Ashley Iaconetti Addresses Taylor Frankie Paul’s Bachelorette Scandal

by

Ashley Iaconetti is realistic about what it’s like to be on The Bachelor and other shows in that franchise.

As a longtime fan, I was really surprised when ABC put Taylor Frankie Paul’s season of The Bachelorette on hold. Taylor herself has now spoken out, and honestly, she seems to think she maybe wasn’t quite prepared to be the lead. It’s a complicated situation, and she’s acknowledging that things weren’t ideal for her to take on that role right now.

Oh my god, can you believe she finally said it?! I’ve been saying it all along! She told Variety that thank goodness they didn’t actually air that season, but it’s even worse – she thinks the whole thing could have been handled so much better from the start. Like, seriously, why did they even get so far along if they knew it was a mess?! I’m just so glad she’s speaking out, it validates everything we fans have been feeling!

Taylor Dunn’s season of The Bachelorette was called off on March 19th, just two days before it was scheduled to air. This happened after video emerged of a physical fight between Taylor and her then-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen. Taylor later pleaded guilty to aggravated assault related to the incident, and it became a key part of the first season of her Hulu show, Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.

Ashley said they had a clear understanding of what occurred in the video and the events leading to the arrest, based on numerous interviews the woman had previously given. She also pointed out that the woman had been a featured guest on their TV show for four seasons.

As someone who follows these things closely, I’ve been hearing a lot about the recent drama. While Ashley definitely acknowledged the actions in the video were awful, she brought up a really good point about why Taylor maybe shouldn’t have been on that dating show in the first place. She feels there were multiple reasons, and it wasn’t just about what happened on camera. As a mom of two with my husband, Jared, I can appreciate looking at things from all angles!

Ashley explained that the role wasn’t a good fit for her, and she likely wasn’t prepared for it emotionally or mentally. A big part of the problem was how closely she was connected to Dakota beforehand.

 TopMob News has reached out to ABC and Taylor for comment but has not yet heard back. 

In the weeks before Taylor’s season was cancelled, her relationship with Dakota, who had announced their breakup in spring 2025, became increasingly strained. Police in Utah confirmed to People magazine on March 16th that they had begun investigating a possible argument between the ex-couple that occurred in February.

Following ABC’s decision to halt the airing of The Bachelorette season, Taylor—who shares two children with her former partner, Tate Paul, and a son with Dakota—released a statement expressing her gratitude for the network’s support during a difficult time.

Taylor has been quietly dealing with years of severe mental and physical abuse, along with threats, but is now finding the courage to confront her abuser and protect herself and her children from future harm, according to a statement released on March 19.

In a statement to TopMob News on March 19th, Dakota said he was accustomed to false accusations about him and his relationship, and he firmly denied them all.

For a deeper look into what led to Taylor’s season of the Bachelorette being canceled, keep reading…

Taylor Frankie Paul, who gained popularity on TikTok as #MomTok, was arrested in Utah on February 17, 2023, following an altercation with her boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen. According to court documents obtained by ABC 4 Utah, she allegedly threw metal chairs and a wooden playset at him while one of her children was present. She shares these children with her former husband, Tate Paul.

Court records show Taylor faces several charges, including aggravated assault, two counts of domestic violence with a child present that resulted in injury, simple child abuse, and criminal mischief, according to documents released by the Salt Lake County District Attorney and reported by TopMob News.

According to court documents, the officer who arrived at the scene stated that Dakota told him he had been arguing with his girlfriend. Dakota said that when he tried to leave, his girlfriend, Taylor, started hitting him.

In August 2023, Taylor admitted guilt to a serious assault charge, as shown in court records obtained by the Salt Lake Tribune. Four other charges against Taylor were dropped and cannot be filed again.

For three years, the charges against her were put on hold. If Taylor followed the conditions of her agreement, the case would then be filed as a minor offense, according to court records.

As part of her agreement, Taylor was required to undergo evaluations for both substance abuse and domestic violence, and complete any treatment recommended for her over three years. She also had to avoid breaking any major laws during that time.

Taylor and Dakota welcomed their son a week ahead of schedule. On April 4, 2024, Taylor shared a photo from the hospital on Instagram, expressing their joy and writing, “These past two weeks with him have been wonderful. We all love him so much, and we’re grateful he’s brought our families together.”

Taylor told TopMob News that the fight with Dakota was definitely their lowest point.

She explained that he supported her because he understood the full situation, even what was happening privately. She described it as a terrible night and admitted she felt a lot of regret. Because Dakota had gone through similar hard times, he really understood what she was going through and offered to help, saying, ‘I want to help you out of this.’

As for the confrontation itself, she later said the incident had been building up. 

She revealed on the Viall Files podcast in September 2024 that she’d experienced an ectopic pregnancy a few months earlier, followed by a chemical pregnancy. While she didn’t want to directly attribute it to hormonal imbalances, she acknowledged they might be a factor, saying she felt ‘pretty off’.

Taylor explained that she felt confused and upset after the events, leading her to drink. Dakota then picked her up and expressed his displeasure that she had been drinking.

I recall throwing objects and not recognizing my daughters, who were on the couch. We had babysitters, so I assumed they were upstairs asleep. Apparently, Dakota tried to tell me my five-year-old was there too, but I was so out of it that I didn’t even care and just threw another chair.

The reality show The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives premiered on Hulu in September 2024, and the first episode opened with footage of Taylor’s arrest in 2023.

Taylor publicly announced her breakup with Dakota in May 2025. The news came after the premiere of season two of SLOMW, which revealed Dakota had been unfaithful shortly after their son was born. Taylor shared the news on TikTok, stating, “Dakota isn’t mine anymore, wish him the best.”

We were happily living together with our new baby, and I was starting to think about getting engaged,” she shared. “Then I found out he’d been lying to me the whole time.

In a fourth-season episode of SLOMW, Dakota confessed to having an affair with a friend, Shinia Powell. During a FaceTime conversation with Taylor, Dakota admitted, “It was a mistake, and I probably should have chosen someone else. I messed up by getting involved with someone who was clearly going to cause drama, and I regret that.”

Taylor was unexpectedly chosen as the next Bachelorette for season 22, and she announced the news on the Call Her Daddy podcast in September 2025. This is a big change for the show, which typically selects leads from past seasons of The Bachelor.

Taylor saw it as a positive development, sharing in a preview for the new season, “I think this was meant to be part of my next journey.”

Honestly, people have said some harsh things about me, and I’ve definitely faced rejection. But if anyone really gets to know me, they’ll see I’m a sincere person with good intentions, and I truly believe everyone deserves a second chance at finding love. That’s how I feel, anyway.

Just before Taylor started filming season 22 of The Bachelorette, a conversation she had with Dakota aired on season four of SLOMW. During that conversation, Dakota apologized for his relationship with Shinia, admitting it was a mistake and saying he’d acted poorly.

He explained that both he and Taylor had caused each other pain, but he still felt they loved each other deeply.

The couple acknowledged their relationship was unhealthy, and Taylor believed appearing on The Bachelorette could actually be beneficial, even if they didn’t end up together. She felt it would give them both a chance to step back, break their pattern, and begin to heal.

You know, Dakota really laid his cards on the table with Taylor. He was genuinely happy for her, wanting her to find someone she loves, but he also subtly let her know he wasn’t giving up on them. It was a sweet, slightly hopeful message – he basically asked her to keep him in mind, saying something along the lines of ‘don’t forget about me!’ It’s that classic ‘I want your happiness, but also… me!’ vibe, delivered with a playful request to ‘save a rose’ for him. It’s a charming way of saying he’s still interested, even if she moves on.

Production on season five of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives stopped in February 2026 following a reported argument between Taylor and Dakota.

On March 16, a representative from the Draper City Police Department told People magazine that they are investigating allegations of domestic assault involving Taylor and Dakota, with both individuals making claims against each other. Police made contact with those involved on February 24th and 25th, but are not releasing further details while the investigation is ongoing.

According to a source speaking with TopMob News, Taylor is taking responsibility for her actions and is primarily focused on shielding her son, Ever, from negative press surrounding his father and ensuring he maintains a positive view of him.

After Taylor and Dakota had a disagreement in 2026, TMZ released video of a physical fight between them that originally happened in 2023.

The video shows Dakota filming the altercation on his phone while Taylor shouts at him and tries to hit him, even briefly putting him in a headlock.

“Look,” Dakota can be heard saying, “this is called physical abuse.”

During the argument, he told her their daughter was there just as Taylor started throwing metal barstools at him. Taylor claimed Dakota pushed her to the floor before he started filming, while Dakota insisted she was the one who initiated the conflict and asked her to think about their 5-year-old daughter. Taylor was later heard shouting for him to stay away from her child.

According to a police report obtained by TopMob News in 2023, the child was struck by a stool.

As a huge Taylor fan, I was so upset to see that video circulating. Her team quickly released a statement to TopMob News explaining it was actually part of a really harmful attempt to damage her reputation. They said the video left out important details and seemed designed to take attention away from what Dakota did. And honestly, Dakota’s real estate agent completely denied Taylor’s accusations, calling them completely unfounded.

Following the release of video showing a 2023 incident involving Taylor and Dakota, ABC announced it was cancelling season 22 of The Bachelorette. A Disney Entertainment spokesperson told TopMob News, “We’ve decided not to proceed with the new season right now, and our priority is supporting the family involved.”

Following ABC’s decision, Taylor broke her silence about the situation. 

Taylor appreciates the support she’s received from ABC while focusing on keeping her family safe. According to her representative, she has endured years of severe mental and physical abuse and threats, but is now finding the courage to confront her abuser and protect herself and her children from future harm.

The statement highlighted that many women are quietly enduring hardship caused by former partners who are controlling, possessive, and won’t allow them to rebuild their lives.

Taylor’s team said she’s considering her next steps, getting support, and will eventually talk publicly about what happened.

Dakota addressed claims of domestic violence involving him and Taylor, stating in a March 19th interview with TopMob News that the video footage of the incident is “deeply upsetting,” as anyone who has viewed it would likely agree.

He stated he was sadly accustomed to false accusations regarding himself and their relationship, and firmly denied them all.

Dakota explained she’s prioritizing her son Ever’s well-being and safety, and hopes Taylor will do the same.

According to documents obtained by People magazine on March 20th, Dakota has been granted temporary custody of Ever after filing a protective order against Taylor. A hearing is scheduled for April 7th where Taylor will have the opportunity to present her perspective. However, until then, the order prevents either parent from spending time with Ever.

West Jordan police in Utah are investigating a new claim of domestic violence from 2024 that Dakota reported in February, according to NBC News. As of March 24th, investigators had spoken with Taylor’s lawyer but not Taylor herself. They are hoping she will provide a written statement or agree to an interview to confirm details of Dakota’s account.

Read More

2026-04-06 20:21