Featured Image Credit: John Fleenor/Disney via Getty Images
Topics: TV And Film, Entertainment, Reality TV, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Crime
Lucy Devine
Topics: TV And Film, Entertainment, Reality TV, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Crime
Warning: This article contains discussion of domestic violence which some readers may find distressing.
A Bachelorette contestant has spoken about their series of the show being pulled following the release of a video, allegedly involving a domestic incident, from 2023.
Earlier this week, it was announced that the already-filmed season, starring The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' Taylor Frankie Paul was being cancelled, just days before it was due to premiere.
Paul was due to be this season's bachelorette, with the first episode due to premiere this Sunday (22 March) on ABC.
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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."
Now, one contestant has spoken about their thoughts on what's happened, telling E! News that 'part of me is just so f**king p*ssed'.
“We all gave up so much to go do this. We all came in with open hearts. We treated her kindly and respectfully and gave her a second chance," they said. “[We] tried to let her turn over a new leaf and we all believed her when she said she did.
“Obviously, the way she acted and the way she treated all of us in hindsight is just a waste of time, a waste of energy, a waste of emotional intelligence.
“I'm getting emotional even just thinking about it. It's pretty heavy for all of us.”
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 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.
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."
Meanwhile, Mortensen told Entertainment Weekly: "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."
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.
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 Mortensen on TikTok, which featured a video of the pair dancing to Beyoncé's 'Cuff It'.
Following a turbulent few months, which saw the couple briefly split and sadly suffer an ectopic pregnancy, Paul 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 Paul's Hulu reality show, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
Despite the domestic violence incident, Paul and Mortensen 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'.
Paul 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.
On March 19, Paul'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 Mortensen.