A Full Breakdown of the Taylor Frankie Paul Controversy Ahead of ‘The Bachelorette’
The Bachelorette Season 22 has found itself embroiled in controversy before it even premiered. In the days leading up to Taylor Frankie Paul‘s March 22 debut, shocking allegations about a “domestic violence incident” have been made about the lead and her ex, Dakota Mortensen. Taylor has now addressed the allegations against her and revealed where she stands with her ex.
There’s a lot to unpack with the developing situation. Given how The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 4 ended, what’s allegedly happened offscreen recently, and Taylor and Dakota’s past, you probably have some questions. We’re breaking down the recent Taylor Frankie Paul controversy, what she’s said about it, and how it’s impacting her two reality shows.
What has Taylor Frankie Paul said about the allegations?
Taylor broke her silence about the allegations in an interview with People on March 17. “Honestly, just like, my heart hurts to see it, to go through it, especially at this time,” she said. “Just the timing is hard, and it’s a big deal. I feel like every premiere that I’ve experienced, I’ve never enjoyed fully, so this is another one… It’s extremely hard, and it took everything to get me here today.
She added, “It’s just heavy. It’s a heavy time, and it’s unfortunate. I’m struggling for sure, but also, at the same time, I feel like if I don’t show up, then I’m just giving these opportunities away and not enjoying what we’ve worked on and something super exciting that’s coming. I just feel like it was the right thing to do… show up even though it’s hard.”
Taylor Frankie Paul responds to recent headlines about an alleged domestic violence incident with her ex-boyfriend, the future of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” and what fans can expect from this season of “The Bachelorette.” pic.twitter.com/1J0BsJyOW1
— Good Morning America (@GMA) March 18, 2026
The following day, Taylor sat down for her first televised interview since the allegations were made. “It’s hard to see past this — I’m not going to lie — in this moment, it’s just so heavy,” Taylor said on Good Morning America. “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.”
She continued, “Honestly, it’s been a heavy time to see the headlines, especially during this time of The Bachelorette being released, and it’s supposed to be a really exciting time. I’m a person that will always speak my truth and that’s what I’m known for and so when the time is right, I will be. But right now just trying to be in the present moment and focus on this.”
What are the allegations surrounding Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen?
People reported that a Draper City Police Department spokesperson confirmed that there is an open “domestic assault investigation” involving Taylor and Dakota. There are allegations “in both directions” and “contact was made with involved parties on [February] 24th and 25th.”
According to TMZ, Dakota has called the Utah Division of Child and Family Services “more than a few times” and has alleged that Taylor has been physically abusive to their son, Ever. Taylor is denying the allegation. The outlet reported that Taylor and Dakota got into a “heated argument” last month over a spilled drink in the car. Sources close to Taylor claim that Dakota became “enraged” and “got physical with her.” Dakota’s side alleges that he called the police, and Taylor “was the one who got physical.”
More allegations have continued to roll out. A source close to The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives production claimed to TMZ that Dakota and Taylor began fighting at his place over his romantic past and his situation with Shinia Powell. The outlet reported that Taylor “allegedly choked Dakota and ripped his necklace off, and grabbed his throat and face” with their son in the room. A source also claimed that Dakota called the police, but Taylor apologized and “convinced him to change his story.” When she returned the next night, Taylor “allegedly scratched his neck during a second night of fighting, and chucked his phone against a wall.” Dakota’s friend “saw his neck the next day, and called police … responding officers interviewed him, and we’re told they also saw proof of his injuries.”
TMZ is also claiming that Dakota has made “numerous calls” to DCFS, and both Dakota and Taylor have been ordered to undergo a psychological evaluation.
As of now, Taylor and Dakota have “no contact,” she told Entertainment Weekly. At the moment, Taylor and Dakota are using a “third party” to handle “pick-up, drop-offs, communication.”
What happened between Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen?
Taylor and Dakota have had an on-again, off-again relationship since 2022. In February 2023, Taylor was arrested on misdemeanor charges of assault, criminal mischief, and commission of domestic violence in the presence of a minor after an altercation with Dakota.
She addressed the incident in the first season of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. “Getting arrested, it was the worst night of my life. I ended up being charged with aggravated assault with three years of probation,” Taylor said.
In September 2023, Taylor and Dakota announced they were expecting a baby together. They welcomed Ever in March 2024. Taylor and Dakota’s rocky relationship continued, and there were accusations of Dakota cheating on Taylor and sending sexual messages to one of Taylor’s family friends.
Through all of the drama, Taylor and Dakota were still sporadically hooking up — at Stagecoach in April 2025, in Los Angeles in September, and, according to Dakota, the night before Taylor left to film The Bachelorette.
What does this mean for The Bachelorette?
The Bachelorette Season 22 is still airing as planned. The season will debut on March 22 at 8/7c on ABC.
Why did Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 5 stop filming?
TMZ initially reported that Season 5 filming was on pause due to allegations involving Taylor and Dakota. Production is allegedly “currently shut down” because “the situation became intense enough that filming couldn’t continue as planned.”
However, People is now claiming “none of the women want to be associated with [Taylor]” following the allegations. “The girls are very overwhelmed. They all banded together, and they don’t want to come back right now. They were just getting tired of Taylor, honestly,” a source said.
The rest MomTok has reportedly “all decided as a unit that they’re taking the production pause, that they don’t want to film right now. I don’t think they care about her really right now. They’re just kind of like, ‘We’re done for right now.'”
On Good Morning America, Taylor spoke about the production pause. Despite being an executive producer, she doesn’t “call the shots with production.” She has “gotten word that there’s a pause,” but she doesn’t know how long it will last.
Season 4 of Mormon Wives premiered on March 12 with 10 episodes. The Hulu reality series was renewed for 20 more episodes back in November 2025, which will be split into Seasons 4 and 5.
The Bachelorette, Season 22 Premiere, Sunday, March 22, 8/7c, ABC
