Taylor Frankie Paul made her first televised comments regarding the current domestic violence allegations against her stemming from an incident with her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen.
In an exclusive interview, the star of the upcoming season of “The Bachelorette” addressed the allegations and also the reported production shutdown of her hit reality series, “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.”
Taylor Frankie Paul Speaks With ‘GMA’ Amid Domestic Violence Allegations, Says It Feels Like ‘The End Of The World’
On Wednesday, March 18, Taylor Frankie Paul sat down for an exclusive interview with “Good Morning America” to address the domestic violence allegations against her, as well as promote the March 22 premiere of “The Bachelorette” that is still set to air as planned.
Speaking with ‘GMA’ co-host Lara Spencer, Paul shared that at the moment things for her feel like “the end of the world.”
“It’s hard to see past this — I’m not going to lie — in this moment, it’s just so heavy,” Paul said. “When your life is broadcasted 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.”
Paul admitted that things are “heavy” right now despite her being mere days away from her “Bachelorette” debut.
“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,” she added, while also stressing that her children come first.
“I’m a person that 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.”
As for what prompted her to agree to find love on the long-running reality show, Paul said her “Mormon Wives” cast members, Whitney Leavitt and Jen Affleck, had a lot to do with it.
“I looked at that, and I was like, you know, ‘They can do it, and they have kids, and they are going out and chasing their dreams, why can’t I?’ ” she said. “So for me, dating as a mom of three is extremely difficult, so I get to go out, get away from my toxic cycle here in Utah, go date, and then also have my kids come out and visit me. That to me seemed like ‘why not,’ right?”
Paul also confirmed the “Mormon Wives” shut down, but said she was not aware of when it would resume production.
Paul Broke Her Silence On The Allegations Hours Before ‘GMA’ Visit
Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE during a press preview of “The Bachelorette” in New York City on Tuesday, March 17, Paul addressed the domestic violence allegations against her for the first time.
“Honestly, just like, my heart hurts to see it, to go through it, especially at this time,” Paul told the outlet. “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… It’s extremely hard, and it took everything to get me here today.”
“It’s just heavy. It’s a heavy time, and it’s unfortunate,” she continued before sharing that she is currently “struggling” as the details and fallout of the incident continue to unfold.
“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. I just feel like it was the right thing to do… show up even though it’s hard,” Paul said.
‘Bachelorette’ Cast Members Described The ‘Mormon Wives’ Star As ‘Pleasant To Be Around’ On The Show
Several members of the season 22 cast of “The Bachelorette” recently spoke with TMZ and sang Taylor Frankie Paul’s praises, notably pointing out how different she was on the show, in stark contrast to what “Mormon Wives” fans see, and to the current domestic violence allegations against her.
The contestants told the outlet that while filming, Paul was “kind, genuine, and well-intentioned,” and displayed “a softer, more authentic side.” They also added that overall, she was “consistently pleasant to be around.”
Regarding the recent domestic violence allegations, they said that while the claims are “troubling,” they believe there are many misconceptions about Paul and want the public to refrain from rushing to judge, and that the full truth of what happened during the incident will be revealed in time.
‘Mormon Wives’ Production Shut Down And Psych Evaluations Ordered For Taylor Frankie Paul And Dakota Mortensen
Per TMZ, Mortensen has made calls to the Utah Division of Child and Family Services multiple times, alleging Paul has been physically abusive to their son, which Paul firmly denies.
According to the outlet, in late February, the former couple got into a verbal altercation while inside Mortensen’s car after Paul reportedly spilled a drink. Inside sources shared that Mortensen became “enraged” and “got physical” with Paul; however, he called the police and told them that she was the one who assaulted him.
Following the incident, a source close to Paul told TMZ that Mortensen disappeared for weeks and ditched filming, which led to production being put on pause. However, sources with “Mormon Wives” said that filming stopped because cast members refused to film amid the domestic violence and child abuse allegations, despite production wanting to continue filming season 5.
Additionally, due to Mortensen repeatedly calling DCFS on Paul, alleging abuse, both are now required to undergo psychological evaluations.
When production on “Mormon Wives” resumes, it has not been decided what capacity, if any, Mortensen will be in.
Domestic Violence Allegations Were ‘Made In Both Directions,’ Per Authorities
According to PEOPLE, the Draper City Police Department confirmed to the outlet that an open “domestic assault investigation” exists between Paul and Mortensen. Per the police department’s spokesperson, “allegations have been made in both directions” and “contact was made with involved parties on [Feb] 24th and 25th.”
An inside source connected to “Mormon Wives” confirmed the production pause. “They are not filming,” the source said. “Taylor [Frankie Paul] has some pretty serious stuff happening regarding her past, and they will see what happens. Until that resolves, they are off.”
Things are reportedly so serious that Paul’s fellow MomTok members have all distanced themselves from her. “None of the women want to be associated with her,” the source told the outlet.
