Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill's office announced on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, that it has declined to file charges against reality television personality Taylor Frankie Paul following a comprehensive review of multiple domestic violence investigations. The decision marks a significant development in a case that has drawn considerable public attention and professional consequences for the star of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
"After reviewing reports and evidence submitted to the Draper Police Department and West Jordan Police Department, the Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office has declined to file charges against Taylor Frankie Paul," the district attorney's office stated in official documents. The announcement follows investigations into incidents that occurred between 2023 and 2026 involving Paul and her former partner Dakota Mortensen, with whom she shares a son named Ever.
The investigations centered on three separate domestic incidents. The first occurred in February 2023, when Paul was arrested following an alleged physical altercation with Mortensen. She subsequently pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated assault as part of a plea agreement that dismissed remaining charges. Authorities later investigated a second incident that occurred at some point in 2024, which Mortensen reportedly brought to police attention in February 2026. A third investigation was opened following a late February 2026 incident at the couple's residence.
The case gained renewed scrutiny in March 2026 when footage from the 2023 altercation surfaced publicly. The video showed Paul physically assaulting Mortensen and throwing chairs during the dispute. Her daughter, Indy, was visible in the corner of the room during the incident. Paul later addressed the leaked footage in a social media comment, stating, "Worst part is my daughter having to relive and see it all over again years later after extensive work with her and apologies to her about that night."
Bodycam footage from the 2023 arrest revealed Paul questioning the charges against her. "What did I do wrong?" she asked a police officer. "Help me to know so I can do better. I'm just so hurt emotionally. I'm just really hurting." Throughout the encounter, Paul maintained that the situation was "an accident." In separate police video, Mortensen described attempting to protect Indy during the dispute, stating, "Every time I tried to help her, I was getting attacked, so I couldn't. I had to hold her down because she wouldn't stop throwing stuff there."
The investigations had significant professional ramifications for Paul. ABC pulled her scheduled season of The Bachelorette just days before its planned March 2026 premiere after details from the prior arrest resurfaced amid the February 2026 incident. Paul, who also shares two children with ex-husband Tate Paul, had traveled to New York City for promotional events before the network's decision.
During a press event on March 17, 2026, Paul categorically denied the accusations. "There's more to the context to everything and it's unfortunate," she stated. "It's been hard. And it sucks to be in this position. And the mother that I am, that is something I will always stand my ground on. I believe that I am a good mother and I have always treated my kids very well."
The multiple investigations raised questions about Paul's existing plea agreement from the 2023 case. District Attorney Sim Gill told media outlets on March 26, 2026, that his office remained vigilant regarding any criminal conduct during her probationary period. "We are aware of the West Jordan allegations, and since Ms. Paul is on plea in abeyance status, we would always be interested in any subsequent allegations of criminal conduct during her probationary period," Gill stated. "If there is conduct out of West Jordan that rises to the level of a violation that would fall within our domain to file charges, then we would screen it when and if it is presented to us."
The decision not to file charges represents a conclusion to the recent investigations, though Paul remains on probation from her 2023 guilty plea. The case has highlighted ongoing concerns about domestic violence and the complexities of such investigations when children are present. Paul previously addressed the charges on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast in September 2025, claiming, "The charges were all dropped. I never did anything intentionally with my children. I never have ever."
Paul and Mortensen dated on and off from 2023 to 2026. The relationship has now ended, and the couple is no longer in contact. The district attorney's office has not provided additional details regarding the specific evidence reviewed or the reasoning behind the decision not to pursue charges in the 2024 and 2026 incidents.
Individuals experiencing domestic violence can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support and resources.