Image Credit: Disney
Taylor Frankie Paul is currently the subject of immense reality TV buzz in 2026. The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives personality was originally slated to spearhead Season 22 of The Bachelorette, but those strategies were altered following a domestic violence occurrence involving herself and former boyfriend Dakota Mortensen in late February 2026, which triggered a law enforcement probe and extensive public examination.
The repercussions have not only affected her placement in reality television but have also reignited curiosity regarding her prior romances, notably her parting from Mortensen. Following the ending of Season 1 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives on a suspenseful note, Taylor disclosed at the commencement of Season 2, “Just after Ever’s arrival, Dakota and I cohabitated and were exceedingly happy with our newborn, and I was even contemplating getting engaged. Subsequently, I discovered that he had been dishonest throughout this period.”
In the event that you haven’t been keeping abreast of the Mormon Wives theatrics, we’re detailing everything for you here.
(Disney/Pamela Littky)
Who Is Taylor Frankie Paul’s Former Spouse?
Taylor was earlier wedded to her ex-husband Tate Paul from 2016 until their separation in 2022 subsequent to her #MomTok controversy when she unveiled their arrangement to partake in “gentle swinging.”
What Does ‘Soft Swinging’ Entail?
The expression “soft swinging” alludes to mutual non-exclusive encounters with the partners of others.
“Concerning Tate and myself, I consider it most advantageous that we split up and get divorced, and sort of discover ourselves and ascertain what brings us happiness, commencing anew,” Taylor expressed in the past when she and Tate chose to divorce. “I believe there has been a profusion of negativity encompassing us and we’ve been involved in, evidently… And I gather we require a fresh start and to somewhat awaken. This served as a beneficial alert for both of us and our entire social circle.”
Who Is Taylor Frankie Paul’s Former Flame?
Subsequent to her separation from Tate, Taylor initiated a relationship with Dakota in 2022. They maintained a fluctuating relationship and encountered a significant hurdle in 2023 following an argument. During that period, Taylor was taken into custody and formally charged with aggravated assault, two counts of domestic abuse while a child was present, child endangerment resulting in harm, and property damage. In August of the same year, she admitted guilt to aggravated assault while the remaining accusations were dismissed with bias. She secured a plea arrangement.
By 2025, Taylor and Dakota had permanently separated after the birth of their son, Ever.
Why Did Taylor Frankie Paul & Dakota Terminate Their Relationship?
Taylor and Dakota ended their romance due to his infidelity, which he acknowledged.
“I was indeed dishonest,” Dakota admitted during an episode of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. “I was consistently behaving selfishly to safeguard myself. I merely aspire to have been truthful with her, but it is now too late. … I would do everything within my means to reclaim my family and be alongside Taylor. And yes, regretfully, I caused her significant pain, and I committed a mistake, and these are also repercussions of my personal choices.”
In March 2026, Taylor and Dakota were under investigation by the Draper City Police Department concerning a domestic battery episode. The filming of season 5 was put on hold as a consequence of the inquiry.
Is Taylor Frankie Paul the Upcoming Bachelorette Headliner?
Taylor and Disney had previously verified her selection to spearhead season 22 of The Bachelorette, thus becoming the inaugural individual from outside the Bachelor Nation franchise to secure the coveted position.
The broadcasting company eventually withdrew the season from its program just days prior to its intended debut.