Taylor Frankie Paul is back in the spotlight, as the video from her 2023 incident with ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen was released. The video showcases Paul throwing stools at Mortensen, one of which hit her daughter.
The incident is making waves again, impacting Paul’s television appearances and current domestic dispute.
Released Video
TMZ first released the 2023 video. Mortensen recorded the altercation, struggling to record as Paul put him in a headlock. Then, she backs away for a moment before charging him and trying to kick him.
The struggle kicks up a notch when Paul grabs a metal barstool and throws it at Mortensen.
He screams at her, “This is called physical abuse,” and “your daughter is right here,” but it doesn’t deter Paul, who throws two more stools at him.
In the background of the video, you can hear their child, Indy, who was five years old at the time, crying on the couch. The police report notes that Indy was hit and later had a “goose egg on her head.”
Police arrived after a neighbor called in a noise complaint.
In the indictment against Paul, the video showed that Mortensen had “redness and swelling around his eyes, swelling on his elbow, scratches on his fingers, and a laceration on his neck.”
In response to the leaked video, a spokesperson for Paul went on the attack against Mortensen.
They claimed, “It’s sad to see the latest installment of [Mortensen’s] never-ending, desperate, attention-seeking, destructive campaign to harm Taylor without any regard for the consequences for their child. Releasing an old video, which conveniently omits context, on their son’s birthday is a reprehensible attempt to distract from his own behavior. Thankfully, the public has seen this act before and knows who he is and sadly, many will recognize this pattern of manipulation, both in his actions on the show, and from their own experiences.”
2023 Court Decision
Prosecutors used the 2023 tape in their case against Taylor. She pled guilty in abeyance to an aggravated assault charge, with the felony landing her in three years’ probation.
As part of the deal, prosecutors dropped four other charges, including domestic violence in the presence of a child, child abuse, and criminal mischief. For her probation deal, if she stays out of trouble, the conviction will not appear on her record.
Along with probation, Paul had to attend a parenting class to “learn to manage stress and anxiety around her children.” She also attended a “Prime for Life Class to get some information/education about alcohol and its side effects and consequences.”
Current Domestic Case
The 2023 case is not the only one Paul needs to worry about. She’s currently embroiled in another domestic violence case with Mortensen.
The open investigation is by the Utah Division of Children and Family Services, alongside the West Jordan Police Department.
Three undisclosed sources claimed there was an “ongoing investigation,” though they provided no further details on record.
The West Jordan Police Department confirmed to NBC News on Wednesday that the department received a domestic violence allegation via phone call surrounding Paul.
As of now, the police department is working on establishing the facts of the case.
Impact on TV Appearances
Paul’s actions in the 2023 video and today have impacted her television appearances.
In September, Paul was announced as the star of Season 22 of The Bachelorette. However, after the video was leaked, the network changed its mind. Just days before the season premiere on Sunday on ABC, the network pulled the plug, cancelling the entire season.
A spokesperson for Disney Entertainment Television announced:
“In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of The Bachelorette at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family.”
This wasn’t the only show impact.
On March 16th, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives paused production due to the current domestic violence investigation between Paul and Mortensen by the Draper City Police Department.
A source noted that the cast unanimously decided to take a break from filming for now, with no return date in sight.