Taylor Frankie Paul’s ‘Mormon Wives’ Co-Stars Speak Out Against Domestic Violence: “I Can’t Support This Behavior”
Co-Stars of Taylor Frankie Paul Speak Out Amid Domestic Abuse Investigation
The co-stars of Taylor Frankie Paul from the Hulu series Secret Lives of Mormon Wives have voiced their concerns following a domestic abuse investigation that has halted filming for the show’s fifth season. The investigation stems from an incident involving Paul and her ex-partner, Dakota Mortensen, which has garnered significant media attention.
Filming was paused after a video from 2023 emerged, showing Paul physically assaulting Mortensen. This incident prompted ABC to cancel the premiere of The Bachelorette, as scrutiny intensified.
As discussions unfold about the future of MomTok and the Hulu series, Paul’s co-stars are speaking out against domestic violence. Layla Taylor, who has previously shared her own experiences of abuse on SLOMW, expressed her thoughts via Instagram Stories. “My personal history as a survivor makes it impossible for me to stay silent,” she wrote. “I stand firmly against domestic violence in any form. I am keeping her children in my thoughts, hoping for their safety above all else.”
Miranda Hope, who was involved in the same swinging scandal that brought Paul into the social media limelight, also addressed the situation on Instagram. “I’ve honestly been a little at a loss for words trying to process this all. Everything has been really heavy to see.” She emphasized the seriousness of domestic violence and her concern for the children, stating, “My heart is with the children in this, and I hope they’re safe, supported, and surrounded by love.”
The video in question, filmed by Mortensen, shows a violent altercation in which Paul throws a metal chair at him while their daughter can be heard crying nearby. Paul pleaded guilty to aggravated assault related to this incident in 2023. The Draper City Police Department is currently conducting an open investigation into allegations exchanged between the two.
Following the cancellation of The Bachelorette, Paul’s representative provided a statement: “Taylor is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security. After years of silently suffering extensive mental and physical abuse as well as threats of retaliation, Taylor is finally gaining the strength to face her accuser and taking steps to ensure that she and her children are protected from any further harm.”
The statement also underscored the plight of women facing similar circumstances: “There are too many women who are suffering in silence as they survive aggressive, jealous ex-partners who refuse to let them move on with their lives. Taylor has remained silent out of fear of further abuse, retaliation, and public shaming. She is currently exploring all of her options, seeking support, and preparing to own and share her story.”
