Taylor Frankie Paul defends her social media activity after backlash, apparently shrugging it off.
A lot has happened over the last week in Paul’s life, but that hasn’t made her shy away from being active online. In fact, the reality star has hit back at social media users who are calling her out for being online while so much has happened.
In the wake of domestic violence allegations involving ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen, ABC released the news that they were cancelling her season of The Bachelorette. While a great call for the network, it’s still a shame for many fans that they’re going without a new season.
The call was made the same day a video showing a physical altercation between the two was leaked. The video was intense, showing Paul assaulting Mortensen, hitting him with a chair, pulling his hair, and putting him in what seems to be a headlock. Along with that, the chair was seen coming close, if not hitting, their child.
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Taylor Frankie Paul repeatedly attacked Dakota Mortensen during the 2023 incident in which she pled guilty to aggravated assault; video shows that one of her children was struck during the fight.
— TMZ (@TMZ) March 19, 2026
Trigger Warning. https://t.co/77CKYpLxvn pic.twitter.com/avr49EacY3
But Paul isn’t letting that ruin her mood. The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star has been responding to fans telling her to embrace the “get off your phone challenge” and process things offline.
The news has rapidly circulated, with immense backlash heading Paul’s way. Even still, she’s posting and commenting on social media.
“If I were [Taylor Frankie Paul], I would not be on my phone,” pop culture Holden Smith said on TikTok. “I would actually just tell someone to take it from me because I wouldn’t be able to see all of the discourse surrounding me. But then to, like, go comment back is just, like, another level.”
Paul didn’t ignore the question. She went to the comments and asked, “Want me to stare at the wall instead?”
Holden didn’t stop there. He made another post replying with, “Well, yes, Taylor Frankie Paul. Yes, I would like for you to stare at a wall instead. This is what I’m talking about when I said that someone should take her phone away.” In the comments of his own video, he writes, “I’m bored like let’s take accountability!!”
That’s not the only reply she’s making. In other situations, she’s replying to comments saying that being online is part of her job and “yes, I still have work.”
She also hasn’t shied away from the allegations and the criticism; she did an interview with Vulture, headlined “The Messiest Woman on Television.” In the interview, she talks about her current situation and the recent cancellation of The Bachelorette.
The comments are not encouraging or supportive, with one comment saying, “It’s time to quit.” It’s a shame to see Paul almost take pride in the situation rather than taking a step back and seeking the help that she needs.
In addition to staying online amidst the drama, a spokesperson for Paul told People that “Taylor is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritises her family’s safety and security. After years of silently suffering extensive mental and physical abuse as well as threats of retaliation, Taylor is finally gaining the strength to face her accuser and taking steps to ensure that she and her children are protected from any further harm.”
“There are too many women who are suffering in silence as they survive aggressive, jealous ex-partners who refuse to let them move on with their lives. Taylor has remained silent out of fear of further abuse, retaliation and public shaming. She is currently exploring all of her options, seeking support, and preparing to own and share her story.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). You can also text “START” to 88788 if you need help to be more discreet.