Taylor Frankie Paul has officially avoided formal charges in the domestic violence case involving her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen, leaving fans wondering if her season of “The Bachelorette” will finally see the light of day.
Disney recently addressed the future of the abandoned season and there may be some hope for the future.
In an exclusive interview with Deadline, Disney reality TV chief Rob Mills discussed the possibility of Taylor Frankie Paul’s season of “The Bachelorette” airing at some point.
“The day this all happened, our first concern was really for Taylor and her family and everyone involved in this, it was really more on a human level,” he said.
“Now we’re kind of taking it day by day,” Mills said, after the “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star avoided accusations of domestic violence. “I think his season is a wonderful season, by ‘Bachelor’ standards. If it’s seen, I’m sure people will absolutely enjoy it.”
There have been rumors that if Paul’s “Bachelorette” season doesn’t air on ABC, as it has since its premiere, it could possibly air on Hulu instead. However, neither option has been confirmed.
Paul’s future regarding ‘Mormon wives’ depends on her after domestic violence investigation concludes
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the “Mormon Wives” production team is letting Taylor Frankie Paul decide when (and in what capacity) she wants to return to the show.
An inside source close to Paul also revealed to the outlet that production continues to support Paul and is willing to film with her on her own time “if and when she is ready.”
Paul previously shut down PEOPLE’s claims that the show would resume production without her, writing in the post’s Instagram comments: “Interesting, that’s not the call I got.”
Reality TV star admitted she ‘cried’ after learning of outcome of domestic violence case
According to Us Weekly, on April 14, Paul took to her Instagram Stories to react to the news that local prosecutors in Salt Lake City had decided not to file charges against her in two incidents involving Mortensen.
“I cried when I got the call. THANK YOU to those who supported me,” she wrote in a message including a flower arrangement and a card.
Lack of evidence and statute of limitations: the reason for Paul’s legal fate
Salt Lake City District Attorney Sim Gill’s office released a statement confirming that no charges against Taylor Frankie Paul would be filed, citing lack of evidence and the statute of limitations.
“After reviewing reports and evidence submitted to the Draper Police Department and the West Jordan Police Department, the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office declined to file charges against Taylor Frankie Paul,” the statement said, according to Deadline.
“The plaintiff in these cases reported several incidents, some of which occurred more than three years ago,” the statement said. “All incidents of alleged crimes that allegedly occurred more than two years ago are barred by the statute of limitations. Incidents that allegedly occurred within the statute of limitations were also reviewed.”
“Several incidents that have been submitted do not constitute criminal offenses,” the prosecutor’s press release continues. “The remaining incidents lack sufficient evidence to support the filing of criminal charges when the State must be able to prove such allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. Such incidents lack specificity as to when and what actually occurred or corroboration.”
Taylor Frankie Paul recently obtained a temporary restraining order against her ex
On April 8, Paul obtained a temporary restraining order against Mortensen, alleging that he had been physically violent toward her, which is the same allegation he made when filing the same protective order against her that was also granted by a judge.
According to court documents, Mortensen is not allowed within 100 yards of Paul until his next court hearing later this month.
The documents also reveal that Mortensen cannot email, text, call or otherwise communicate with Paul. At the next court hearing, the court will determine whether a permanent restraining order should be issued against either of them.
