Utah Investigates Third Domestic Violence Allegation Against Reality Star
Authorities are reviewing video and reports after a 2023 clip prompted cancellation of an upcoming Bachelorette season.
Breitbart NewsPolice Investigate Canceled 'Bachelorette' Star Taylor Frankie Paul for 3rd Alleged Domestic Violence Incident
Los Angeles TimesPolice are investigating a third domestic violence claim against Taylor Frankie Paul
The GuardianMormon Wives star being investigated for third domestic violence allegation
NBC News'Mormon Wives' star addresses Taylor Frankie Paul fallout and pulled 'Bachelorette' season
USA TODAYTaylor Frankie Paul investigated for third alleged domestic incident
Overview
A West Jordan Police Department spokesperson said the department was investigating a third domestic violence allegation against Taylor Frankie Paul reported at the end of February 2026.
The inquiry follows the resurfacing of a 2023 video showing Paul hurling metal barstools during an altercation, which led to the cancellation of her planned role as the lead of Season 22 of The Bachelorette.
Draper Police Department confirmed a separate domestic assault investigation, and Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill said his office requested investigative material to screen the latest allegations because Paul is on plea-in-abeyance status.
The new claim is the third allegation involving Paul and Dakota Mortensen; Paul pleaded guilty in abeyance to aggravated assault in August 2023, and filming for Season 5 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has been paused.
Investigators said they are reviewing multiple videos, have spoken with Mortensen and Paul’s attorney, are seeking interviews with Paul, and no charges have been filed as the investigations remain ongoing.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present largely neutral coverage: they use cautious language ("alleged," "reported"), provide legal context (plea in abeyance, prosecutor Sim Gill's statement) and include statements from both Paul’s and Mortensen’s representatives. reporting emphasizes investigatory developments and prior video evidence while avoiding overt editorial judgment.
FAQ
In 2023, Paul was arrested after video showed her hitting her then-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen, putting him in a chokehold, and throwing metal stools, one of which allegedly injured her 5-year-old daughter. She pleaded guilty in abeyance to aggravated assault in August 2023, with other charges dismissed.
The resurfacing of a 2023 video showing Paul hurling metal barstools during an altercation led to the cancellation of her planned role as the lead of Season 22 of The Bachelorette.
West Jordan Police are investigating a third domestic violence allegation reported end of February 2026; they are reviewing videos, spoke with Mortensen and Paul's attorney, seeking interview with Paul, no charges filed yet. Salt Lake County DA requested materials due to her plea-in-abeyance status.
Filming for Season 5 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has been paused following the new allegation involving Paul and Dakota Mortensen.
It means Paul pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in August 2023, but it will be downgraded to a misdemeanor in three years if she complies with conditions; other charges were dismissed.
