Taylor Frankie Paul Avoids Domestic Violence Charges

The Bachelorette star was investigated but not charged after an alleged altercation with her ex-boyfriend.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:09pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of shattered glass and glittering shards, capturing the dramatic and fragmented nature of the Taylor Frankie Paul domestic violence investigation.The fallout from the Taylor Frankie Paul domestic violence case continues to reverberate through the entertainment industry.Salt Lake City Today

Reality TV star Taylor Frankie Paul will not face domestic violence charges following an investigation into an alleged incident with her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen. The Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office cited a lack of evidence and the statute of limitations in its decision not to file charges against Paul, who was previously arrested in 2023 for assault, criminal mischief, and domestic violence in the presence of a child.

Why it matters

The decision not to charge Paul comes after ABC shelved her upcoming season of The Bachelorette amid the domestic violence investigation. The controversy has raised questions about the future of the Bachelor franchise and how it handles allegations of misconduct by its stars.

The details

In 2023, footage surfaced of an altercation between Paul and Mortensen, in which Paul was seen throwing metal chairs at Mortensen in the presence of their young daughter. Paul was arrested at the time and charged with several misdemeanors, but later reached an abeyance deal and served 36 months of probation. The recent decision by prosecutors not to file additional charges was based on a lack of evidence and the statute of limitations on some of the alleged incidents.

  • In 2023, footage of the alleged altercation between Paul and Mortensen was released.
  • Paul was arrested in 2023 and charged with assault, criminal mischief, and domestic violence in the presence of a child.
  • Paul reached an abeyance deal in 2023 and served 36 months of probation.
  • This week, prosecutors in Utah announced they would not file additional charges against Paul.

The players

Taylor Frankie Paul

A reality TV star who was set to lead the next season of The Bachelorette before the season was shelved due to the domestic violence investigation.

Dakota Mortensen

Paul's ex-boyfriend, with whom she shares a young son, and who was involved in the alleged domestic violence incident.

Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office

The prosecutors who decided not to file charges against Paul, citing a lack of evidence and the statute of limitations.

Debra OConnell

The Chairman of Disney Entertainment Television who made the decision to cancel Paul's season of The Bachelorette.

Trista Sutter

The star of the first season of The Bachelorette, who expressed hope that the Paul controversy would not mark the end of the franchise.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The remaining incidents lack sufficient evidence to support filing criminal charges where the state must be able to prove such allegations beyond a reasonable date. Such incidents lack specificity as to when and what actually occurred or corroboration.”

— Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office

“I hope this doesn't mark the end of the franchise. I think it's an opportunity for the franchise to really take a hard look at how they vet their contestants and how they handle these types of situations.”

— Trista Sutter, First Bachelorette

What’s next

The Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office has stated that while they will not file additional charges against Taylor Frankie Paul, the investigation remains open and they will continue to monitor the situation.

The takeaway

The decision not to charge Taylor Frankie Paul highlights the challenges in prosecuting domestic violence cases, especially when there is a lack of evidence or the statute of limitations has expired. The controversy has also raised broader questions about the vetting and handling of misconduct allegations within the Bachelor franchise.