Taylor Frankie Paul Leaves Mormon Church Amid Domestic Violence Scandal

Taylor Frankie Paul has announced her departure from the Mormon Church, stating it follows an intense period marked by a “Hell on Earth” domestic violence scandal that deeply affected her life.

On Easter Sunday, Paul shared a video montage on Instagram, reflecting on her struggles over the past few weeks. This included moments of grief and prayer, particularly since her planned season of The Bachelorette was canceled due to an incident involving her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, who is also the father of her child.

In her post, she wrote, “The last 40 days have been hell on earth. With each panic attack, I felt my body breaking down, and I prayed for strength. God sent me undeniable signs that I’m not alone, and I look forward to sharing that.” It’s clear she has been leaning on her faith during this tough stretch.

Further expressing her feelings, she mentioned how she has prayed throughout her life without faltering. Instead of merely asking for help, she switched to gratitude at the end of each day, regardless of her emotional state.

Her fans have rallied around her, sending supportive messages in response to her Instagram post. One user highlighted her strength over the years, while another simply wrote, “We love you, Taylor.” Paul’s co-star, Jesse Draper, called her the strongest person she knows.

In her Instagram Stories, Paul elaborated on her decision to detach from the Mormon faith, conveying heartfelt respect for it but emphasizing that it’s time for her to move on. She added, “Being a Mormon by birth and upbringing, I’ve always had love for the faith. However, it’s necessary for me to leave it behind.” She also identified herself as a strong believer in Christ, stating that prayers can happen anywhere, not just in a church.

This upheaval comes on the heels of a troubling history. Paul has faced serious legal issues, including charges from multiple domestic violence incidents. Earlier this year, she was seen in a video that led to the cancellation of her season on The Bachelorette. Following the cancellation, a spokesperson noted that she was grateful for the support from ABC, as she focused on her family’s safety amid a tumultuous time.

She has two children, Indy and Ocean, and shares a one-year-old son, Ever, with Mortensen. Unfortunately, a recent incident led to her temporarily losing custody of Ever, adding another layer of complexity to her already challenging situation.

As Paul navigates this rocky path, she is reportedly exploring all available support options and preparing to share her story. One thing is clear: she’s determined to find her way forward, despite the turbulence surrounding her.