Taylor Frankie Paul Under Investigation, Leads to Brand Terminations and Show Uncertainty
Reality television personality Taylor Frankie Paul is currently under investigation by the Draper City Police Department in Utah for an alleged domestic assault involving her and Dakota Mortensen. This investigation has led to a major brand partner terminating collaborations with two of Paul's shows and conflicting reports regarding the status of one of her upcoming seasons.
This investigation has led to a major brand partner terminating collaborations with two of Paul's shows and conflicting reports regarding the status of one of her upcoming seasons.
Investigation Details
The Draper City Police Department confirmed an open domestic assault investigation involving Taylor Frankie Paul, 31, and Dakota Mortensen, 33. Law enforcement made contact with both parties on February 24 and February 25.
Allegations have been made by both individuals, who share a 1-year-old son. Authorities have not released further details as the case remains active.
Impact on Television Productions
The BacheloretteConflicting reports have emerged regarding the status of Paul's season of The Bachelorette. Source 1 reported that ABC decided not to move forward with the new season, with Disney Entertainment Television citing a newly surfaced video and a focus on supporting the involved family.
However, Sources 2 and 3 stated that ABC planned to air Paul's season as scheduled on March 22, indicating the ongoing investigation was not expected to affect its release or promotional activities.
Conflicting reports indicate uncertainty for The Bachelorette, with one source suggesting the season will not move forward, while others state it is still scheduled to air on March 22.
Former Bachelorette lead Rachel Lindsay commented on the situation, while another former lead, DeAnna Pappas, suggested the network might be managing the situation internally. Prior to these developments, there was reported public backlash regarding Paul's casting.
Standard protocol for Bachelorette leads typically includes STD, psychological, and criminal background tests. Contestants from Paul's season were reportedly surprised by subsequent news of a brand partnership termination.
The Secret Lives of Mormon WivesProduction on season five of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, which also features Paul as a lead cast member and executive producer, has been paused due to the investigation. The alleged incident did not occur during filming.
While filming for The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is currently paused due to the investigation, the disruption is anticipated to be temporary with minimal impact on the season's release.
While filming remains paused pending an internal production investigation, the pause is expected to be temporary, with production anticipated to resume shortly and minimal impact on the season's release timeline. Paul has been a lead cast member on the series since its debut in 2024.
Co-stars reportedly held a 30-minute Zoom call on March 7 with Disney executives to express concerns regarding the February incident involving Paul and Mortensen.
Brand Partnership Terminations
Cinnabon terminated its collaborations with both The Bachelorette and The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
A Cinnabon spokesperson confirmed the decision, stating that recent developments and allegations surrounding the lead cast member no longer aligned with the company's brand values.
Cinnabon confirmed its decision to terminate partnerships with both shows, citing that the recent developments and allegations no longer aligned with the company's brand values.
Previously, Cinnabon had launched a new Swirled Soda on March 9, inspired by a viral beverage trend popularized by the Mormon Wives cast, and distributed cup sleeves and packaging themed around both shows.
Prior Legal History
In 2023, Paul was arrested following an alleged altercation with Mortensen. She was accused of striking him and throwing metal chairs, one of which reportedly struck one of her children.
In a prior incident in 2023, Paul pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated assault stemming from an alleged altercation with Mortensen.
Paul subsequently pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated assault, while other charges, including domestic violence in the presence of a child, child abuse, and criminal mischief, were dismissed. This prior incident resulted in production delays between the first and second episodes of Mormon Wives Season 1.
Statements from Involved Parties
A representative for Dakota Mortensen issued a statement prioritizing the protection of their young son and expressing hope for a cooperative co-parenting relationship. The representative also disputed suggestions that Mortensen was behind the timing of the allegations becoming public.
Paul has continued promotional appearances and stated she plans to share more details when appropriate, focusing on her children.