Taylor Frankie Paul, the embattled “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star, has broken her silence after Utah prosecutors declined to file new domestic violence charges against her, posting a series of vulnerable mirror selfies and a lengthy caption describing her journey as “the ugly parts of what healing actually looks like.”
The 31-year-old reality TV personality, who has been at the center of multiple domestic violence investigations involving her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen, wrote on Instagram Sunday that she is “forever freed from a certain living hell” and ready to share her “rebuilding” process.
“Here come the ugly parts of what healing actually looks like. If you know me you know I’ll admit my parts, flaws, and faults. I’m well aware thats apart of it. We’ll get there,” Paul wrote alongside a carousel of mirror selfies – one lifting her shirt to show her stomach, another with her hair appearing matted.
The post comes just days after the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s office announced it would not file new charges against Paul due to “evidentiary issues” and statute of limitations problems.
The Charges Dropped: What Prosecutors Said
On April 14, the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s office issued a press release explaining its decision not to pursue new criminal charges against Paul following investigations by the Draper Police and West Jordan Police Departments.
Regarding the West Jordan investigations, the DA’s office noted that “the complainant in these cases reported several incidents – some of which occurred more than three years ago.” Minor offenses that allegedly happened longer than two years ago are “barred by the statute of limitations.”
The statement added that the allegations against Paul “do not rise to the level of criminal offenses” and that “the remaining incidents lack sufficient evidence to support filing criminal charges where 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.”
However, the DA’s decision does not reflect on the underlying behavior. Leaked footage from 2023 showed Paul attacking Mortensen with metal chairs in front of her then‑7‑year‑old daughter, Indy. That incident, which occurred in Herriman, Utah, was part of the investigations.
The Domestic Violence History: A Pattern of Incidents
Paul and Mortensen have a documented history of domestic violence incidents dating back several years. According to police reports and court filings:
| Date | Incident | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Paul attacked Mortensen with metal chairs in front of her daughter | Footage leaked in March 2026; led to ABC pulling Paul’s season of “The Bachelorette” |
| February 2026 | Another domestic violence dispute; both parties sustained injuries | Investigations launched by Draper and West Jordan PD |
| March 2026 | Paul placed under third domestic violence investigation | No charges filed due to evidentiary issues |
| April 2026 | DA declines to file new charges | Paul remains in custody battle with Mortensen |
Paul and Mortensen share a 2‑year‑old son, Ever. Following the incidents, Mortensen petitioned the court for an order of protection and was granted temporary custody of Ever. Paul is currently allowed only “supervised” visitation due to concerns over her “volatile” behavior, according to court documents.
The ‘Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ Fallout
The domestic violence allegations have had professional consequences for Paul. Production on Season 5 of “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” was paused while the investigations were ongoing. Additionally, ABC pulled her season of “The Bachelorette” after the 2023 chair‑attack video surfaced.
Paul has not addressed the professional fallout directly, but her Instagram post hints at the toll the public scrutiny has taken:
“This public atrocity that I not only lived through once but twice now, on even a bigger scale was ultimately the cost to my freedom. I wouldn’t wish this upon my worst enemy or even the ones who publicized it.”
She added, “Metaphorically someone witnessed me bleeding out and poured salt all over me … somehow I’m still here.”
‘Healing’ and ‘Rebuilding’
Despite the legal resolution, Paul acknowledged she still has “a road ahead” but said she is focusing on self‑care.
“We’re working on eating, movement, rest, and retraining the nervous system. I’ll be sharing the process, because if my worst is shared better bet I’ll share the rebuilding too.”
She also thanked her supporters: “Thank you to those who supported me even without full context.”
The post has received mixed reactions. Some fans expressed sympathy and encouragement, while others criticized her for minimizing her role in the violence. One commenter wrote, “You attacked someone with chairs in front of a child. That’s not ‘healing’ – that’s accountability.”
The Custody Battle Continues
While criminal charges have been dropped, the family court battle is far from over. Mortensen currently has primary custody of their son, Ever. Paul is permitted supervised visitation. Court records indicate that Mortensen has expressed concerns about Paul’s “volatile” behavior and the safety of their child.
Paul has not publicly commented on the custody arrangement, but her Instagram caption – “forever freed from a certain living hell” – suggests she views her separation from Mortensen as a positive step.
National Context: Domestic Violence and Reality TV
Paul’s case is not isolated. Reality TV stars have faced increased scrutiny over domestic violence allegations in recent years. A 2025 study by the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communication found that domestic violence incidents involving reality TV personalities are reported to police at a rate nearly three times higher than the general population, likely due to heightened public visibility and the presence of cameras during incidents.
The study also noted that reality TV production companies rarely have protocols in place to address on‑set or off‑set domestic violence, leaving victims and perpetrators to navigate the legal system without institutional support.
“Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” producers have not commented on whether they will resume filming with Paul.
What Happens Next
- Custody hearing: The family court case continues. Mortensen is seeking to maintain primary custody; Paul is seeking increased visitation.
- Reality TV future: It is unclear whether Paul will return to “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” or any other television project.
- Public image: Paul’s Instagram post suggests she will continue to document her “healing” journey, potentially reshaping her brand around vulnerability and recovery.
FAQ: Taylor Frankie Paul Domestic Violence Case
Q: What were the charges against Taylor Frankie Paul?
A: She was under investigation for multiple domestic violence incidents involving her ex‑boyfriend Dakota Mortensen. The DA declined to file new charges due to evidentiary issues and statute of limitations.
Q: What did the leaked video show?
A: A 2023 video showed Paul attacking Mortensen with metal chairs in front of her then‑7‑year‑old daughter. The footage led to ABC pulling her season of “The Bachelorette.”
Q: Does she still have custody of her son?
A: No. Mortensen was granted temporary custody of their 2‑year‑old son, Ever. Paul has supervised visitation.
Q: What did Paul say in her Instagram post?
A: She called herself “forever freed from a certain living hell,” acknowledged “the ugly parts of healing,” and said she would share her “rebuilding” process.
Q: Will she return to reality TV?
A: Production on “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” Season 5 was paused. No announcement has been made about her return.
Q: Where can I get help for domestic violence?
A: Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1‑800‑799‑7233 or text “START” to 88788.
