Taylor Frankie Paul opens up in emotional first televised interview amid domestic assault investigation

On March 18, 2026, Taylor Frankie Paul, an actress who is starring on the new ABC television show The Bachelorette and starred in Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wivestalked about the ongoing police investigation regarding her alleged physical abuse by her former boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, during an interview on Good Morning America. She stated she felt “heaviness” because of the headline news regarding the alleged domestic abuse. The Draper City Police Department stated that there is an open “domestic assault investigation” involving both Taylor and Dakota. The organizations have confirmed that they have received and responded to calls regarding physical abuse between the two on February 24 and 25, 2026, and that neither man has yet been charged with a crime. Dakota has not responded to any requests for comment.

Paul stated that the intense media spotlight was overwhelming for her. “The sensation of having your life broadcast out there in the headlines is like the end of the world. That’s how I feel about it. I will not lie,” Paul said. She suggested that it is hard to see oneself outside of the situation; however, she also indicated that she has learned from past experiences and is trying to use her past to guide her. “I’ve been in this situation before, and I’ve gotten through it and shared my story with others and allowed them to see my light. I hope that I will be able to do it again someday,” Paul concluded. She emphasized her desire to speak her truth when the time is right while focusing on what is happening right now.

Coincidentally, with the premiere of The Bachelorette on March 22, Paul viewed the show as a way of breaking away from a toxic cycle in Utah to pursue her dreams as a mother of three children. Yet, the scandal would halt production on season five of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives (the series has been given an indefinite pause), and an unnamed source reported that cast members are distancing themselves from Paul.

As the mother of Indy, Ocean, and Ever, Paul continues to identify her children as her top priority, despite all of the difficulties and hardships she is having both personally and professionally. She has not spoken with Mortensen and made it clear. As the investigation continues, Paul aims to navigate the fallout while promoting her new chapter in reality television.