The controversy surrounding reality TV star Taylor Frankie Paul continues to escalate. A newly leaked video from 2023 shows the influencer physically attacking her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, while a child was present in the room.
This footage surfaces just as local law enforcement confirms a brand-new, open domestic assault investigation involving the former couple. The unfolding legal drama has already caused major ripples across reality television, halting production on one hit show just days before Paul is set to star in another.
Here is a breakdown of the leaked footage, the current police investigation, and the fallout across the reality TV landscape.
The Leaked 2023 Footage
On Thursday, a video published by TMZ revealed a severe physical altercation between Paul and Mortensen from 2023.
In the footage, Paul is seen hitting Mortensen as he records the incident, stating, “This is called physical abuse.” The video escalates as Paul throws heavy metal chairs at him. Disturbingly, Paul’s young daughter, Indy (now 8 years old), was present in the room and can be heard crying during the fight. At one point in the video, Mortensen claims the child was hit in the head by one of the metal chairs.
This footage aligns with a 2023 indictment, which led to Paul’s arrest for alleged domestic violence. She previously pled guilty in abeyance to aggravated assault regarding this specific 2023 incident.
A New Investigation in 2026
The leaked video shows an event from last year. However, Paul and Mortensen currently face fresh legal scrutiny.
A spokesperson for the Draper City Police Department confirmed an active investigation. They are looking into a new domestic assault case regarding the ex-couple.
Authorities state both parties made allegations against each other. These claims follow incidents on February 24 and 25 of this year.
Sources report the two continue to co-parent their 1-year-old son, Ever. Paul currently maintains majority custody despite the ongoing police involvement.
Statements from Both Camps
Representatives for both reality stars released statements addressing the leaked video.
- Paul’s Camp: A spokesperson for Paul condemned the video’s release. They called it a “destructive campaign” to harm Taylor. The rep accused Mortensen of releasing the old video to distract the public.
- Mortensen’s Camp: A representative for Mortensen denied leaking the footage. The rep stated Mortensen wants to protect their son. He also reportedly wants a “decent relationship” with Taylor.
Paul recently addressed the heavy media scrutiny during a press preview. She stated, “Honestly, just like, my heart hurts to see it, to go through it.”
The Reality TV Fallout
The timing of these allegations has thrown two major television franchises into chaos.
Following the news of the open investigation, Hulu officially halted filming for season 5 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. Sources indicate that her MomTok costars are actively distancing themselves from Paul as the situation unfolds.
Simultaneously, Paul is scheduled to debut as the lead on the upcoming season of ABC’s The Bachelorette, which is set to premiere this Sunday, March 22. ABC has not yet commented on whether the ongoing investigation will impact the broadcast.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential.
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