Viral footage from a 2023 domestic altercation involving The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Taylor Frankie Paul and her then-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen has reignited public debate over domestic violence, gender dynamics in law enforcement responses, and accountability in reality television.
The cellphone video, released by TMZ on March 19, 2026, captures Paul repeatedly attacking Mortensen in their Herriman home on February 17, 2023. Paul places Mortensen in a headlock, attempts to kick him, and throws multiple heavy metal barstools at him while their then-5-year-old daughter, Indy, lies on a nearby couch. The child can be heard crying after one stool apparently strikes her, causing a visible “goose egg” bump on her head.
In the recording, Mortensen repeatedly warns, “Your daughter is right here” and “Your daughter just got hit in the head by a metal chair,” while urging Paul to help the child. Paul responds by blaming him. Officers later described the barstools as heavy metal-frame chairs thrown at high speed, qualifying them as dangerous weapons capable of causing serious injury or death. Paul also allegedly damaged Mortensen’s truck and a wooden playset afterward. A neighbor called 911 amid the chaos, and Paul reportedly struck Mortensen again in front of arriving officers.
Paul was arrested that night. Bodycam footage from the initial response shows her emotional and sobbing, while Mortensen pleads with police at one point. A follow-up bodycam video from February 24, 2023—also obtained and released by TMZ—depicts officers politely returning to the home to seize one of the damaged barstools as evidence. The calm, reassuring tone toward Paul has fueled online criticism, with some commenters contrasting it to more aggressive tactics often used with male suspects in similar situations.
Paul was initially charged with aggravated assault (a third-degree felony), domestic violence in the presence of a child, reckless child abuse, and criminal mischief. In August 2023, she entered a plea in abeyance: pleading guilty to the aggravated assault charge while the others were dismissed. She received three years of probation, set to end in August 2026. If completed successfully without violations, the felony would reduce to a Class A misdemeanor. Paul has publicly described the incident as occurring during a “heavy time” in her life, admitting to throwing the stools but claiming limited memory after returning home and alleging prior abuse in the relationship.
The resurfaced video has had immediate professional consequences. ABC had selected Paul as the lead for Season 22 of The Bachelorette, with filming reportedly completed and a premiere scheduled for March 22. Days after the TMZ release, Disney Entertainment pulled the entire season, stating: “In light of the newly released video… 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.”
Separately, production on Season 5 of Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives—in which Paul stars—has been halted. This follows a new open “domestic assault investigation” by Draper City Police stemming from an alleged February 2026 incident between Paul and Mortensen. Authorities confirm allegations were made in both directions, with contact made to both parties on February 24 and 25; no charges have been filed yet in the new case. Cast members reportedly participated in the decision to pause filming.
In response to the February incident, Mortensen obtained a temporary protective order against Paul and temporary sole custody of their young son, Ever, with no parent time for Paul until a hearing on April 7, 2026.
Paul has addressed the situation publicly, describing herself as going through a difficult time and emphasizing that she has suffered “extensive mental and physical abuse” in the relationship. She has signaled that “her truth” will emerge and noted that too many women suffer in silence.
The couple has a documented history of a volatile, on-again/off-again relationship, with both parties having accused the other of aggression across incidents. Critics on social media have highlighted the video as evidence of female-perpetrated domestic violence, particularly dangerous given a child’s presence and injury, and questioned perceived inconsistencies in public and law enforcement responses based on gender. Supporters stress the mutual toxicity and Paul’s own claims of victimization.
Domestic violence experts and commentators underscore that such behavior is inexcusable regardless of the perpetrator’s gender—throwing heavy objects in a home with young children present poses clear risks of serious harm. The case has amplified ongoing discussions about how society, media, and authorities handle domestic violence when the aggressor is female versus male. The children involved remain the primary concern amid the repeated volatility.
As of March 24, 2026, the 2026 investigation remains open, and Paul’s 2023 probation could face review if new violations are established. Further details may emerge from court proceedings or additional releases.
This story continues to develop.
