Taylor Frankie Paul Exonerated: No Charges Filed in Domestic Violence Case
The upcoming season of The Bachelorette remains uncertain as Taylor Frankie Paul has been cleared of two domestic violence allegations that previously led to the show’s suspension.
The Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office, led by DA Sim Gill, announced this afternoon, “After reviewing reports and evidence submitted to the Draper Police Department and West Jordan Police Department, the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office has declined to file charges against Taylor Frankie Paul.”
ABC made the decision to pull The Bachelorette on March 19, just days before its scheduled premiere on March 22, following the release of a video showing Paul allegedly throwing metal stools at her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen, which appeared to involve one of her children. Paul had already entered a guilty plea in 2024 for aggravated assault in connection with a 2023 incident involving Mortensen. Following the suspension of the series, additional allegations surfaced, resulting in significant financial implications for ABC, estimated to be in the tens of millions.
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives lead remains under probation. Had DA Gill pursued further charges, Paul could have faced a maximum of five years in prison for a third-degree felony.
In correspondence sent Tuesday to law enforcement in Draper and West Jordan, the prosecutor noted: “The complainant in these cases reported several incidents – some occurring more than three years ago. Any misdemeanor offenses alleged to have occurred more than two years ago are barred by the statute of limitations. Incidents alleged within the statute of limitations have also been reviewed.”
The DA continued, “Several incidents reported do not rise to the level of criminal offenses. The remaining incidents lack sufficient evidence to support criminal charges, as the State must prove allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. These incidents lack specificity regarding timing and details or corroboration.”
This decision comes amid ongoing legal challenges for Paul, including a recent ruling that prevents her from spending unsupervised time with her young son from her relationship with Mortensen. A protective order hearing for the pair is scheduled for April 30 before Third District Court Commissioner Russell Minas.
