally is reposting TikToks that are in support of her and she’s commenting back to people on Instagram."
Responding to the video, Paul commented: "Want me to stare at the wall instead?"
Just a matter of days prior (19 March), ABC pulled season 22 of The Bachelorette, with Paul as the lead, due to an ongoing Utah police investigation and after a 2023 video surfaced showing an alleged altercation between the reality TV star and her ex-partner, Dakota Mortensen.
Both Paul and Mortensen have levelled allegations against one another.
At the time, Paul 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.
A Draper City Police Department representative recently confirmed that there is an ongoing 'domestic abuse investigation' involving Paul and Mortensen, adding that 'allegations have been made in both directions', and that 'contact was made with involved parties on [Feb] 24th and 25th'.
Taylor Frankie Paul's statement
A representative for Paul has previously addressed the matter in a statement to PEOPLE: "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."
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."
Paul herself spoke out 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 Mortensen has previously addressed the matter (Instagram/dakota_mortensen)
Dakota Mortensen's response
Mortensen has since broken 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."
The former couple share a son together, Ever True, who they welcomed on 19 March 2024.
Is The Bachelorette really cancelled?
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 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.
Topics: Celebrity, Advice, Reality TV, TV And Film, Parenting, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives
Rhiannon Ingle