Taylor Frankie Paul spoke on camera Wednesday (March 18), as the Draper City Police Department confirmed an open "domestic assault investigation" involving the Bachelorette lead and her ex, Dakota Mortensen. This development has intensified scrutiny just days before season 22’s premiere.
"It’s hard to see past this – I’m not going to life – in this moment, it’s just so heavy," Paul told the outlet. "When your life is broadcast out there in these headlines, it’s like the end of the world, that’s what it feels like – I’m not going to lie. I will say I’ve been here before and I got through it, and I’ve shared my story and my light, and I’m hoping I can do that again."
The Draper City Police Department confirmed that officers are investigating a domestic-assault matter involving Paul and Mortensen, saying "allegations have been made in both directions" and that contact was made with the involved parties on Feb. 24 and 25. The department has not announced charges or a resolution.
The news lands roughly one week before The Bachelorette’s March 22 premiere. It also came days after season 4 of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives appeared on Hulu, a series that has documented aspects of Paul’s relationship with Mortensen.
"Honestly, it’s been a heavy time to see the headlines, especially during this time of The Bachelorette being released, and it’s supposed to be a really exciting time," Paul explained. "I’m a person who will always speak my truth, and that’s what I’m known for, and so when the time is right, I will be. But right now, just trying to be in the present moment and focus on this."
Although this time in her life has been a whirlwind, she stressed that her main priority is her kids, because they "come first." Production on season 5 of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has reportedly been paused while the matter remains unresolved. Some cast members and MomTok influencers are said to be distancing themselves from Paul. The reality star is listed as one of the executive producers on the show. However, she clarified that she doesn’t "call the shots with production."
"As of now, I have gotten word that it has been paused, but I don’t call the shots," she stressed. "As far as I know, it was [paused], but I don’t know for how long and why."
Paul and Mortensen’s rocky relationship has surfaced repeatedly on the show. In 2023, Paul was arrested following an alleged domestic incident with Mortensen. According to reports, she faced child-abuse-related accusations after an allegation that she threw a chair that struck a child.
Paul later said those charges "were all dropped." Promotional footage and show scenes have also captured tense interactions between Paul and Mortensen, including a FaceTime apology from Mortensen that aired during The Bachelorette’s production. Paul later described such apologies in confession as "just words."
The Bachelorette season 22 remains scheduled to premiere Sunday, March 22, with Paul saying she intends to appear despite the ongoing investigation and personal strain.
This is a developing story, and Fandom Daily will keep fans updated in a timely manner.
Photo Credit: Good Morning America" on March 18, 2026. ABC News
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