Video Release Draws National Attention

What happens when a private crisis becomes public, and millions of people are watching? On March 19, 2026, a disturbing video of TikTok personality and reality TV figure Taylor Frankie Paul and her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, was released. TMZ released a video showing Paul throwing stools at Mortensen, putting him in a headlock, and attempting to kick him. Overall, this incident shows how public exposure of domestic violence can spark important conversations about accountability, misinformation, and support for victims.

Paul gained popularity through the TikTok group “MomTok,” which shared content about their lives as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Paul had been chosen to appear as the lead in an upcoming season of The Bachelorette, but the project was canceled. Following the video’s release, the public has had mixed reactions. 

What We Know About the Incident

To better understand the situation, it’s important to look at what actually happened. Although the video was released recently, the incident occurred on February 17, 2023, in the presence of two minor children, raising serious concerns. Reportedly, as Paul was throwing chairs at Mortensen, one ricocheted and struck her then five-year-old daughter. Paul is then heard screaming at Mortensen, telling him this was all his fault. 

Upon hearing the commotion, a neighbor called the police, who arrived and arrested Paul. According to the Herriman Police Department, she was charged with assault, criminal mischief, and commission of domestic violence in the presence of a child.

Season one of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives actually featured details about the incident. They showed clips of the body-cam footage and mentioned the incident several times, stating that Paul was put on three years’ probation. However, the release of this video showed the extent of the violence, prompting questions about what may not have been previously shown.

How Social Media is Responding

Following the video’s release, social media quickly split into two opposing sides. Some defended Paul as a victim of “reactive abuse,” while others condemned her actions as inexcusable violence.

Fellow costars Miranda McWhorter and Layla Taylor both posted messages to their Instagram stories addressing the issue. “Domestic violence and abuse of any kind is something I take very seriously. As a human, and especially as a mother, I cannot support that kind of behavior,” wrote Miranda. 

Layla also spoke out, saying, “My personal history as a survivor makes it impossible for me to stay silent… I stand firmly against domestic violence in any form.” 

Some acknowledge Paul’s behavior but argue the video reflects reactive abuse, claiming Mortensen instigated conflicts. Reactive abuse is a term used to describe when a victim responds to prolonged provocation with an outburst — a dynamic that abusers sometimes use to shift blame onto the victim. Experts caution that regardless of provocation, violence toward another person is never acceptable. 

Mayci Neely, one of Paul’s costars, appeared on “The Viall Files” podcast in May 2025, where she suggested Mortensen was responsible for creating the conflicts that led to Paul’s outbursts, a position that aligns with the reactive abuse argument. “Of course, it’s always him behind the scenes sabotaging things,” said Neely.

Paul has since posted on social media thanking supporters and speaking about her mental health struggles, though she has not publicly addressed the specific content of the 2023 video. She’s also fired back at those who tell her to take a break from social media, replying to a comment by saying, “Want me to stare at the wall instead?”

In addition to the cancellation of The Bachelorette, production for season five of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has halted. Mikayla Matthews shared on an Instagram story, “It was a decision that all of us girls came up with and agreed on. We didn’t feel comfortable filming with everything that was happening.”

This divide highlights how social media can both raise awareness and contribute to conflicting narratives surrounding serious issues.

Alleged New Incident

While the 2023 incident has recently gained attention, new developments have also emerged. In March 2026, police opened a new investigation into another domestic violence incident involving Paul and Mortensen. The incident occurred on February 24–25, 2026. Paul is accused of “choking Mortensen and ripping a necklace off of his neck,” according to TMZ. Both parties have continued to blame each other. However, prosecutors have recently “declined to file charges in connection with allegations of domestic violence against Paul,” according to NBC.

Paul added a post to her story regarding the news, saying, “Cried when I got the call. Thank you to those who have stood with me.”

Why This Matters Beyond Celebrity News

Abuse isn’t something only celebrities experience. Headlines like these reveal the reality of what many people experience behind closed doors and emphasize the importance of support. According to the CDC, “nearly 1 in 3 women and about 1 in 8 men experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking.” These situations highlight how important it is to recognize warning signs of abuse and take them seriously. 

For students, resources such as school counselors or trusted adults can provide support for those experiencing or witnessing unhealthy relationships.

When private crises become public, they don’t just generate views—they shape how people understand serious issues. As this case continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder that behind every viral video is a real situation that calls for accountability, awareness, and action.

If you or someone you know is struggling with domestic abuse, visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline, call 1-800-799-7233, or text “START” to 88788