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'Bachelorette' Taylor Frankie Paul Addresses Domestic Violence Allegations
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“Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star Taylor Frankie Paul, whose stint as the “Bachelorette” is set to premiere this weekend, spoke out Wednesday about reports that she’s at the center of a domestic violence investigation ― claims that have upended filming on “SLOMW” and scared off at least one advertiser. “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,” she said when asked about the reports in an appearance on “Good Morning America.” “I’m a person that will always speak my truth. That’s what I’m known for. So when the time is right, I will be,” she continued, saying her focus is on her three children. Paul shares one child with ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen, the other party named in the alleged domestic violence incident. He’s also regularly appeared on “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” an ensemble show that first aired on Hulu in 2024 following Paul’s involvement in a widely publicized Mormon swinging scandal. The fourth season dropped on the streamer last week. Both “SLOMW” and “The Bachelorette” are properties of ABC. Neither representatives for Paul nor spokespeople for the shows immediately returned requests for comment on the allegations. A spokesperson for Utah’s Draper Police Department confirmed to People earlier this week that there was a domestic assault investigation involving Paul and Mortensen, saying that “allegations have been made in both directions” and “contact was made with involved parties” in late February. Police have declined to comment further to the media. In statements to Entertainment Weekly, a rep for Mortensen denied speculation that he’s the one who publicized the alleged investigation. “He knew there was a possibility it could come out, but he was not going to be the one to proactively do that because he has always wanted a decent relationship with Taylor. It’s been really hard to achieve that, but he wants to co-parent well,” the rep said. Mortensen prefers not to comment on incidents involving his on-again/off-again relationship with Paul, the rep continued, but “I think he realizes with the severity of everything now that he just can’t do that.” And Mortensen allegedly warned producers for “The Bachelorette” about Paul’s “behavior and past abuse” before she started filming the dating show, TMZ reported Wednesday. Reports about the investigation have caused some shakeups on both of Paul’s shows. This week, baked goods chain Cinnabon confirmed it is terminating its collaborations with both programs amid the scandal. “Recent developments and allegations surrounding the lead cast member led us to reassess this collaboration as it no longer aligns with our brand values,” said Cinnabon, which announced earlier this month it was releasing some “Bachelorette”-themed packaging and two other products with “SLOMW” tie-ins. And in her “Good Morning America” appearance, Paul confirmed reports that the ensemble show had halted filming on its fifth season, saying she’s gotten word that it’s “been paused.” “As far as I know it was, but I don’t know for how long,” she added. A source familiar with production told People on Monday that none of Paul’s cast mates on the show “want to be associated with her” amid the scandal. Sunday’s premiere of “The Bachelorette” includes a clip of Paul speaking about a domestic incident. (HuffPost has viewed the first episode ahead of its premiere.) “I was very lost in every aspect, and I came home mad one night and we got in a fight. I’ve never drank since that night. I got my act together. I got in major therapy, and I’ve been in that ever since. I cleaned up my life,” she tearfully tells one of her suitors in a teaser at the end of the episode. Paul was previously arrested for a domestic violence involving Mortensen in 2023. She was slapped with misdemeanor charges of assault, criminal mischief and commission of domestic violence in the presence of a child, and police said there was evidence her actions harmed a child. Paul reached a plea deal later that year, pleading guilty to aggravated assault in exchange for all other charges being dismissed with prejudice. By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.