The upcoming season of ABC’s “The Bachelorette” has been place on hold following allegations of domestic violence involving lead Taylor Frankie Paul and her ex-partner, Dakota Mortensen. The decision comes amid an ongoing investigation and has similarly paused production on the fifth season of the Hulu reality series, “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” where Paul is a central figure. The situation marks a dramatic turn for Paul, who was set to make history as the first contestant from outside of “Bachelor Nation” to lead the popular dating show.
The Draper City Police Department in Utah confirmed to multiple outlets, including The Hollywood Reporter, that a “domestic assault investigation” is underway involving Paul, and Mortensen. Police stated that “allegations have been made in both directions” and that contact was made with both parties on February 24th and 25th. The timing of these allegations has thrown both of Paul’s television projects into uncertainty.
Filming Paused on Both Reality Shows
Production on season five of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” has been halted for at least two to three weeks, according to a source close to the show who spoke with E! News. The pause comes as Paul navigates “some pretty serious stuff happening regarding her past,” as a source told People. The show’s future hinges on the resolution of the current situation.
The disruption extends to “The Bachelorette,” which was scheduled to premiere on March 22nd. ABC and Hulu have not yet publicly commented on the status of either show. Paul’s casting on “The Bachelorette” was already a noteworthy event, breaking with the show’s tradition of selecting leads from within the “Bachelor” franchise.
Conflicting Accounts and a Leaked Video
Details surrounding the allegations have begun to emerge, including a leaked video from 2023 appearing to show a physical altercation between Paul and Mortensen. TMZ reported that the video, which has circulated online, appears to show Paul throwing bar stools at Mortensen, with their then 23-month-old son nearby.
Mortensen’s representative released a statement to Entertainment Weekly emphasizing his priority is protecting their son, Ever. The statement indicated Mortensen “knew there was a possibility it could come out, but he was not going to be the one to proactively do that as he has always wanted a decent relationship with Taylor” and that he “wants to co-parent well.”
Paul Addresses the Situation
Paul herself recently addressed the situation, acknowledging the difficulty of the timing. “My heart hurts to see it, to go through it, especially at this time,” she told Good Morning America. “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 represents another one.” Despite the challenges, Paul indicated she intends to continue with press appearances for “The Bachelorette.”
Impact on Cast and Crew
The allegations have also created distance between Paul and her co-stars on “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.” According to a source who spoke with The Hollywood Reporter, “None of the women want to be associated with her.” This suggests a significant fallout within the cast as the investigation unfolds.
The situation raises questions about the vetting process for reality television participants and the potential impact of personal controversies on ongoing productions. The future of both “The Bachelorette” and “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” remains uncertain as authorities continue their investigation and the involved parties navigate the legal and personal ramifications of these allegations.
As of now, the Draper City Police Department has not released a timeline for the completion of their investigation. Further updates regarding the status of both television shows are expected as the situation develops. The next confirmed step will be the police department’s report on their findings.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please reach out for help. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit https://www.thehotline.org/.
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