West Jordan, Utah — Authorities in Utah are probing what could be the third domestic violence incident involving reality television star Taylor Frankie Paul and her partner Dakota Mortensen, according to police officials. The investigation, centered on an alleged event in 2024, comes amid a series of legal troubles for Paul, known for her role in Hulu's "Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," and has led to pauses in her professional commitments.
A spokesman for the West Jordan Police Department confirmed to NBC News on Tuesday that Mortensen reached out to the department last month with allegations of domestic violence against Paul stemming from the 2024 incident. "We are reviewing multiple videos connected to the alleged event to figure out details and timelines," the spokesman said, noting that he could not disclose the exact dates due to the ongoing nature of the probe. At this stage, investigators have only Mortensen's account, and they have yet to interview Paul directly, though they have spoken with her attorney.
The spokesman added that detectives would like Paul to provide a written statement or come in for an interview to help corroborate details from Mortensen's report. Representatives for both Paul and Mortensen declined to comment when contacted by reporters. The call to West Jordan police originated from a referral by the Draper Police Department, as the alleged 2024 incident fell under West Jordan's jurisdiction.
Separately, Draper police are handling their own open domestic violence investigation involving Paul and Mortensen, with allegations coming from both sides. Those reports were filed on February 24 and 25, according to Draper officials, who declined to provide further details to NBC News. This overlapping scrutiny highlights the complex dynamics in the couple's relationship, which has been thrust into the public eye through Paul's reality TV fame.
Salt Lake County District Attorney Sam Gill issued a statement on Tuesday indicating that his office has requested investigative materials from Draper police to screen the most recent allegations for potential charges. "We made the request because of the potential that if charges are filed, they could be enhanced due to a prior plea in abeyance to a domestic violence offense," Gill said. Court records show that Paul entered a guilty plea in abeyance to an aggravated assault charge in August 2023, related to a domestic violence incident from that year. Four other charges — including assault, criminal mischief, and domestic violence in the presence of a child — were dismissed with prejudice in that case.
The 2023 arrest gained widespread attention when bodycam footage was featured in the premiere episode of "Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," the Hulu series that propelled Paul from her online "MomTok" community to mainstream recognition. That same year, TMZ published video appearing to show Paul attacking Mortensen, which reportedly depicted the incident leading to her 2023 arrest. The footage's release prompted ABC to pull Paul from her scheduled appearance on "The Bachelorette," set to premiere on Sunday.
In response to the network's decision, a spokesperson for Paul expressed gratitude last week. "She is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security," the spokesperson said. The statement continued: "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."
When reached for comment on Thursday, Paul herself offered a brief response: "I will have my truth." This personal assertion underscores the differing narratives emerging in the investigations, where Mortensen has leveled accusations and Paul has portrayed herself as a victim of abuse.
The unfolding legal matters have ripple effects on Paul's career. Filming for Season 5 of "Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" — sometimes referred to in reports as "Mormon Wives" — has been paused, according to one source close to the production. The cast unanimously decided to halt filming until the legal issues resolve, the source said. This decision followed an incident where Hulu executives observed cast members discussing domestic violence allegations during a shoot.
Further complicating matters, cast members voiced concerns about Paul's behavior to ABC executives prior to the latest reports. Audio from a March 7 call between the cast and executives, shared with NBC News, captured these discussions. The timing is notable, as Season 4 of the show premiered on March 12, just days after the call.
Paul's rise to fame began in the niche world of "MomTok," a TikTok community of Mormon mothers sharing glimpses of their lives. The Hulu series expanded her audience, blending personal drama with cultural insights into Mormon life. However, the show's portrayal of her 2023 arrest — including the bodycam video — drew criticism for sensationalizing domestic violence. Now, with allegations of a third incident, questions arise about the ethics of reality TV in handling such sensitive topics.
Legal experts note that Paul's prior plea in abeyance could indeed influence any new charges. In Utah, such pleas allow defendants to avoid a formal conviction if they meet certain conditions, but they can still factor into sentencing enhancements for repeat offenses. Gill's office has not indicated a timeline for decisions on charges, emphasizing the need for thorough review of all materials.
Broader implications extend to the entertainment industry, where domestic violence allegations have derailed careers before. Paul's removal from "The Bachelorette" echoes past cases, like those involving other reality stars facing similar scrutiny. Supporters argue for due process, while critics point to patterns in her legal history as cause for concern. As investigations proceed, the focus remains on gathering evidence, including the videos under review by West Jordan police.
For now, Paul and Mortensen's representatives maintain silence, leaving the public to piece together reports from official sources. The West Jordan investigation, still in its early stages, could take weeks or months to resolve, depending on cooperation from those involved. Meanwhile, Paul's family, including her children, remains at the center of the narrative she seeks to protect.
As this story develops, it serves as a stark reminder of the intersection between personal turmoil and public spectacle in the age of reality television. Officials urge anyone experiencing domestic violence to seek help through local resources, emphasizing that investigations like these aim to uncover facts and ensure accountability on all sides.