Reality TV drama is once again swirling around “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star Taylor Frankie Paul, and this time, it involves both her love life and her past controversies. As many know, Paul’s season of “The Bachelorette” was abruptly scrapped in mid-March after a resurfaced 2023 video showed a violent altercation involving her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, with her young daughter present. Even as the fallout from her past continues to make headlines, Taylor Frankie Paul appears to be turning the page and possibly giving love another shot.
Taylor Frankie Paul hasn’t given up on love, even as controversy continues to follow her. The 31-year-old is reportedly “seeing” Doug Mason, who was rumored to be the winner of her now-canceled season of “The Bachelorette.”
According to a source, the pair are “trying to make it work” during what’s been a turbulent time for Paul. “They were hanging out recently,” the insider claimed. “And want to see if they can get back together and be a couple.”
But as she explores a possible new chapter with Mason, the controversy that continues to follow her still looms large.
Past Arrest, Guilty Plea, And Doug Mason’s Support Amid Fallout
The controversy traces back to Paul’s February 2023 arrest, with body camera footage later showing a heated argument between her and Mortensen. In the video, Mortensen is seen speaking with officers and detailing alleged incidents, at one point saying, “I can’t even tell you the stuff that’s happened to me,” while showing injuries he claimed were caused by Paul.
Following the incident, Paul pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in August 2023. Several other charges were dropped as part of a deal, and she is currently serving probation, which is expected to conclude in August 2026.
Despite the legal fallout and ongoing scrutiny, Mason still chose to stand by Paul publicly in the aftermath. He shared a message on social media saying he was ‘sending prayers to Taylor because that was her moment and her moment was blocked. “All we can do right now is just be hopeful, and I am headed off to run to watch the sunrise,” he wrote.
Paul later responded to the gesture, writing, “Aw my heart goes out to him. So sweet,” signaling appreciation for his support during a difficult time.
Taylor Frankie Paul Claims Dakota Mortensen Tried To ‘Sabotage’ Her
As the drama continues to unfold, Paul has also made serious claims against Mortensen in a witness statement, accusing him of “trying to sabotage” her. As The Blast previously reported, documents from the Draper County Police Department, obtained by Us Weekly, show that Paul alleged Mortensen has a pattern of disruptive behavior.
“Dakota has a history of creating these situations, and there is a pattern of him trying to sabotage anything big or exciting happening with my life,” she said in her March 4 witness statement. She also claimed that significant career milestones, including the release of a new season of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” and trailers for “The Bachelorette,” appeared to trigger conflict.
Shortly after the allegations surfaced, Taylor Frankie Paul took to Instagram with a deeply personal update, before ultimately stepping back from social media altogether. In a candid post, she revealed ongoing mental health struggles, writing, “I was diagnosed with PTSD about two years ago, which I assume is now [Complex post-traumatic stress disorder].”
She continued, “Here come the ugly parts of what healing actually looks like,” she wrote. “If you know me you know I’ll admit my parts, flaws, and faults. I’m well aware thats apart of it. We’ll get there.”
Taylor Frankie Paul Finds Strength In Faith Amid Ongoing Struggles
Amid the challenges surrounding her personal life, Taylor Frankie Paul shared that she’s been finding strength through her faith and the support around her. Reflecting on the emotional weight she’s been carrying, Paul described moments of breaking down while still trying to hold onto gratitude.
“I cried on my knees in pain while also saying THANK YOU,” she shared. “We have a road ahead but regardless I’m forever freed from a certain living hell I couldn’t find my way out of.”
