Cinnabon has severed ties with ABC's 'The Bachelorette' and Hulu's 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' following abuse allegations against cast member Taylor Frankie Paul. This comes after production paused on the Hulu series due to conflicts with her ex, Dakota Mortensen—including a viral report of nearly 150 calls from Paul in one night—while 'Bachelorette' contestants rally in her support.
As reported earlier in this series, production on Hulu's 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' halted amid abuse allegations between star Taylor Frankie Paul and ex-partner Dakota Mortensen, father of their son Ever. Both were ordered to undergo psychological evaluations by Utah's Division of Child and Family Services following conflicting claims of physical altercations, including a car incident last month.
New developments include a viral screenshot showing Paul calling Mortensen nearly 150 times in one night, described by sources as part of their ongoing toxic dynamic. Insiders tell TMZ that Mortensen anticipates hundreds of such calls nightly for validation, despite his past addiction struggles, with some tied to co-parenting amid his alleged unresponsiveness. Paul is said to be obsessed and unable to exit the relationship.
Abuse claims have escalated: sources allege Paul choked and scratched Mortensen, threw his phone against a wall (sometimes in front of toddler Ever), while accounts of the car fight differ on who initiated violence. Mortensen has accused Paul of abusing Ever (denied by her camp), prompting DCFS involvement.
Cinnabon, which partnered with both shows days ago—Paul as lead on 'The Bachelorette'—issued a statement: 'Recent developments and allegations surrounding the lead cast member led us to reassess this collaboration as it no longer aligns with our brand values.'
'Bachelorette' contestants described Paul as 'kind, genuine, and well-intentioned' during filming, expressing shock and cautioning against snap judgments. The show is still set for a Sunday premiere, unaffected by the sponsor pullout.
