Taylor Frankie Paul is speaking out after a series of controversies, including a domestic violence case and a resurfaced video, led to her season of “The Bachelorette” being abruptly canceled just before its premiere. The reality star found herself at the center of headlines following a 2023 incident involving ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen, which resulted in her arrest and a later guilty plea to aggravated assault.
The situation resurfaced in March after video footage of the altercation went public, prompting ABC to pull the plug on the highly anticipated season. Now, months later, Taylor Frankie Paul is opening up about the emotional aftermath and how she’s trying to move forward.
Taylor Frankie Paul Gets Real About PTSD Battle
Taking to Instagram, Paul shared a raw update with fans, revealing she’s been dealing with ongoing mental health struggles. “I was diagnosed with PTSD about two years ago, which I assume is now [Complex post-traumatic stress disorder],” she wrote.
Alongside a series of selfies, she gave insight into the difficult healing process she’s navigating. “Here come the ugly parts of what healing actually looks like,” she said. “If you know me you know I’ll admit my parts, flaws, and faults. I’m well aware thats apart of it. We’ll get there.”
Paul Reflects On The Fallout
Paul also alluded to the lasting impact of her legal troubles and the intense public scrutiny that followed. “This public atrocity that I not only lived through once but twice now, on even a bigger scale was ultimately the cost to my freedom,” she said. “I wouldn’t wish this upon my worst enemy or even the ones who publicized it.”
The incident, which occurred in February 2023, led to multiple charges, though several were later dropped as part of her plea deal. She remains on probation, which is expected to run through August 2026.
Taylor Frankie Paul Is Leaning On Faith And Support
Despite the turmoil, Paul said she’s found strength through her faith and the support of others. “I cried on my knees in pain while also saying THANK YOU,” she shared. “We have a road ahead but regardless I’m forever freed from a certain living hell I couldn’t find my way out of.”
“Metaphorically, someone witnessed me bleeding out and poured salt all over me… somehow I’m still here, as we can see barely because I believe God held me through and sent help plus an army,” she continued, before also expressing gratitude for those who have stood by her. “Thank you to all of you that supported even without full context.”
Dakota Mortensen Steps Back
Meanwhile, Mortensen has also spoken out, revealing he’s stepping away from the spotlight to focus on their son. “Over the past several weeks, I’ve taken a step back and had time away from the chaos,” he said. “That space has been a breath of fresh air and has given me clarity. My focus now is where it should’ve been all along, on my son and creating a stable, healthy environment for him moving forward.”
He also acknowledged his role in the situation, explaining, “I’m not perfect, and I take accountability for my part. I’m sincerely sorry to those I’ve hurt.”
Mortensen said he’s committed to turning the page and focusing on the future. “I’m closing an unhealthy chapter and moving forward with hope for better days ahead,” he said. “For now my priority is on showing up as the best father I can be for Ever,” adding that he hopes to eventually use what he’s learned to help others navigating similar situations.
Body Cam Footage Sheds Light On Turbulent Night
Police body cam footage obtained by TMZ from Taylor Frankie Paul’s 2023 arrest paints a chaotic picture of the incident. Officers arrived at her Utah home to the sound of shouting, with Paul and Dakota Mortensen already in the middle of a heated argument. Once inside, police quickly separated the two as Paul appeared unsteady and visibly intoxicated.
At one point, she tried to pour herself water but slumped over the sink, crying, while Mortensen spoke with officers nearby. He told them “she’s not doing okay,” before adding, “I can’t even tell you the stuff that’s happened to me,” as he pointed out injuries he said came from the altercation. The situation escalated further when Paul returned and told Mortensen to leave the home.
Taylor was taken into custody and later pled guilty in abeyance to aggravated assault and was sentenced to 3 years’ probation.
If you or someone you know may be experiencing domestic violence, support is available. You can reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org for confidential, 24/7 assistance.