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Bachelorette's Taylor Frankie Paul responds to leaked domestic violence video as ABC pulls new season off air
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Taylor Frankie Paul has spoken out after a leaked domestic violence video resurfaced, with ABC pulling the plug on the upcoming season of The Bachelorette from its scheduled premiere.
The development comes shortly after filming on Mormon Wives season five was halted following a new alleged incident involving Paul and her ex, Dakota Mortensen.
What is Taylor Frankie Paul alleged to have done?
According to reports from TMZ and People, production was paused earlier this week.
Police in Draper City also confirmed there is an active “domestic assault investigation”, noting that “allegations have been made in both directions” and that “contact was made with involved parties on [Feb.] 24th and 25th.”
The situation intensified when TMZ released footage tied to Paul’s 2023 arrest during a dispute with Mortensen, with whom she shares a son.
Paul previously pled guilty to aggravated assault, and the incident was documented on Mormon Wives.
The video appears to show her throwing metal barstools at Mortensen while her young daughter can be heard crying nearby.
The TV star denies allegations
In a statement to People, a spokesperson for Paul pushed back strongly against the video’s release, saying: “It’s sad to see the latest installment of his never-ending, desperate, attention-seeking, destructive campaign to harm Taylor without any regard for the consequences for their child.”
They added that releasing the footage when it did was “a reprehensible attempt to distract from his own behavior”, claiming it “conveniently omits context.”
The 33-year-old Mortensen responded separately, telling Us Weekly: “As anyone who has seen the video will understand, this is a deeply upsetting situation.”
He denied the claims made against him, adding: “I am, unfortunately, used to these baseless claims about me and our relationship, which I categorically deny.”
He said his priority remains their child, stating: “I am focusing on our son and his safety, and hope that Taylor will do the same.”
Amid the growing controversy, Paul has continued promoting her upcoming reality TV appearance.
Speaking at a press event in New York, she admitted the situation has taken a toll, telling The Hollywood Reporter: “I think it’s been really difficult and heavy given, you know, all the headlines and what’s going on.”
She added that she’s coping as best she can, describing it as “struggling, but trying to show up at the same time.”
She later echoed those feelings on Good Morning America, calling it a “heavy time.”
In the wake of the backlash, ABC has pulled season 22 of The Bachelorette from its original air date, while Hulu has yet to confirm when or if Mormon Wives will resume production.
