From TikTok Scandal To The Bachelorette: 5 Shocking Facts About Taylor Frankie Paul's Domestic Violence Arrest And New Reality TV Path

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The tumultuous journey of Taylor Frankie Paul, the Utah-based TikTok influencer, has taken a dramatic turn, moving from high-profile legal trouble to the pinnacle of reality television. As of late 2025, Paul is not only putting her past legal issues behind her but is also gearing up for a major new chapter, having been officially announced as the lead for the highly anticipated The Bachelorette Season 22, set to premiere in 2026. This shocking career pivot comes just over two years after her headline-making arrest on domestic violence charges, raising significant questions about accountability, redemption, and the nature of modern celebrity.

The core of Paul's recent controversy stems from a February 2023 incident involving her then-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, which resulted in multiple felony charges and a subsequent plea deal. While her social media fame was built on relatable "Mormon Mom" content and the viral "soft-swinging" controversy, the domestic violence case introduced a stark, serious reality to her public persona. The following details provide a comprehensive look at the influencer's life, the legal fallout, and the surprising new direction of her career.

Taylor Frankie Paul: Biography, Career Timeline, and Controversies

Taylor Frankie Paul is a prominent social media personality and content creator, best known for her candid videos about family life, motherhood, and her faith, which garnered her millions of followers on TikTok.

  • Full Name: Taylor Frankie Paul
  • Date of Birth: May 23, 1994
  • Age (as of 2025): 31
  • Birthplace: Salt Lake City, Utah
  • Family: Raised in Utah by her mother, Liann, and stepfather, Jeremy. She is a single mother to two children.
  • Rise to Fame: Paul gained significant traction on TikTok for her "Mormon Mom" content, often featuring her family life.
  • "Soft-Swinging" Controversy: In 2022, she became a viral sensation after revealing that she and her former husband, Tate Paul, were part of a "soft-swinging" community within their friend group, leading to her first divorce and a massive surge in media attention.
  • Reality TV Debut: She starred in the reality television series Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, which further chronicled her life post-divorce and her new relationships.
  • Current Status: She has been named the lead for The Bachelorette Season 22, scheduled for a 2026 premiere.

The Full Account of the Domestic Violence Incident and Charges

The legal saga began on February 17, 2023, when police responded to a domestic dispute at Paul's residence in Herriman, Utah. The incident involved Paul and her then-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, during what was described as a drunken argument.

The details of the confrontation, which were widely reported after the release of charging documents and police body camera footage, were severe.

  • The Assault: Paul was accused of physically attacking Mortensen and throwing household objects at him.
  • The Objects Thrown: Charging documents specifically mentioned Paul throwing metal chairs at Mortensen.
  • Child Endangerment: Crucially, one of the chairs she allegedly threw accidentally struck her child, who was present during the argument. This detail escalated the case from a simple domestic dispute to a matter of child abuse.
  • Initial Felony Charges: Following the incident, Paul was arrested and initially faced a series of serious charges in the 3rd District Court, including:
    • Aggravated Assault (Felony)
    • Two Counts of Domestic Violence in the Presence of a Child (Felony)
    • Child Abuse with Injury (Felony)
    • Criminal Mischief (Misdemeanor)

    The presence of her children during the alleged assault was a key factor in the severity of the initial felony charges.

The Plea Deal and Legal Consequences: What Was the Outcome?

The high-profile case eventually reached a resolution through a plea agreement, which significantly reduced the severity of her legal consequences while imposing mandatory therapeutic requirements.

In a plea deal reached in late 2023, Taylor Frankie Paul pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of aggravated assault, which was reduced to a misdemeanor, and a count of commission of domestic violence in the presence of a child.

The terms of her plea agreement were rigorous and focused heavily on rehabilitation and accountability:

  • Mandatory Evaluation: Paul was ordered by the court to immediately obtain both a substance abuse evaluation and a domestic violence evaluation.
  • Required Treatment: She must complete all recommended treatment programs stemming from those evaluations over the next three years. This includes any necessary counseling or therapy sessions.
  • Probation: The agreement placed her on probation, ensuring her compliance with the court-mandated treatment plan.
  • The "Blessing in Disguise" Statement: Following the resolution, Paul spoke publicly about the incident, calling her arrest a "blessing in disguise" that forced her to confront her issues with alcohol and anger management, a narrative she has since carried into her public appearances.

The Controversial Return to the Spotlight: Bachelorette Season 22

Perhaps the most shocking update in Taylor Frankie Paul's career is her selection as the lead for the 2026 season of The Bachelorette. This decision has sparked intense debate across social media and entertainment news outlets.

Her casting represents a significant shift for the franchise, which traditionally features leads with less controversial public records. Paul's history—including the "soft-swinging" scandal, her divorce, and the domestic violence arrest—makes her one of the most polarizing figures ever to lead the show.

The announcement, which was made in late 2025, positions Paul as a single mother looking for love and a fresh start, a narrative that directly addresses her turbulent past. The show's premise is expected to lean heavily into her journey of self-improvement and her commitment to the terms of her plea deal.

Critics argue that featuring a personality with a documented history of domestic violence, even with a plea agreement, normalizes serious behavior for the sake of ratings. Supporters, however, view her casting as a testament to second chances and the power of public rehabilitation, especially given her candid discussions about mental health and sobriety following the arrest.

As the show prepares for its 2026 premiere, all eyes will be on Taylor Frankie Paul to see how she navigates her quest for love while under the intense scrutiny of millions who are aware of her complex and controversial path to stardom.

taylor frankie paul domestic violence
taylor frankie paul domestic violence

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