Taylor Frankie Paul’s former partner has issued a response after ABC decided not to move forward with her upcoming season of The Bachelorette.
The season was dropped just days before its planned premiere, after TMZ published a video showing Taylor and ex Dakota Mortensen in a confrontation. Both are known for appearing in Secret Lives of Mormon Wives (SLOMW), which has followed their turbulent, on-and-off relationship over recent years.
The show’s debut episode turned tense when it covered a domestic disturbance call, including bodycam footage of police speaking with Taylor as she said she was “scared” of Dakota. Taylor was ultimately arrested, and six months later pleaded guilty to aggravated assault.
This week, TMZ released phone footage from 2023 linked to the incident, which appears to show Taylor throwing chairs during an argument with Dakota. The clip seems to have been recorded on a device being held by Dakota.
In a statement dated March 19, a Disney Entertainment Television spokesperson said: “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.”
After the video circulated, Taylor’s spokesperson shared a statement with PEOPLE Magazine: “Taylor is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritises her family’s safety and security.
“After years of silently suffering extensive mental and physical abuse as well as threats of retaliation, Taylor is finally gaining the strength to face her accuser and taking steps to ensure that she and her children are protected from any further harm.”
Dakota has since addressed the situation in a statement he provided to PEOPLE.
“As anyone who has seen the video will understand, this is a deeply upsetting situation,” he said.
“I am, unfortunately, used to these baseless claims about me and our relationship, which I categorically deny. I am focusing on our son and his safety, and hope that Taylor will do the same.”
Taylor shares one son with Dakota, and also has a son and a daughter with her ex-husband, Tate Paul.
After her marriage to Tate ended (the couple married in 2016 and had two children), Taylor publicly launched her relationship with Dakota on TikTok, posting a clip of them dancing to Beyoncé’s “Cuff It”.
Their relationship was marked by several major upheavals, including a brief split and an ectopic pregnancy. Following the altercation that later became central to headlines, Taylor was arrested and faced several charges: aggravated assault, two counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child, child abuse with injury, and criminal mischief.
Ultimately, all charges except aggravated assault were dismissed.
The fallout, along with the couple’s relationship history, later unfolded publicly on Taylor’s Hulu reality series, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
Despite the earlier incident, Taylor and Dakota later announced they were expecting a baby. Their son, Ever True Mortensen, was born on March 19, 2024, with the pair describing him as “our angel sent from heaven”.
Not long after, Taylor posted an emotional TikTok about their breakup, writing: “Chaos to pure silence. Wouldn’t wish this pain upon anyone, if you’re there take a drive, scream, cry, feel the pain, because I promise avoiding it will make it much worse.”
Throughout 2025, speculation about a possible reunion surfaced more than once, though the relationship ultimately did not resume.
On March 19, ABC pulled Taylor’s The Bachelorette season in the wake of the leaked 2023 video, which appeared to show a domestic violence incident involving the former couple.
Taylor later discussed the public scrutiny on Good Morning America, saying: “When your life is broadcasted out there in these headlines, it’s like the end of the world, that’s what it feels like. I’m not going to lie.
“I will say I’ve been here before and I got through it, and I’ve shared my story and my light, and I’m hoping I can do that again.”
Dakota also gave a statement to Page Six, reiterating: “As anyone who has seen the video will understand, this is a deeply upsetting situation.
“I am, unfortunately, used to these baseless claims about me and our relationship, which I categorically deny. I am focusing on our son and his safety, and hope that Taylor will do the same.”