Taylor Frankie Paul, known for her roles in “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” and the canceled season of “The Bachelorette,” will not face charges following recent altercations with her ex-partner, as confirmed by the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office on Tuesday. Authorities in Draper City and West Jordan, suburbs of Salt Lake City, have been investigating reports of domestic violence in 2024 and this past February involving Paul’s former partner, Dakota Mortensen, with whom she shares a two-year-old son. While both parties have accused each other of misconduct, the focus of the investigation was on the allegations made by Mortensen.
The decision not to press charges against Paul was explained by Breanne Miller from the district attorney’s Family Protection Unit, citing that some incidents lacked sufficient evidence, and others exceeded the legal timeframe for review. The absence of new charges would have violated Paul’s probation terms stemming from a 2023 assault on Mortensen.
The ongoing legal battle between Paul and Mortensen includes conflicting petitions for protective orders, scheduled for a hearing soon. Despite the lack of criminal charges against Paul, Mortensen’s temporary protective order against her remains in effect and could be extended during an upcoming hearing on April 30. Paul’s lawyer, Eric Swinyard, argued that Mortensen was the aggressor in a recent altercation referred to as the “truck tussle,” where he allegedly physically harmed Paul.
A past incident in 2023, captured on video, led to the shelving of an entire season of “The Bachelorette.” In the video, Paul was seen engaging in physical violence towards Mortensen while her daughter witnessed the altercation. Paul faced charges of aggravated assault and domestic violence, ultimately pleading guilty to assault with a probationary period that ends in August. The couple’s turbulent relationship, which has been highlighted in the media, dates back to their appearances on “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” where their conflicts were a central storyline.
The legal proceedings between Paul and Mortensen have revealed multiple confrontations, with allegations from both sides regarding their ability to co-parent effectively. The complexity of their situation has drawn attention to the challenges of navigating their shared responsibilities while managing their personal conflicts.