A disturbing video of influencer Taylor Frankie Paul attacking Dakota Mortensen during a 2023 altercation has resurfaced, sparking renewed controversy just before Paul’s season of The Bachelorette premieres.
The Shocking Footage
Released by TMZ on March 19, the clip shows Paul, 31, physically assaulting Mortensen by pulling his hair, hitting him, and kicking at him. At one point, she throws multiple metal stools in his direction. Tragically, one stool struck her young daughter, who can be heard crying and calling out for her mother. Mortensen repeatedly pleads with Paul to stop and urges her to care for the child.
Paul’s Representative Responds
In a statement, Paul’s representative condemned the release of the video, calling it “a reprehensible attempt to distract from [Mortensen’s] own behavior.” The rep accused Mortensen of manipulation and criticized the timing of the leak, which coincided with their son’s birthday.
Police Investigation Reopened
The Draper City Police confirmed that a new domestic assault investigation involving both Paul and Mortensen has been opened. Paul was originally arrested in 2023 following the incident, which was documented in The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. Despite the violent altercation, the couple reconciled, and Paul later gave birth to their son, Ever, in March 2024.
Impact on The Bachelorette
The resurfacing of the footage has reignited debate about Paul’s casting as the lead of The Bachelorette season 22. Rumors previously suggested ABC considered canceling her season due to her controversial past, but the show remains scheduled to premiere on Sunday, March 22.
Public Reaction
Fans and critics are questioning whether Paul’s reality TV spotlight will overshadow the serious concerns raised by her history of domestic violence. The timing of the video’s release, just days before her debut, has intensified scrutiny of ABC’s decision to move forward with her season.
