Taylor Frankie Paul’s upcoming stint as ‘The Bachelorette’ lead has hit a storm just days before its March 22, 2026 premiere, with her contestants reportedly feeling blindsided and upset over fresh domestic violence allegations. ‘The Mormon Wives’ star, known for her candid reality TV persona, faces renewed scrutiny after halting production on ‘Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ season 5 following a blowup with ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen.
Contestants rally amid shock
A source exclusively told Us Weekly, “The men on The Bachelorette have all been rallying around each other in solidarity and feel extremely upset and let down by Taylor and the situation.” TMZ spoke to multiple contestants who echoed feeling “blindsided” by the abuse claims, describing Paul as “kind, genuine, and well intentioned” on set. They saw a “softer, more authentic side of her” and insist she entered with “a pure heart” despite troubling allegations, noting “misconceptions” about her past. The cast acknowledges the issues but stands by her intentions to “do the right thing for herself.”
Domestic dispute halts ‘Mormon Wives’
On March 16, production paused for ‘Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ after Paul’s altercation with Mortensen. A source told People, “They are not filming. Taylor has some pretty serious stuff happening regarding her past, and they will see what happens. Until that resolves, they are off.” Draper City Police confirmed an open “domestic assault investigation,” stating “allegations have been made in both directions” after contact on February 24 and 25. Sources close to both offered conflicting accounts of the clash. Paul’s history includes a 2023 arrest for alleged domestic violence; she faced charges of assault, criminal mischief, and domestic violence in a child’s presence after reportedly throwing a chair at Mortensen that hit her daughter. She pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, with other charges dismissed, and serves three-year probation.
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ABC scrambles ad premiere looms
ABC hired a crisis PR manager to navigate the fallout, even as Paul’s Bachelorette season rolls toward air. Cinnabon severed ties with her, citing the allegations. TMZ noted Mortensen felt “triggered” by her Bachelorette gig, sparking the physical clash. Fans demand ABC scrap the season, but producers push forward amid the chaos.Paul’s double reality TV life crumbles under personal demons, leaving suitors betrayed and viewers questioning her shot at love.
