Taylor Frankie Paul Reacts to Bachelorette Contestant Doug's Support

ABC’s decision to put Taylor’s season of the dating show on hold came in the wake of video from a 2023 physical altercation involving the 31-year-old and then-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen being released by TMZ. (The outlet has not confirmed how it obtained the footage.)

The 2023 incident ultimately led to Taylor—mom to two kids with ex-husband Tate Paul and a son with Dakota—being arrested, with her pleading guilty to one count of aggravated assault.

However, the video’s release comes amid a separate domestic dispute from February, which police have confirmed they are investigating. Following that alleged altercation, production was halted on season five of Mormon Wives. 

In the wake of the video's release and Bachelorette’s pause, Taylor’s rep issued a statement, saying that she was “grateful for ABC’s support” amid the difficult time.

“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,” the March 19 statement to E! News said, “and taking steps to ensure that she and her children are protected from any further harm.”

Taylor’s rep also alleged the reality star had stayed silent about her abuse out of “fear of further abuse, retaliation, and public shaming,” and is “currently exploring all of her options, seeking support, and preparing to own and share her story.”

In his own statement to E! News March 19, Dakota—who filed a restraining order against Taylor that same day—said, “As anyone who has seen the video will understand, this is a deeply upsetting situation. I am, unfortunately, used to these baseless claims about me and our relationship, which I categorically deny.”

He added, “I am focusing on our son and his safety, and hope that Taylor will do the same."

For more about the Mormon Wives cast, keep reading…