Taylor Frankie Paul, who is set to be ABC’s newest “Bachelorette,” spoke out Wednesday regarding reports alleging a domestic violence incident with her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen.
Paul, who helms Hulu’s “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” as the founder of “MomTok,” said on “Good Morning America” that “it’s been a heavy time to see the headlines,” alleging the investigation, just days before her season of “The Bachelorette” is set to air on Sunday.
The interview came after multiple reports surfaced on Monday alleging domestic violence.
“I’m a person that will always speak my truth … that’s what I’m known for,” Paul said on “GMA.”
“And so when the time is right, I will be, but right now, just trying to be in the present moment and focus on this,” she added, referring to the “exciting time” leading up to the premiere.
NBC News previously reported that Paul and Mortensen are involved in an “ongoing investigation,” according to three sources close to the matter. The sources declined to provide further details about the investigation on the record.
When reached by NBC News on Monday, the Draper Police Department in Utah declined to confirm the reports of a domestic dispute, saying its practice is “not to release details related to active investigations.”
The Department confirmed to People reports of an open “domestic assault investigation” regarding Paul and Mortensen, and that “allegations have been made in both directions.”
Mortensen did not immediately reply to a request for comment sent Wednesday morning.
Paul added on “GMA” that this time has been “stressful” as the social media influencer-turned-reality star tries to be present ahead of the premiere while prioritizing her kids above all else.
Paul and Mortensen share one son, 1-year-old Ever. She also has two other children from a previous marriage.
The sources, who spoke to NBC News on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak publicly about the matter, also confirmed the pause in filming for “Mormon Wives,” with one source saying the show’s cast decided to step away for now.
When asked about those reports on “GMA,” Paul said she has “gotten word that it also has been paused, but I do not call those shots.” She added that she does not know how long the show’s next season will be on a break, even though she is an executive producer.
Season Four of “Mormon Wives” premiered Thursday on Hulu. Disney, the parent company of Hulu and ABC, did not respond to requests for comment on Tuesday regarding the pause in filming.
Paul added it’s difficult to envision her future on “Mormon Wives” right now.
“It’s hard to see past this, I’m not gonna lie, in this moment,” Paul said. “When your life is broadcast out there in these headlines, it’s like the end of the world. That’s what it feels like.”
“But I will say, I’ve been here before, and I got through it, and, you know, shared my story, my light. So I’m hoping that I can do that again,” Paul continued.
Paul first spoke out regarding the reports Tuesday night at a press preview of “The Bachelorette,” telling People that her “heart hurts to see it, to go through it, especially at this time.”
On “GMA,” Paul added that she was inspired to take on the role as “Bachelorette” after watching “Mormon Wives” co-stars Whitney Leavitt and Jen Affleck star on last season of “Dancing With The Stars” while also continuing to shoot for “Mormon Wives” and performing their duties as moms.
“I looked at that, and I was like, well, if they can do it, and they have kids, and they are going out chasing their dreams, like, why can’t I?” Paul said Wednesday morning.
She explained that “dating as a mom of three is extremely difficult,” and the prospect of dating multiple men at once piqued her interest.
“So I get to go out, get away from my toxic cycle here in Utah, go date, and then also have my kids come out and visit me,” she said. “That, to me, seemed like, why not? Right?”
But she said that didn’t mean it wasn’t exhausting.
“But you’re finding the love of your life, and that’s what you’re striving for,” she added on Wednesday. “So it was hard, but so fun and exciting at the same time. I’d be lying if I said it was just really easy.”
