Last Updated: March 20, 2026
Hey everyone, if you’ve been scrolling through your feed lately and seen headlines exploding about Taylor Frankie Paul and a brutal TMZ video, you’re not alone. The footage dropped like a bombshell on March 19, 2026, right as her career was hitting new highs — and it’s changed everything overnight.
Taylor Frankie Paul, the 31-year-old star of Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives (SLOMW), became a reality TV sensation through MomTok, the viral TikTok group of modern Mormon moms. But this week, TMZ released raw cellphone video from a 2023 domestic incident that led to her guilty plea for aggravated assault. The clip is intense, showing a heated fight with her ex-boyfriend (and father of her youngest child) Dakota Mortensen — and unfortunately, one of her kids gets caught in the crossfire.
Table of Contents
Who Is Taylor Frankie Paul? Quick Background
Taylor rose to fame by co-founding MomTok, a TikTok collective that shattered stereotypes about Mormon women with trendy dances, fashion, and candid life chats. The group went mega-viral, especially after Taylor openly discussed “soft swinging” in her marriage — which led to her divorce and massive backlash in conservative circles.
That drama became the hook for The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Hulu’s hit reality series now in its fourth season (with a fifth reportedly paused). Taylor’s on-again, off-again toxic relationship with Dakota has been a major storyline. In late 2025, ABC surprised everyone by naming her the next lead for The Bachelorette — a huge career leap — set to premiere March 22, 2026.
But the TMZ video changed the game.
The TMZ Video: What the Footage Actually Shows
TMZ obtained and published the cellphone-recorded clip on March 19, 2026 — the same day it hit headlines everywhere. Here’s what stands out from reports and descriptions (note: the video is graphic and involves domestic violence, so viewer discretion is advised):
- The argument escalates quickly in what looks like a kitchen or living area.
- Taylor physically attacks Dakota, including choking and kicking.
- She throws multiple barstools; one ricochets and strikes one of her children (a young girl can be heard crying, and police later noted a “goose egg” on the child’s head).
- The footage was evidence in the 2023 criminal case.
Taylor pleaded guilty to felony aggravated assault as part of a plea deal. She received 3 years’ probation (ending August 2026), with other charges like child abuse and domestic violence in the presence of a child dropped if she stays clean. Her rep called the release “selectively edited” and timed cruelly (on her son’s birthday), accusing Dakota of a “destructive campaign.”
Dakota’s side has pushed back, with sources saying he shared the video privately before it went public.
Major Fallout: Bachelorette Canceled & More
The video’s release triggered immediate consequences:
- ABC canceled her entire Bachelorette season hours after TMZ posted it, stating they prioritized “supporting the family.” No one at the network had seen the footage beforehand.
- Production on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 5 paused indefinitely.
- Brands and partners (including Meta) distanced themselves; some cut ties completely.
- Co-stars from SLOMW expressed concern, urging Taylor to seek help while standing by her.
- Former Bachelor Grant Ellis publicly supported ABC’s decision, calling it a stand against domestic violence.
It’s a stark reminder of how fast reality TV fame can flip when old legal issues resurface publicly.
Key Facts Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Taylor Frankie Paul |
| Age (2026) | 31 |
| Known For | MomTok, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives (Hulu) |
| Children | 3 (youngest with Dakota Mortensen) |
| Incident Date | 2023 |
| Charges & Outcome | Guilty plea to aggravated assault; 3-year probation |
| TMZ Video Release Date | March 19, 2026 |
| Major Impact | The Bachelorette season canceled; SLOMW production paused |
| Current Status | On probation; focusing on family per reps |
Why This Matters & What Comes Next
Domestic violence is serious, especially when kids are involved — and the public release of this video forces a real conversation about accountability in reality TV. Taylor’s team emphasizes context was missing and prioritizes her children’s safety. Dakota has filed a recent restraining order, adding layers to their ongoing co-parenting struggles.
As of March 20, 2026, Taylor hasn’t appeared on scheduled promo spots (like The Tonight Show), and her future in entertainment looks uncertain. Fans are divided — some want redemption and therapy, others feel the cancellation was overdue.
Reality stars are human, and messy lives make compelling TV… until they cross into real harm. Hopefully, this leads to healing for everyone involved, especially the kids.
What do you think — should past incidents disqualify someone from leading a show like The Bachelorette? Drop your thoughts below, but keep it respectful. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.