Last Updated: March 20, 2026
If you’ve been scrolling TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen the buzz around the leaked video involving Taylor Frankie Paul and her ex, Dakota Mortensen. The footage from a 2023 altercation exploded online on March 19, 2026, right as her life was hitting new highs—and lows. As a fan of reality TV drama, it’s hard not to get pulled in, but let’s break it down factually, respectfully, and with the latest updates as of today.
Taylor Frankie Paul, the TikTok star turned reality icon from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, has been at the center of headlines for years. This video isn’t new drama—it’s resurfaced old trouble amid fresh allegations. Here’s everything you need to know without the hype.
Table of Contents
Who Is Taylor Frankie Paul? Quick Background
Taylor Frankie Paul (born May 23, 1994) is a 31-year-old Utah-based influencer and mom of three who skyrocketed to fame through MomTok—the viral Mormon mom corner of TikTok known for dance trends, lifestyle vlogs, and that infamous swinging scandal back in 2022.
- She’s best known for starring in Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives (now in its later seasons).
- She was recently announced as the lead for The Bachelorette Season 22, set to premiere soon—but ABC pulled the plug on March 19, 2026, citing the ongoing fallout.
- Taylor shares daughter Indy (born 2017, now 8) and son Ocean with ex-husband Tate Paul, and son Ever (born March 2024) with Dakota Mortensen.
She’s built a massive following (millions on TikTok) by being open about motherhood, faith, and messy relationships—but that openness has also invited intense scrutiny.
The Leaked Video: What the Footage Shows
The video, first obtained and published by TMZ on March 19, 2026, captures a heated physical altercation from 2023 between Taylor and Dakota Mortensen (her then-boyfriend and father of her youngest child).
Key moments from the cellphone recording (filmed by Dakota):
- Taylor appears to push, kick, and put Dakota in a headlock.
- She throws multiple metal bar stools toward him.
- Their daughter Indy (age 5 at the time) is nearby, heard crying; one stool allegedly strikes near or hits the child, prompting Dakota to yell about it.
- Dakota repeatedly says phrases like “This is physical abuse” while recording.
This incident led to Taylor’s 2023 arrest for aggravated assault (domestic violence-related). She later pleaded guilty under a deal that could reduce it to a misdemeanor if conditions are met.
The release timing feels explosive—coming amid a separate 2026 domestic investigation (allegations in both directions, per Utah police) and just before her Bachelorette debut. Her rep called it a “selectively edited” clip released on their son’s birthday as part of Dakota’s “desperate attention-seeking campaign.”
The Ongoing Drama and Fallout in 2026
This isn’t isolated. Recent events have piled on:
- February 2026: Another alleged incident between Taylor and Dakota prompted police involvement; production on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 5 reportedly paused.
- March 2026: Dakota filed for a restraining order against Taylor, citing physical abuse claims.
- Taylor’s side: She’s gone “no contact” with Dakota for co-parenting reasons and addressed fans saying the full context is missing. Castmates have accused Dakota of sabotaging her life behind the scenes.
- Big consequence: ABC canceled her Bachelorette season hours after the video dropped, with Disney stating they won’t move forward.
Taylor has spoken out briefly, calling the timing “reprehensible” and emphasizing her focus on her kids. Dakota has not publicly commented beyond the legal filings.
Quick Facts Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Taylor Frankie Paul |
| Age (2026) | 31 |
| Famous For | The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, MomTok influencer |
| Children | Indy (8), Ocean, Ever (2) |
| Exes | Tate Paul (ex-husband), Dakota Mortensen (ex-boyfriend) |
| Key 2023 Incident | Pleaded guilty to aggravated assault |
| Recent Status | Bachelorette season canceled; ongoing investigation |
| Social Media | Millions of TikTok followers |
Why This Matters & Moving Forward
Domestic violence allegations are serious—no matter who’s involved. The video has sparked tough conversations about accountability, co-parenting in the spotlight, and how reality TV can amplify real-life pain. Fans are divided: some support Taylor’s resilience, others worry about the kids caught in the middle.
- Children were present in at least one documented incident—always a red flag.
- Both parties have legal protections in play now.
- Taylor continues posting about mental health and motherhood, showing she’s trying to move forward.
At the end of the day, this is more than reality TV tea—it’s about real people, especially little ones, navigating messy situations under public eyes. Hopefully, everyone prioritizes healing and safety.
If you’re following this story, stay kind online. Drama sells, but empathy lasts longer. What’s your take—drop a comment below with your thoughts (respectfully, please!).
Thanks for reading—stay updated, stay safe. 💙