Taylor Frankie Paul Says Her ‘Heart Hurts’ Amid DV Allegations

Taylor Frankie Paul has officially broken her silence following the domestic violence allegations against her just days before she is set to make her debut as the new “Bachelorette.”

“The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star commented about the incident involving her and ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen, who are parents to son Ever.

Taylor Frankie Paul Breaks Silence Following Domestic Violence Allegations

Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE during a press preview of “The Bachelorette” in New York City on Tuesday, March 17, Paul addressed the domestic violence allegations against her for the first time.

“Honestly, just like, my heart hurts to see it, to go through it, especially at this time,” Paul told the outlet. “Just the timing is hard, and it’s a big deal. I feel like every premiere that I’ve experienced, I’ve never enjoyed fully, so this is another one… it’s extremely hard, and it took everything to get me here today.”

“It’s just heavy. It’s a heavy time, and it’s unfortunate,” she continued before sharing that she is currently “struggling” as the details and fallout of the incident continue to unfold. 

“I’m struggling for sure, but also at the same time I feel like if I don’t show up, then I’m just giving these opportunities away and not enjoying what we’ve worked on and something super exciting that’s coming. I just feel like it was the right thing to do… show up even though it’s hard,” Paul said.

Paul Shared That ‘The Bachelorette’ Experience Was ‘Best Thing’ She Could Have Done

The reality star also told PEOPLE that the decision to accept the offer to be “The Bachelorette” was an easy one, as heading to Los Angeles to film for months allowed her to get “out of my toxicity of a life in Utah and bubble.”

“It was like the best thing I could have done,” Paul added, noting that the show’s contestants were “different” than the men back in her Utah hometown. 

“There was a lot of reassurance in who I am, you know, from all these men being just kind and gentle and gentlemen,” she said of the men. “It kind of brought out my true side of who I am and honestly belief in me, value, worth… they made me feel reassured in that and reminded me of that. It was a journey of also that too.”

‘Bachelorette’ Cast Says Taylor Frankie Paul Was ‘Softer’ And ‘Pleasant To Be Around’ While Filming

Several members of the season 22 cast of “The Bachelorette” recently spoke with TMZ and sang Taylor Frankie Paul’s praises, notably pointing out how different she was on the show in stark contrast to what “Mormon Wives” fans see and the current domestic violence allegations against her.

The contestants told the outlet that while filming Paul was “kind, genuine, and well-intentioned,” and displayed “a softer, more authentic side.” They also added that overall she was “consistently pleasant to be around.”

Regarding the recent domestic violence allegations, they said that while the claims are “troubling,” they believe there are many misconceptions about Paul and want the public to refrain from rushing to judge, and that the full truth of what happened during the incident will be revealed in time. 

‘The Bachelorette’ Still On Track To Air New Season Despite DV Allegations Fallout

According to TMZ, as of now, ABC has decided that the premiere of “The Bachelorette,” starring Paul will still air as planned, despite recent allegations of domestic violence against her.

Per the outlet, Paul is currently in New York City on a press run to promote the show, which is still slated to air the full season in its entirety. She is also still set to appear at the Los Angeles premiere for the show.

Additionally, TMZ also shared details about “The Bachelorette” team being laser-focused on casting Paul for the show despite her drama-filled past and prior domestic violence arrest.

An inside source close to the show, told the outlet that “Bachelorette” producers wanted Paul badly for the show because they felt that due to the massive success of “Mormon Wives” and her immense social media following she could increase the show’s lagging ratings.

However, since they wanted her at all cost, the source said they admittedly “cut corners” during the vetting process. 

ABC has since hired a public relations crisis manager amid the news of Paul’s alleged domestic violence incident involving ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen.

Taylor Frankie Paul And Dakota Mortensen Ordered For Psych Evaluation, ‘Mormon Wives’ Production Halted

Per TMZ, Mortensen has made calls to the Utah Division of Child and Family Services multiple times alleging Paul has been physically abusive to their son, which Paul firmly denies. 

According to the outlet, in late February, the former couple got into a verbal altercation while inside Mortensen’s car after Paul reportedly spilled a drink. Inside sources shared that Mortensen became “enraged” and “got physical” with Paul, however, he called the police and told them that she was the one who assaulted him. 

Following the incident, a source close to Paul told TMZ that Mortensen disappeared for weeks and ditched filming, which led to production being put on pause. However, sources with “Mormon Wives” said that filming stopped because cast members refused to film amid the domestic violence and child abuse allegations, despite production wanting to continue filming season 5. 

Additionally, due to Mortensen repeatedly calling DCFS on Paul, alleging abuse, both are now required to undergo psychological evaluations. 

When production on “Mormon Wives” resumes, it has not been decided what capacity, if any, Mortensen will be part of the show.

According to PEOPLE,  the Draper City Police Department confirmed to the outlet that an open “domestic assault investigation” exists between Paul and Mortensen. Per the police department’s spokesperson, “allegations have been made in both directions” and “contact was made with involved parties on [Feb] 24th and 25th.” 

An inside source connected to “Mormon Wives” confirmed the production pause. “They are not filming,” the source said. “Taylor [Frankie Paul] has some pretty serious stuff happening regarding her past, and they will see what happens. Until that resolves, they are off.”

Things are reportedly so serious that Paul’s fellow MomTok members have all distanced themselves from her. “None of the women want to be associated with her,” the source told the outlet.