In a dramatic turn of events that unfolded in 2023, former reality‑TV star Taylor Frankie Paul was caught on camera in a heated confrontation with her ex‑husband, Dakota Mortensen. The incident, which saw Paul throw several stools at Mortensen, sparked a police investigation and brought to light a series of claims made by Paul’s ex‑husband, Tate Paul. According to audio from a police call, Tate expressed deep concerns about the role his mother‑in‑law, Liann May, was playing in the aftermath of the altercation, alleging that she was coaching their daughter and potentially influencing the investigation.
Background of the Incident
Taylor Frankie Paul, best known for her appearances on the reality‑TV show Bachelorette and the documentary series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, was involved in a highly publicized domestic dispute in 2023. The confrontation took place in front of their five‑year‑old daughter, Indy, and was captured on video, showing Paul in a state of anger as she hurled furniture at Dakota Mortensen. The footage quickly circulated online, leading to widespread media coverage and a formal police response.
Following the incident, Paul was arrested and later pleaded guilty to aggravated assault. The Utah authorities, however, did not stop there; they opened two additional investigations into domestic violence allegations involving Paul and Mortensen. These investigations were prompted by further reports of Paul’s aggressive behavior toward Mortensen, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
Police Call and Tate’s Allegations
During a police call that was later released to the public, Tate Paul voiced a number of concerns that shed new light on the family dynamics at play. He stated, “The grandmother is obviously in a conflict of interest because it’s her daughter who did this. I’ve noticed she’s already tried gatekeeping—no, not gatekeeping, but she’s coaching my daughter and telling her specific things.”
According to Tate, Liann May had taken custody of Indy after the fight, but he insisted that the police should contact him directly rather than his mother‑in‑law. He argued that Liann’s involvement could compromise the impartiality of the investigation, especially given her close relationship with Paul.
These remarks were significant for several reasons. First, they highlighted a potential bias in the handling of the case, as the mother‑in‑law could influence the child’s testimony. Second, they raised questions about the safety and well‑being of Indy, who was reportedly hit on the head with a “goose egg” during the altercation. The police investigation, therefore, had to consider not only










