Bodycam Footage Reveals Chaotic Night of Taylor Frankie Paul's Domestic Violence Arrest
Newly obtained police bodycam footage has provided detailed insight into the night reality television star Taylor Frankie Paul was arrested for domestic violence in 2023. The video, released by TMZ, shows the chaotic aftermath of an altercation where Paul admitted to hurling metal chairs at her then-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen at her Utah residence.
Emotional Police Encounter and Arrest Details
The footage begins with officers arriving at Paul's home to find the couple in a heated argument. Paul initially claims "nothing" is happening when police ask about the disturbance, while Mortensen immediately informs officers that Paul is "hammered." The situation escalates as Paul throws her arm toward Mortensen, prompting police intervention with a firm "Hey, stop!"
During the investigation, Paul admits to throwing chairs at Mortensen, claiming she was "fighting back" after he allegedly pushed her into a wooden object in the garage. "I threw them at him, yeah," Paul confesses on camera. "He pushed me into the wooded thing so I reacted."
Mortensen's Surprising Request and Injuries
One of the most striking moments in the footage shows Mortensen asking police if he could be arrested in Paul's place. "Can I go?" Mortensen asks officers, to which they respond that Paul was identified as the "primary aggressor." Mortensen insists, "I can't do this to her, dude," expressing concern for Paul despite being the apparent victim.
Mortensen shows officers his injuries during the encounter, claiming his finger might be broken and displaying elbow damage. "She hit me with a freaking metal chair," he tells police quietly. "I was in shock man, feel all the pain." He also tells officers that Paul had been "attacking the crap out of me" and that she was "not doing OK in life."
Police Perspective and Reality Check
The responding officer provides perspective to Mortensen, stating, "The reality of this is that you were victimized tonight and that's why we're here. We don't want further violence and maybe this is the reality check she needs." The officer emphasizes the seriousness of the situation, suggesting what might have happened if Paul had grabbed a kitchen knife instead of chairs.
When Mortensen expresses surprise that Paul will be charged with domestic violence, burying his face in his hands and saying "Oh my gosh," the officer responds, "I know that's hard to hear but that's the reality of the situation and I'm glad that it wasn't worse."
Background of the Altercation
According to Mortensen's account to police, the conflict began when Paul went out for a girls' night. Mortensen planned to attend a concert with friends but agreed to pick up Paul when she asked to join him. Upon seeing her intoxicated state, Mortensen decided against taking her to the concert, which angered Paul.
Mortensen describes a tense car ride home where Paul allegedly said "awful things" to him, "tearing me down." The situation escalated further at Paul's home, where Mortensen claims she threw her phone at him in front of family members before the chair-throwing incident occurred.
Aftermath and Career Consequences
The 2023 arrest had significant professional consequences for Paul. Her scheduled season of The Bachelorette was canceled just days before its premiere after the domestic violence video surfaced. Disney Entertainment Television, which owns ABC, released a statement confirming the decision not to move forward with the season, stating their "focus is on supporting the family."
Filming was also paused on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, the Hulu reality show that made Paul famous, due to "serious" issues involving the star. A cast member confirmed the filming hiatus was related to the scandal.
Legal Proceedings and Statements
Paul ultimately pleaded guilty to aggravated assault over the 2023 incident. More recently, in February of this year, another domestic violence investigation was opened involving Paul and Mortensen, with the Draper City Police Department confirming "allegations have been made in both directions." Mortensen was granted a restraining order against Paul, characterizing her as an "immediate threat" to his safety.
Representatives for Paul declined to comment on the newly released bodycam footage when contacted by The Daily Mail. Mortensen has not responded to comment requests regarding the video.
In a previous statement after The Bachelorette cancellation, Paul's representatives claimed she had suffered "extensive mental and physical abuse as well as threats of retaliation" and was now "gaining the strength to face her accuser." Mortensen has denied these claims, stating, "I am, unfortunately, used to these baseless claims about me and our relationship, which I categorically deny."
The bodycam footage provides a raw, unfiltered look at the domestic violence incident that derailed Paul's reality television career and continues to have legal repercussions years later.
