Taylor Frankie Paul is not staying quiet. The “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star took to Instagram Sunday to react to the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office announcing they would not be filing criminal charges against her following two separate domestic violence investigations.
“Here come the ugly parts of what healing actually looks like,” she wrote in a lengthy post. “If you know me you know I’ll admit my parts, flaws, and faults. I’m well aware that’s a part of it. We’ll get there. This public atrocity that I not only lived through once but twice now, on an even bigger scale, was ultimately the cost to my freedom. I wouldn’t wish this upon my worst enemy or even the ones who publicized it. I cried on my knees in pain while also saying THANK YOU. We have a road ahead but regardless I’m forever freed from a certain living hell I couldn’t find my way out of.”
The PTSD Diagnosis
In a separate Instagram Stories post, Taylor addressed those who had been speculating about her mental health. “I was diagnosed with PTSD about two years ago which I assume is now CPTSD [complex post-traumatic stress disorder] — by more than one therapist, for all those that assumed diagnoses,” she wrote.
She also shared an additional video with a psychologist explaining that C-PTSD is an advanced stage of the condition that develops from long-term, repeated trauma. While it shares core symptoms with PTSD — including flashbacks, avoidance, and hypervigilance — it is more complex in terms of emotional regulation, relationships, and self-identity.
Dakota Speaks Out
Dakota Mortensen posted his own statement on Instagram Monday morning. “I’ve taken a step back and had time away from the chaos. That space has been a breath of fresh air and has given me clarity. My focus now is where it should have been all along — on my son and creating a stable, healthy environment for him moving forward,” he wrote.
He acknowledged he is not perfect and took accountability for his role in the situation.
The Support Coming In
Taylor is not navigating this alone. Castmate Jessi Draper showed up for her in the comments, writing: “I’ve got you always.”
Stassi Schroeder also offered her support.
The outpouring comes after Jessi had already gone on record defending Taylor when the 2023 video first surfaced. “Seeing that video is so hard because there’s so much pain underneath the surface for Taylor,” Jessi told Alex Cooper on “Call Her Daddy” in March. “She got caught in a really bad cycle. It’s not who Taylor is.”
Where Things Stand
Prosecutors declined to move forward with charges citing several reasons — including that some alleged incidents fell outside the statute of limitations, others did not rise to the level of criminal offenses, and some lacked sufficient evidence. Dakota currently has temporary custody of their two-year-old son Ever, with Taylor granted supervised visitation. Their next court hearing is scheduled for April 30.
“The Bachelorette” Season 22 remains canceled. “SLOMW” Season 5 remains on production pause. Whether either resumes now that charges have been dropped has not been confirmed.
“The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” is streaming now on Hulu.
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.
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