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Taylor Frankie Paul breaks silence on a domestic assault investigation just days before her Bachelorette premiere. The reality TV star addressed allegations she’s being investigated for a February incident involving ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen. Her candid statement reveals the emotional toll as the season launches.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Investigation Status: Draper City Police confirmed an open domestic assault investigation on March 16, 2026
- Premiere Date: The Bachelorette Season 22 airs Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC
- Previous Incident: Taylor was arrested in 2023 for aggravated assault; charges dismissed via plea deal with 3-year probation
- Production Pause: The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 5 filming halted due to the investigation
Taylor Frankie Paul Opens Up About Timing and Heartbreak
During a press preview in New York City on Tuesday, March 17, the 31-year-old Bachelorette lead spoke publicly for the first time about the allegations. “Honestly, just like, my heart hurts to see it, to go through it, especially at this time,” she told People Magazine. The timing of the investigation hitting days before her premiere has created an emotional perfect storm for the reality television star.
Paul continued, expressing the weight of her situation. “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 is another one.” Despite the challenging circumstances, she emphasized her commitment to showing up for the project she worked on and the opportunities ahead of her.
Taylor Frankie Paul breaks silence on domestic assault investigation days before Bachelorette premiere
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The February 2026 Investigation Details Explained
On March 16, the Draper City Police Department officially confirmed an open domestic assault investigation involving Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen. A police spokesperson stated that allegations have been made in both directions, indicating this isn’t a one-sided claim. Police made contact with both parties on February 24 and 25, marking the official start of the investigation timeline.
The alleged incident prompted Hulu executives to pause filming on Season 5 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. According to sources, production will remain halted until the situation resolves. The investigation stands separate from her previous 2023 case with the same individual.
Bachelorette Season 22 Status and Network Response
| Detail | Information |
| Premiere Date | Sunday, March 22, 2026 |
| Network | ABC (8:00 p.m. ET/PT) |
| Streaming | Available next day on Hulu |
| Season Number | Season 22 |
| PR Management | ABC hired crisis management for controversy |
ABC has confirmed the premiere will proceed as scheduled, though the network has reportedly hired a crisis PR manager to handle media fallout. Despite the controversy, contestants from the show allegedly feel betrayed by the allegations emerging just before launch, with sources telling media outlets that the men were blindsided by the domestic violence investigation.
What Happened in Taylor’s 2023 Domestic Violence Case
On February 17, 2023, Taylor Frankie Paul was arrested after Dakota Mortensen called police during an alleged altercation. Court documents reveal she was accused of kicking, choking, and throwing heavy metal chairs during an argument. One chair allegedly struck her then 5-year-old daughter. She faced multiple felony charges including aggravated assault and domestic violence in the presence of a child.
In August 2023, the case ended in a plea in abeyance. Paul pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated assault, all other charges were dismissed, and she received 3-year probation. She served one day in jail. During a September 2025 interview on the Call Her Daddy podcast, Taylor claimed all charges “were all dropped” and stated she never hurt her children, calling the incident a blessing that helped her grow.
“It’s just heavy. It’s a heavy time, and it’s unfortunate. I’m struggling for sure, but also at the same time I feel like if I don’t show up, then I’m just giving these opportunities away and not enjoying what we’ve worked on and something super exciting that’s coming.”
Taylor Frankie Paul, Reality Star
How Will This Impact Taylor Frankie Paul’s Future in Reality Television
The allegations have already created ripple effects across her career. Cinnabon cut ties with her over the controversy, stating the partnership “no longer aligns with our brand values.” Her costars on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, including Jessi Ngatikaura, are distancing themselves, with sources claiming the cast decided “as a unit” that they’re taking the production pause and don’t want to be associated with her right now.
Despite the personal turmoil and brand fallout, Taylor has remained relatively quiet since allegations surfaced. What happens after her Bachelorette premiere remains uncertain. The investigation with Draper City Police continues, and the reality television world watches to see whether the premiere resonates with audiences or whether the controversy overshadows the new season entirely.
Sources
- People Magazine – Comprehensive coverage of Taylor Frankie Paul’s domestic violence investigation and her public statements
- Parade – Detailed reporting on Taylor’s press preview and her emotional response to the allegations
- Draper City Police Department – Official confirmation of the ongoing domestic assault investigation
