Taylor Frankie Paul is navigating a challenging period, publicly addressing the fallout from a leaked video and an ongoing legal battle with her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen. The situation has also led to the cancellation of her upcoming season of The Bachelorette.
In a recent Instagram post, Paul described the past “40 days” as “hell on earth,” detailing panic attacks and a feeling of physical breakdown. She shared that through it all, she found strength in her faith, receiving what she describes as “undeniable signs” from God. She posted images of herself praying, studying the Bible, and seeking support from others.
“I’ve prayed since I was young and never strayed away because I believe he wants us to ask for help especially during our lowest points,” Paul wrote. She shifted her focus from asking for help to expressing gratitude, even during her darkest moments.
Distancing from Mormonism
Paul also revealed a desire to distance herself from Mormonism, the religion in which she was raised and prominently featured on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. While expressing continued love and respect for the faith and her family’s connection to it, she feels a need to forge her own spiritual path.
“I strongly believe in Christ, God, the bible, the divine. I believe we are loved whether we are praying in church building or from a bathroom floor at home,” she stated. She emphasized the importance of open-mindedness and the acceptance of diverse beliefs, noting that she’s found grace and love from people with varying levels of faith.
Impact on Family and Legal Ramifications
The leaked video from a 2023 incident with Mortensen has had a profound impact on Paul’s children. Her eight-year-old daughter, Indy, is “having to relive” the event, and her two-year-old son, Ever, had his birthday overshadowed by the video’s release.
Paul was previously arrested on domestic violence charges following the 2023 incident, facing accusations of assault and domestic violence in the presence of a child. She pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in August 2023, with other charges dismissed, according to ABC4 Utah. The leaked footage, published by TMZ, shows a heated altercation where Paul is seen physically confronting Mortensen.
As a result of the video surfacing, ABC cancelled season 22 of The Bachelorette, stating their focus was on supporting the family. Paul’s spokesperson released a statement expressing her gratitude for ABC’s support and highlighting years of alleged mental and physical abuse and threats.
Furthermore, Dakota Mortensen’s storyline has been removed from the upcoming season of Vanderpump Villa, according to Variety. Executive producer Lisa Vanderpump explained that his role wasn’t significant enough to impact the show’s narrative.
