Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star and Season 22 Bachelorette lead Taylor Frankie Paul is down one brand deal, just days after it was reported that an incident between her and ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen has halted production on Season 5 of the ‘Mormon Wives’ and possibly put her ‘Bachelorette’ season— which is about to premiere— in jeopardy.
On Tuesday, TMZ reported that the recent scandal involving the #MomTok mogul had already caused Taylor to lose a brand deal with Cinnabon, just days after the baked goods company posted a joint collaboration with both ‘The Bachelorette’ and ‘SLOMW’ on social media.
The brand had been planning some Bachelorette-themed promotions, including limited-edition CinnaPacks packaging. Cinnabon also planned to release a Swirled Soda inspired by a viral drink from ‘Mormon Wives,’ complete with themed cup sleeves. The product line has since been scrapped.
“Recent developments and allegations surrounding the lead cast member led us to reassess this collaboration as it no longer aligns with our brand values,” the company told PEOPLE in a statement.
According to TMZ, Taylor and Dakota– who are parents to one-year-old son Ever– got into an argument a few weeks ago, during which Taylor allegedly choked her ex, ripped his necklace off, and grabbed his throat and face, all while their son was in the room.
A source told the outlet that Dakota called the police on the night of the incident, but that Taylor convinced him to change his story and tell police that everything was fine.
After the exes made up, Taylor allegedly returned to Dakota’s home the following night where the two engaged in another argument that allegedly turned physical. Sources close to Taylor have named Dakota as the primary aggressor in the incident. Meanwhile, ‘SLOMW’ production sources have reportedly denied this allegation.
According to People, there is currently an open “domestic assault investigation” involving Taylor and Dakota, as the Draper City Police Department in Utah notes that “allegations have been made in both directions.”
Despite the ongoing investigation and loss of (at least) one brand deal, Taylor is reportedly “focused” on her upcoming role as ‘The Bachelorette,’ as Season 22 is set to begin airing next week. (It’s been reported by TMZ that ABC— the network that airs ‘The Bachelorette’— has hired “a public relations crisis manager to handle the fallout.”)
As fans of ‘SLOMW’ know, Taylor and Dakota have a history of feuding, much of which has played out on the show.
Fans may recall that Taylor was previously arrested in 2023 for alleged domestic violence following an argument between herself and Dakota. The incident resulted in Taylor receiving misdemeanor charges of assault, criminal mischief and commission of domestic violence in the presence of a child– the latter due to Taylor allegedly throwing a chair at Dakota that ended up hitting her daughter. (In addition to Ever, Taylor shares a son and daughter with her ex-husband Tate Paul; unlike Dakota, Tate does not appear on ‘SLOMW.’)
Taylor ultimately pled guilty in abeyance to aggravated assault for the 2023 incident, meaning that the charge will be dismissed if she complies with the conditions of the plea; the other charges have already been dismissed.
While production on ‘SLOMW’ is currently on pause, Taylor’s season of ‘The Bachelorette’ is still set to premiere Monday on ABC.
UPDATE: Taylor addressed the alleged domestic violence dispute on Tuesday, telling Us Weekly, “there’s more to the context to everything and it’s unfortunate.” While seemingly speaking to the claim that the alleged incident between her and Dakota occurred in front of their son, Taylor insisted that she is a good mother to her children.
“It’s been hard,” she told the outlet. “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. So the headlines that are out right now are very hard to see because that’s not the truth of it. I have always treated my children with respect and I’ve never touched them. So it’s been really hard.”
Taylor went on to call the timing of the allegations “unfortunate,” noting Monday’s premiere of ‘The Bachelorette.’
“It’s another premiere that’s been taken away from me,” she said. “I’ve never enjoyed a premiere for any one of my shows. So it’s just been very sad.”
RELATED STORY: ‘Vanderpump Villa’ Star Marciano Brunette Says He’s “Getting Even” Days After Suing Demi Engemann Over Her Sexual Assault Allegations
(Photos: ABC; Instagram)
11 Responses
I feel for her. Watching the scene where Jordan baited her into asking about Dakota sleeping with someone while in the Villa was painful. He full on knew what he was doing and that she would spiral with that information.
Previous seasons seeing how her parents talk to her explains a lot about her perception of herself. She knows she’s a mess, and I think she wants to fix herself but she just doesn’t know how and doesn’t have the support she needs.
I fully believe Dakota pushes her to her absolute breaking point where she snaps as a reaction and he cries victim, it feeds his ego.
I like Taylor just fine. But she’s a mess. An actual freaking mess. And I don’t even fully blame her. Being raised LDS is damaging to a child. Mormons took God out of the church long ago if you ask me, it’s far more like a cult.
she’s FUGLY
Don’t know who they are, but there seem to be a pattern with her…
Need to boycott the bachelorette and slomw till they take these 2 abusive trashy ppl off the shows. They don’t deserve the platform or attention. Vile people.
I mean she is like 100lbs he could just put his hand out and keep her from coming at him. But we know he loves to provoke her and then play the victim.
Oh bs. Women can be, and are abusers. Its not just men.
I feel bad for her kids, she needs help that she will never admit to needing.
I’m not really surprised. She was arrested for domestic violence before and routinely gets in guys faces on SLOMW.
I don’t know why the other ladies are clutching their pearls and refusing to film this time & didn’t seem to mind filming last time.
I’m also even less surprised that the Bachlorette will go on as if nothing ever happened. They have already sunk money into it and filming concluded in December 2025.
Wonder if they are frantically editing…
And yeah like most abusers she has a pattern, and it doesnt sound like reactive abuse either. Which i know can be doubted, but good god some people with personality disorders are great at instigating it then claiming victim status. Ignoring they threw the first punch,