In a shocking development, Taylor Frankie Paul has been accused of assaulting her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen, with a video of the incident released by TMZ on March 19, 2026. The video reportedly shows Paul attacking Mortensen in front of their daughter, raising serious concerns about the safety of the children involved.
Following the release of the video, ABC announced the cancellation of Paul’s season of ‘The Bachelorette,’ which was set to premiere on March 22, 2026. A spokesperson for Disney Entertainment stated, “In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of ‘The Bachelorette’ at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family.” This decision comes just days before the show’s scheduled premiere.
The incident is not isolated; Paul was previously charged with assault, criminal mischief, and domestic violence in the presence of a child in 2023. She pleaded guilty in abeyance to an aggravated assault charge in August 2025. The recent altercation reportedly occurred after a girls’ night where Paul had consumed alcohol.
During the incident, it has been reported that Paul’s daughter, who is 8 years old, was struck in the head. This has prompted the Utah Division of Children and Family Services to investigate ongoing allegations of violence between Paul and Mortensen. Both parties have been ordered to undergo psychological evaluations as part of this investigation.
Mortensen has taken legal action by filing for a protective order against Paul on the same day the video was released. He stated, “This is called physical abuse,” highlighting the severity of the situation.
In response to the allegations, Paul’s spokesperson claimed that the video release was a manipulation tactic by Mortensen, stating, “It’s sad to see the latest installment of his never-ending, desperate, attention-seeking, destructive campaign to harm Taylor without any regard for the consequences for their child.” Paul herself has asserted, “I will have my truth,” indicating her intention to defend her actions.
The filming of ‘Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ has also been paused due to the ongoing allegations against Paul. The situation continues to unfold as authorities look into the claims and the impact on the children involved.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full circumstances surrounding the incident and any potential legal ramifications for Paul. As the investigation progresses, the public awaits further updates on this troubling case.
