Key moments
In a shocking turn of events, Taylor Frankie Paul, the star of the upcoming season of The Bachelorette, is embroiled in a domestic assault investigation alongside her partner Dakota Mortensen. This development comes just days before the show’s premiere on March 22, 2026, raising concerns about the future of the series.
The Draper City Police Department has confirmed that there is an open investigation involving allegations made in both directions between Paul and Mortensen. This situation has led to a pause in filming for the fifth season of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, a show that has been closely associated with Paul.
Paul, who is also a mother of three children—daughter Indy, 8, and sons Ocean, 5, and Ever, 2—attended a press preview for The Bachelorette on March 17, 2026, where she described the current circumstances as “a heavy time” and expressed her disappointment over the unfolding events.
Mortensen’s representative has emphasized that his primary concern is the well-being of their son, Ever, amidst the ongoing turmoil. The couple has had an on-again-off-again relationship over the years, which has been further complicated by this investigation.
In light of these developments, Cinnabon has terminated its collaboration with both The Bachelorette and The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, reflecting the serious nature of the allegations and the impact on the shows’ reputations.
Paul’s legal troubles are not new; she was previously arrested and charged with three misdemeanors in 2023. The current investigation adds another layer of complexity to her public persona, which has garnered attention through her involvement in the popular #MomTok movement on TikTok.
As the situation unfolds, reactions from fans and industry insiders are mixed. Mikayla Matthews, a fellow cast member, stated, “We didn’t feel comfortable filming with everything that was happening,” highlighting the tension surrounding the production.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full scope of the investigation and the duration of the filming pause for The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. As the premiere date for The Bachelorette approaches, all eyes will be on Paul and the developments that may affect her role in the show.