Taylor Frankie Paul made her first televised comments regarding the current domestic violence allegations against her stemming from an incident with her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen.
In an exclusive interview, the star of the upcoming season of “The Bachelorette” addressed the allegations as well as the shutdown of production on her hit reality series: “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.”
Taylor Frankie Paul Talks to ‘GMA’ Amid Domestic Violence Allegations, Says It Feels Like ‘The End of the World’
On Wednesday, March 18, Taylor Frankie Paul sat down for an exclusive interview with “Hello America” to address domestic violence allegations made against her, as well as to promote the March 22 premiere of “The Bachelorette,” which is still scheduled to air as scheduled.
Speaking to “GMA” co-host Lara Spencer, Paul shared that right now, things for her feel like “the end of the world.”
“It’s hard to see past this – I’m not going to lie – right now it’s so heavy,” Paul said. “When your life is 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’ve gotten through it, and I’ve shared my story and my light, and I hope I can do it again.”
Paul admitted that things are “heavy” right now even though she’s only days away from her “Bachelorette” debut.
“Honestly, it’s been a tough time being in the news, especially with ‘The Bachelorette’ coming out, and it’s supposed to be a really exciting time,” she added, while also emphasizing that her children come first.
“I’m a person who will always speak my truth and that’s what I’m known for and so when the time is right, I will. But right now, I’m just trying to be in the moment and focus on that.”
As for what made her agree to find love on the long-running reality show, Paul said her “Mormon Wives” cast members Whitney Leavitt and Jen Affleck had a lot to do with it.
“I looked at that and thought, “They can do it, and they have kids, and they go out and follow their dreams, why can’t I?” ” she said. “So for me, dating as a mother of three is extremely difficult, so I can go out, get away from my toxic cycle here in Utah, date, and then have my kids come visit. It seemed like ‘why not,’ right?”
Paul also confirmed the closure of “Mormon Wives,” but said she did not know when production would resume.
Paul broke his silence on the allegations hours before ‘GMA’ visit
Addressed exclusively to PEOPLE During a press preview of “The Bachelorette” in New York City on Tuesday, March 17, Paul addressed the domestic violence allegations against her for the first time.
“Honestly, my heart hurts to see this, to go through this, especially right now,” Paul told the outlet. “Timing is tough, and it’s a big problem. I feel like every first I’ve had, I’ve never fully appreciated it, so this is another one… It’s extremely difficult, and it took everything I had to get here today.”
“It’s just hard. It’s a difficult time and it’s unfortunate,” she continued before sharing that she’s currently “struggling” as the details and fallout of the incident continue to unfold.
“I’m struggling, for sure, but also at the same time, I feel like if I don’t show up, then I’m just giving away these opportunities and not appreciating what we’ve been working on and something super exciting coming up. I just feel like it was the right thing to do… show up even though it’s hard,” Paul said.
‘Bachelorette’ Cast Members Described the ‘Mormon Wives’ Star as ‘Fun to Be Around’ on the Show
Several cast members from season 22 of “The Bachelorette” recently spoke with TMZ and sang the praises of Taylor Frankie Paul, notably pointing out how different she was on the show, in stark contrast to what “Mormon Wives” fans see and the current allegations of domestic violence against her.
The contestants told the outlet that during filming, Paul was “kind, genuine and well-meaning” and displayed “a softer, more genuine side.” They also added that overall she was “always fun to be around.”
Regarding the recent allegations of domestic violence, they said that while the allegations are “disturbing,” they believe there are many misconceptions about Paul and want the public to refrain from rushing to judgment, and that the full truth about what happened in the incident will be revealed in time.
‘Mormon Wives’ Production Halted, Psychological Evaluations Ordered for Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen
By TMZMortensen repeatedly called the Utah Division of Children and Family Services, alleging that Paul had been physically abusive toward their son, which Paul strongly denies.
According to the outlet, in late February, the former couple got into a verbal altercation while in Mortensen’s car after Paul allegedly spilled a drink. Inside sources shared that Mortensen became “enraged” and “got physical” with Paul; however, he called the police and told them she was the one who attacked him.
Following the incident, a source close to Paul told TMZ that Mortensen disappeared for weeks and dropped out of filming, leading to production being suspended. However, “Mormon Wives” sources said filming stopped because the cast refused to film amid allegations of domestic violence and child abuse, although production wanted to continue filming season 5.
Additionally, because Mortensen repeatedly called DCFS about Paul, alleging abuse, both must now undergo psychological evaluations.
When production on “Mormon Wives” resumes, it has not been decided in what capacity, if any, Mortensen will fill.
Domestic violence allegations were ‘made both ways,’ authorities say
According to PEOPLEthe Draper City Police Department confirmed to the outlet that an “open domestic assault investigation” existed between Paul and Mortensen. According to the police spokesperson, “allegations have been made in both directions” and “contacts have been made with the parties involved on [Feb] The 24th and 25th.”
An inside source connected to “Mormon Wives” confirmed the production pause. “They’re not filming,” the source said. “Taylor [Frankie Paul] There’s some pretty serious stuff going on regarding his past, and they’ll see what happens. Until this is resolved, they leave.
Things are reportedly so bad that Paul’s other MomTok members have all distanced themselves from her. “None of the women want to be associated with her,” the source told the outlet.