Taylor Frankie Paul’s Ex Tate Accuses Taylor’s Mom of Coaching Taylor After Arrest

What started as a messy 2023 incident for Taylor Frankie Paul just spilled into her TV life in a very public way. We now have police call transcripts, new investigations, and two shows pressing pause or pulling out entirely. Here is where it all stands and why this keeps snowballing.

Quick timeline

• May 2022: Taylor and ex-husband Tate Paul split. They share two kids: daughter Indy May (8) and son Ocean (5).
• February 2023: Taylor is accused of striking then-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen and throwing chairs; one allegedly hits Indy. She is arrested on domestic violence charges. Taylor and Dakota later welcome a son, Ever True (now 2).
• Post-arrest 2023: Taylor’s mom, Liann May, and stepdad, Jeremy May, look after the kids who were in the home during the incident. Tate raises concerns to police about Liann’s involvement.
• 2023 case outcome: Initial counts include misdemeanor assault, criminal mischief, and committing domestic violence in the presence of a child. Taylor pleads guilty to aggravated assault; the other charges are dismissed.
• March 19, 2026: Cellphone video of the 2023 altercation surfaces. Taylor’s team calls it selectively edited; Dakota’s side disputes her characterization and says he is focused on their son’s safety.
• Now: Utah authorities are investigating two additional alleged domestic incidents — one from 2024 and another alleged altercation from February 2026 in West Jordan — which could affect her 2023 plea deal.
• TV fallout: Hulu pauses production on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives season 5. ABC cancels Taylor’s season of The Bachelorette three days before its planned Sunday, March 22, 2026 premiere. That is... not normal.
• March 26, 2026: People publishes transcripts of Tate’s calls with Utah police after Taylor’s 2023 arrest.

What the newly released transcripts say

In transcripts published Thursday, March 26, by People, Tate told Utah police he was uneasy with Taylor’s mother, Liann, being the point person with the kids in the immediate aftermath of the 2023 arrest. He flagged what he viewed as a conflict — that Liann is Taylor’s mom — and said he believed Liann was coaching his daughter about what to say. He asked investigators to contact him directly, not Liann, for updates on the case.

Tate also described an injury to Indy’s head from the incident — a swelling the size of a "goose egg," as he put it — adding that he could not get a clear photo because of where it was on her scalp.

Us Weekly noted they reached out to reps for Tate, Taylor, and Liann for comment.

Charges, plea, and why the case is back in the headlines

Back in 2023, Taylor initially faced misdemeanor assault, criminal mischief, and domestic violence in the presence of a child. After she agreed to plead guilty to aggravated assault, prosecutors dismissed the other counts.

The 2023 incident resurfaced this month when a video of the fight hit the internet showing Taylor throwing chairs during an argument with Dakota. Her spokesperson told TMZ the clip was old, cut to be misleading, and conveniently posted on their son’s birthday — which, yes, would be a choice. Dakota’s rep told Us that the video speaks for itself, denied her claims about him, and said he is concentrating on their child’s safety.

Two new probes that could complicate her plea deal

Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill (65) confirmed his office is reviewing whether Taylor violated the terms of her 2023 plea because of two separate domestic violence investigations still underway in Utah — one tied to 2024 and another involving an alleged West Jordan altercation in February 2026.

"We are aware of the West Jordan allegations, and since Ms. Paul is on plea in abeyance status, we would always be interested in any subsequent allegations of criminal conduct during her probationary period."

The TV shocker: shows pause and a season gets pulled days from air

With the controversy escalating, Hulu put The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives season 5 on hold. And in a very rare move, ABC axed Taylor’s season of The Bachelorette just three days before its scheduled premiere on Sunday, March 22.

Through her rep, Taylor thanked ABC for the support and said she is prioritizing safety for herself and her kids. She alleged years of mental and physical abuse and threats of retaliation, said she is finally ready to confront her accuser, and added that she is exploring her options, seeking support, and preparing to share her story.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.