A 2023 video showing influencer Taylor Frankie Paul throwing a stool at her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, has recently resurfaced online. The video has brought renewed attention to past allegations against her, quickly spreading across social media and drawing widespread scrutiny. As the situation gained traction, it led to major consequences for her career, including the cancellation of her upcoming season of The Bachelorette. The controversy has also sparked broader conversations about how past actions can resurface and affect public figures in the digital age.
Paul was arrested in 2023 after an incident involving her then-boyfriend, Mortensen. The case resulted in charges including domestic violence, assault, and criminal mischief. Court records show she later pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and was placed on probation. Although the case initially drew attention online, it had largely faded from public view before the video’s recent release.
The video was first published by TMZ and appears to have been recorded by Mortensen. The footage does not show what led up to the altercation, and the full context remains unclear. Paul has since responded through a spokesperson, stating that she intends to share her side of the story as the situation continues to unfold.
“[Paul is] gaining strength to face her accuser and taking steps to ensure that she and her children are protected from any further harm,” Paul’s spokesperson said, according to NBC.
According to court reports, the 2023 incident took place during an argument at Paul’s home involving Mortensen. She was charged with multiple counts, including domestic violence in the presence of a child. Records show she later pleaded guilty in abeyance to aggravated assault, while the other charges were dismissed. In the video of the incident, Paul is seen throwing multiple barstools at Mortensen, who can be heard asking her to stop. The footage also shows that a child was present during the altercation.
Shortly after the video was released, a Disney spokesperson confirmed that the network would not move forward with Paul’s upcoming season of The Bachelorette, which had been set to premiere just days later. The decision came as the footage spread widely online and across major news outlets, drawing increased attention to the case. The move marked a rare instance of a major network pulling a completed season so close to its release. In a statement, the network said its focus was on supporting those involved, as coverage of the situation continued to grow.
The situation has continued to develop in recent days. Court records show Mortensen, through his attorney, filed for a protective order following the release of the video. Though the initial filing was returned as incomplete, authorities have also confirmed there is an ongoing domestic violence investigation involving the ex-couple. Officials said detectives are still working to establish the facts of the case.
As the situation continues to unfold, Paul’s case remains in the public spotlight, with both legal and professional consequences still developing. The resurfacing of the video has placed the case back into public view, drawing ongoing coverage and response. For now, questions remain about how the case will progress and what its long-term impact will be.
