Last Updated: March 20, 2026
Hey everyone, if you’ve been scrolling through your feed and seen headlines screaming about Taylor Frankie Paul and a brutal fight video, you’re not alone. The reality star from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is back in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons after TMZ dropped explosive footage from her 2023 altercation with ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen. As of right now in March 2026, this story is moving fast, with career fallout, legal drama, and a whole lot of public shock.
Taylor, known for her bold personality and Mormon influencer life, has faced domestic violence allegations before — but this latest TMZ release has everyone talking. Let’s break it down clearly and factually so you can understand the full picture without the hype.
Table of Contents
Who Is Taylor Frankie Paul and Why the Sudden Drama?
Taylor Frankie Paul rose to fame through Hulu’s hit docuseries The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, where she opened up about her “soft swinging” lifestyle, divorce, and co-parenting challenges. She’s a mom of three, including a young son with Dakota Mortensen, her on-again, off-again partner.
The current storm kicked off when TMZ published never-before-seen video from a 2023 domestic incident. In it, Taylor appears to repeatedly attack Dakota — pushing, kicking, and even throwing barstools — while one of her children is nearby and reportedly gets struck during the chaos. This is the same fight that led to her 2023 arrest.
- She was originally charged with assault, criminal mischief, and domestic violence in the presence of a child.
- In 2025, she pleaded guilty to aggravated assault (a felony reduced under a deal), got 3 years’ probation (ending August 2026), and other charges were dropped.
- The video, used as evidence back then, is now public and hard to watch.
This isn’t ancient history — fresh allegations of more recent physical fights (including choking claims) surfaced in early March 2026, leading to police reports, psych evaluations, and a custody battle.
The Shocking TMZ Video: What Viewers Are Seeing
TMZ obtained and released the 2023 footage on March 19, 2026. Key moments include:
- Taylor allegedly putting Dakota in a chokehold and throwing heavy metal barstools at him.
- Dakota repeatedly saying “let me go” and pointing out their child is present.
- A heartbreaking part where a child cries after reportedly being hit by a chair.
- The clip doesn’t show what started the argument, but it’s intense and one-sided in appearance.
Dakota has claimed he’s the victim in recent incidents too, filing for a restraining order and sole custody of their son Ever. Taylor insists she’s not the aggressor and has denied wrongdoing in newer claims.
The release timing? Right before her rumored season of The Bachelorette was set to air — talk about bad luck (or perfect TMZ strategy).
Major Fallout: Bachelorette Canceled and More Trouble Brewing
The video hit like a bomb. Hours after TMZ published it, ABC/Disney pulled the plug on Taylor’s upcoming Bachelorette season, citing the “newly released video” and focusing on “supporting the family.” Premiere parties were scrapped, and her scheduled media appearances vanished.
Other ripple effects:
- Utah prosecutors are reviewing if recent allegations violate her probation.
- Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 5 filming paused amid the drama.
- Public opinion split — some call it unacceptable behavior around kids, others question if context is missing or if it’s retaliatory.
This has reignited conversations about domestic violence in reality TV, accountability, and how networks handle scandals.
Quick Facts Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Taylor Frankie Paul |
| Known For | The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives (Hulu) |
| Key Incident | 2023 fight with Dakota Mortensen |
| Charges Outcome | Pleaded guilty to aggravated assault (2025); 3-year probation |
| Recent Development | TMZ released 2023 video on March 19, 2026 |
| Career Impact | The Bachelorette season canceled by ABC |
| Current Status | Ongoing custody battle; possible probation review |
| Children Involved | Son Ever (with Dakota); child reportedly struck in video |
Wrapping It Up: A Messy Reality TV Scandal with Real Consequences
The TMZ Taylor Frankie Paul fight story is a reminder that reality TV drama often spills into real life with serious stakes — especially when kids are involved. The 2023 video paints a disturbing picture of violence, and its 2026 release has cost her a major TV gig while reopening old wounds and adding new legal headaches.
Whether you’re Team Taylor, Team Dakota, or just here for the tea, domestic issues like this deserve careful handling beyond headlines. Taylor maintains her side, Dakota pushes for protection, and authorities are still digging.
What do you think — should past incidents disqualify someone from leading a show like The Bachelorette? Drop your thoughts below, and stay tuned as this evolves. Reality can be rougher than scripted.
Thanks for reading — let’s keep the conversation respectful.