Taylor Frankie Paul Returns to Instagram After Bachelorette Cancellation, Domestic Violence Investigations

The 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' star shared her first post since news broke of multiple domestic violence investigations and the cancellation of her 'Bachelorette' season.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 2:55pm

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An abstract, high-contrast close-up photograph of shattered glass and crumpled fabric, conveying the emotional upheaval and personal struggles of a public figure.The personal turmoil of a reality TV personality is reflected in the shattered, glittering textures of their private life.Draper Today

Taylor Frankie Paul, the star of the reality show 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives', has returned to Instagram with her first post since news broke of multiple domestic violence investigations involving her and her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen. This comes after ABC canceled Paul's already-filmed season of 'The Bachelorette' in response to a surfaced 2023 video depicting a violent altercation between Paul and Mortensen. Paul was previously arrested in 2023 for alleged domestic violence, and two Utah police departments have since opened separate domestic violence investigations in response to new alleged incidents involving Paul and Mortensen.

Why it matters

The cancellation of Paul's 'Bachelorette' season and the ongoing domestic violence investigations have raised concerns about issues of abuse, accountability, and the entertainment industry's handling of such sensitive matters. The situation has also impacted the production of 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives', with multiple cast members refusing to film with Paul.

The details

In March 2023, a video surfaced showing Paul yelling, putting Mortensen in a headlock, and throwing chairs at him while a child could be heard crying. This led to ABC canceling Paul's already-filmed season of 'The Bachelorette' just days before its scheduled premiere. Paul was previously arrested in 2023 for alleged domestic violence, and in February 2024, two Utah police departments opened separate domestic violence investigations in response to new alleged incidents involving Paul and Mortensen. The Draper City Police Department confirmed an ongoing 'domestic assault investigation' involving the pair, who share a 2-year-old son, while the West Jordan Police Department opened an 'active domestic violence case' involving Mortensen and Paul.

  • In March 2023, a video depicting a violent altercation between Paul and Mortensen was published by TMZ.
  • In 2023, Paul pleaded guilty in abeyance to aggravated assault, and the other charges were dropped.
  • In February 2024, two Utah police departments opened separate domestic violence investigations involving Paul and Mortensen.
  • On March 16, 2024, the Draper City Police Department confirmed an ongoing 'domestic assault investigation' involving Paul and Mortensen.
  • On March 25, 2024, the West Jordan Police Department confirmed an 'active domestic violence case' involving Mortensen and Paul.

The players

Taylor Frankie Paul

A 31-year-old reality TV personality who stars in the show 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives'. She was set to be the lead on the upcoming season of 'The Bachelorette' before it was canceled due to the domestic violence investigations.

Dakota Mortensen

Paul's ex-boyfriend, with whom she shares a 2-year-old son. Mortensen has been involved in the domestic violence investigations with Paul.

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What they’re saying

“I am, unfortunately, used to these baseless claims about me and our relationship, which I categorically deny.”

— Dakota Mortensen

“They all banded together and they don't want to come back right now. They were just getting tired of Taylor, honestly.”

— A source close to production

“None of the women want to be associated with her.”

— A source close to the cast

What’s next

The ongoing domestic violence investigations involving Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen are still active, and the future of 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' production remains uncertain as cast members have refused to work with Paul.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex issues surrounding domestic violence allegations in the entertainment industry, the importance of accountability and due process, and the challenges faced by production teams and cast members when dealing with such sensitive and high-profile situations.