Adam Vary
Updated on: October 8, 2024 1:34 am GMT
Mormon TikTok star Taylor Frankie Paul is speaking out about her recent arrest stemming from a scandal involving her lifestyle choices and relationships. Known for her role in the viral TikTok group Mormon MomTok, Paul gained notoriety in 2022 when she announced her divorce from her now ex-husband, Tate Paul, during a livestream where she shared details about their “soft swinging” lifestyle.
Details of the Incident
In February 2023, Paul was arrested and charged with domestic violence after an altercation with her boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen. Herriman police in Salt Lake County reported a series of events leading to her arrest. A complaint outlined that during an argument, Paul threw items including a phone, wooden play set, and heavy metal chairs. One of the chairs struck one of her children, resulting in a visible injury. The charges against her included aggravated assault, two counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child, child abuse, and criminal mischief.
Following the incident, Paul pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in August 2023, while the other charges were dismissed. She expressed remorse over the situation, stating, “That one was super difficult. That was the worst thing that I’ve gone through,” indicating that the experience helped her learn and grow as a person.
The Swinging Lifestyle Controversy
Taylor Frankie Paul and her then-husband were known for their participation in “soft swinging”—a lifestyle choice they described as partner swapping without going all the way. During a now-infamous TikTok livestream, Paul indicated that multiple couples within their social circle were involved, admitting she broke the group’s agreement by crossing boundaries with another partner.
Her admission sent shockwaves not only through her personal life but also within the broader Mormon community. Many assumed that the entire MomTok group was linked to the swinging lifestyle, a speculation often met with denial and unease among her fellow influencers. Jessi Ngatikaura, a co-star on the new Hulu series “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” expressed the gravity of the situation: “Since we were all, you know, kind of close friends on the internet, people just assumed everyone in MomTok was involved.” She mentioned that coping with public misconceptions was challenging for their group.
The Aftermath and Onscreen Revelations
In September 2023, the new Hulu reality series “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” debuted, following Paul and her fellow influencers as they navigated the fallout from the scandal. The show provides insights into their lives post-scandal, including how they rebuild relationships and manage public perception. Paul clarified that the series offers her a platform to narrate her side of the story in the wake of the controversies that have befallen her and her friends.
Co-star Ngatikaura echoed this sentiment, stating the show showcases the personal growth and struggles within the group, tackling complex themes of faith, friendship, and the judgments they face as public figures within the LDS community.
Personal Growth and Future Aspirations
In her interview with Fox News Digital, Paul reflected positively on the lessons learned from her experiences, indicating that hitting “rock bottom” has guided her toward a path of recovery and resilience. “Honestly, as bad as that night was — I think it was also like a blessing in disguise and maybe could have saved my life in a weird way,” she said. The incident prompted her to focus on sobriety and reassess her priorities in life, including her role as a mother to her two children.
Despite the challenges, Paul remains committed to her ongoing relationship with Mortensen. The couple welcomed a son, Ever, in March 2024, and they continue to share their journey publicly, portraying a sense of unity despite the ups and downs they’ve faced together.
As the series progresses, it promises to delve into the intricate dynamics of the women featured, exploring not only the impact of the swinging lifestyle but also the broader implications for their families and friendships.
Community Reactions
The revelations made by Paul and her fellow cast members have sparked a significant debate within the Mormon community. Critics argue that the show misrepresents their beliefs, while supporters contend that it presents an authentic narrative of women navigating life’s complexities in modern society. Jessi Ngatikaura expressed hope that viewers would recognize the empowering aspects of their stories, despite the backlash they have faced.
The unfolding narrative of these influencers highlights the intersection of social media, personal drama, and community expectations, especially as they pertain to the lives of women in conservative religious circles.
Looking Forward
With the release of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” audiences are eager to see how the series explores the personal transformations and relationships of the women at its center. As new episodes are released, viewers will witness firsthand the ramifications of Paul’s newfound transparency about her past decisions and the strides she is making toward healing and growth.
You can watch all eight episodes of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” on Hulu. This show gives you a closer look at the lives of these women and the tough choices they make as they try to balance their public image with their private lives.
