Utah law enforcement authorities are currently investigating a third incident of alleged domestic violence involving Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen, according to recent reports.
Details surrounding the latest incident remain limited. However, sources indicate that Mortensen contacted law enforcement in West Jordan, Utah, last month to report allegations connected to a 2024 incident. A spokesperson for the West Jordan Police Department confirmed to NBC that the department is currently reviewing video evidence related to the alleged incident while working to establish a comprehensive timeline and gather additional details.
Mortensen has provided a statement to investigators regarding the alleged incident. While Paul has not yet spoken directly with law enforcement, police have communicated with her legal representation. Authorities are requesting that Paul either participate in an in-person interview or provide a written statement to assist investigators in corroborating Mortensen's report.
Representatives for Paul have declined to provide comment on the matter. The West Jordan Police Department and Mortensen's legal counsel did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Previous Incidents and Legal History
This latest investigation follows previous developments that have significantly impacted both individuals' professional lives. Earlier this month, production on Season Five of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives was temporarily suspended after police in Draper, Utah, initiated a domestic assault investigation involving Paul and Mortensen. While specific details remain limited, law enforcement officials stated that "allegations have been made in both directions" and confirmed that both parties were contacted in late February. Reports suggest the incident occurred during active production of the popular reality series, though not while cameras were actively recording.
The situation builds upon a 2023 incident that resulted in formal charges. Paul was arrested following allegations of choking, striking, and throwing stools at Mortensen, with one object allegedly striking her daughter from a previous relationship. Paul and Mortensen share one child together. Paul subsequently entered a guilty plea to one count of aggravated assault, while additional charges were dismissed. She remains under probation supervision.
The emergence of video footage from the 2023 incident, which surfaced after news of the February allegations broke, prompted ABC to cancel the upcoming season of The Bachelorette, where Paul was scheduled to serve as the lead.
Official Statements
Following these developments, Paul's representatives issued an official statement expressing gratitude for network support while addressing the situation: "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."
Mortensen's representatives also provided a statement emphasizing his commitment to maintaining a constructive relationship: "He has always wanted a decent relationship with Taylor" and noted that "it's been really hard to achieve that, but he wants to co-parent well."
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