Taylor Frankie Paul, known for her roles in “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” and the most recent season of “The Bachelorette,” will not face charges following recent altercations with her former partner, as stated by the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office on Tuesday.
Incidents of domestic violence in 2024 and this February involving Paul’s ex-partner, Dakota Mortensen, have been under investigation by police in Draper City and West Jordan, Utah. Allegations have been made by both parties, but the focus was on Mortensen’s claims in the documents reviewed.
Any potential charges against Paul could have violated her probation stemming from an assault on Mortensen in 2023. Both individuals have filed protective orders against each other, with a hearing scheduled to address these petitions.
Breanne Miller, a lawyer in the district attorney’s Family Protection Unit, explained in a memo that certain incidents did not meet the criteria for criminal charges, while others lacked substantial evidence for prosecution. Some reported incidents dated back more than three years, surpassing the legal review timeframe.
The decision not to press charges does not directly impact Mortensen’s existing protective order against Paul, which is temporarily in place and could transition to a long-term order following an upcoming hearing in April. However, the lack of prosecution could support Paul’s case, particularly regarding supervised visits with her son, as ordered in a previous hearing.
During an April 7 hearing, Paul’s lawyer, Eric Swinyard, argued that Mortensen was the aggressor in a recent altercation labeled as “the truck tussle.” Mortensen alleged that Paul threw a drink at him, but Swinyard presented evidence suggesting Mortensen physically assaulted Paul, causing visible injuries.
In a separate incident in 2023, a leaked video led to ABC canceling a season of “The Bachelorette” already filmed, showing Paul engaging in violent behavior towards Mortensen. Paul faced charges of aggravated assault and domestic violence. She pleaded guilty to assault, with the possibility of the charge being reduced to a misdemeanor upon completing a probationary period.
The couple’s turbulent relationship, extensively showcased on “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” has been a focal point of Paul’s reality TV career. The series premiere included footage of Paul’s 2023 arrest, emphasizing the tumultuous nature of their interactions.
