Taylor Frankie Paul Domestic Violence Investigation Rocks Bachelorette Premiere Week and Halts Mormon Wives Filming

Taylor Frankie Paul is facing the biggest crisis of her public life — just days before her debut as the lead on The Bachelorette. A domestic violence investigation involving the reality star and her ex Dakota Mortensen has exploded into headlines, halted Mormon Wives Season 5 filming, and cost her a major brand deal, all while she presses forward in New York City for press appearances.

Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen Under Active Police Investigation

Reports surfaced on March 16, 2026, about an apparent legal dispute between Taylor Frankie Paul and ex Dakota Mortensen, who share a child, Ever, now 23 months old. A spokesperson for the Draper City Police Department confirmed that Paul and Mortensen have an open domestic assault investigation, with allegations made in both directions. Contact was made with involved parties on February 24 and 25.

Both Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen have been ordered to undergo psychological evaluations following the allegations of physical violence. Taylor's side claims Dakota attacked her during a car argument. Dakota's side alleges Taylor choked him and ripped his necklace off, and that the following day she scratched his neck — prompting a friend to call police.

What Happened — Conflicting Accounts From Both Sides

Taylor's team says Dakota had been calling Utah's Department of Children and Family Services, alleging Taylor abused their nearly two-year-old son, Ever — which she firmly denies. Taylor's people say the confrontation came to a head approximately three weeks ago during an argument inside a car, where they allege Dakota attacked her.

Dakota's team tells a completely different story, alleging Taylor was the aggressor across multiple incidents — including choking him and scratching his neck on separate occasions. The competing narratives have left investigators sorting through deeply conflicting accounts from both sides.

Mormon Wives Season 5 Filming Paused Indefinitely

Production on Season 5 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives came to a halt as the Draper City Police Department investigates the domestic violence allegations. A source confirmed the pause is temporary, and it appears likely production will resume soon without a major impact on the season's release timeline. The incident did not occur while cameras were rolling.

Sources told outlets on Tuesday that Season 5 remains on pause. A source previously told People that the Mormon Wives cast was distancing themselves from the Bachelorette lead amid the situation. Paul pushed back, saying she has always been graceful with all the cast members even at their darkest and hardest times.

Taylor Frankie Paul Speaks Out at Bachelorette Press Event in NYC

At a press preview event for The Bachelorette in New York City, Paul addressed the investigation publicly for the first time. She told reporters her heart hurts going through this, especially at this time, calling the timing hard and a big deal. She added that it took everything to show up to the event.

Paul described the situation as heavy and unfortunate, saying she is struggling but also trying to show up at the same time. She acknowledged that if she does not appear, she risks giving away opportunities and missing something super exciting that is coming.

Taylor Frankie Paul Domestic Violence History With Dakota Mortensen

This is not the first time Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen have faced a domestic violence dispute. The Bachelorette star was previously arrested in February 2023 and charged with felony aggravated assault, two counts of felony domestic violence in the presence of a child causing injury, misdemeanor child abuse, and misdemeanor criminal mischief following an earlier incident involving Dakota.

Paul pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in August 2023 while her other charges were dismissed. The fallout from that arrest, along with her turbulent relationship and pregnancy with Mortensen, was documented throughout the first season of Mormon Wives, which became a quick success for Hulu.

Cinnabon Drops Bachelorette Partnership Over Taylor Frankie Paul Allegations

Cinnabon announced it has terminated its collaboration with both The Bachelorette and The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives in the wake of the investigation. A company spokesperson stated the recent developments and allegations surrounding the lead cast member led them to reassess, as the situation no longer aligns with their brand values.

Despite the investigation, The Bachelorette Season 22 starring Taylor Frankie Paul is still set to premiere on ABC on March 22. ABC has confirmed the release schedule and press plans remain unchanged. Paul was in New York City Tuesday promoting the season ahead of a premiere event in Los Angeles this weekend.