A former 'Bachelorette' producer alleges ABC was aware of 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' star Taylor Frankie Paul's prior physical violence against ex Dakota Mortensen, claiming rigorous casting checks would have revealed it and suggesting the drama was intentional for ratings amid the franchise's declining viewership.
In the wake of production halting on Hulu's 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' due to fresh abuse allegations involving Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen—as previously reported—former 'Bachelorette' producer Michael Carroll told TMZ Live on March 18 that ABC could not have been surprised by Paul's history.
Carroll, experienced in the franchise's casting, emphasized deep background, medical, and psychological vetting, stating anyone with such issues 'would’ve been an automatic no.' He accused current producers of knowing about Paul's past, calling it 'a setup' and 'publicity grab' to boost the 24-year-old show's ratings against competitors.
Carroll speculated producers would portray Paul as reforming through the show and admitted the buzz might lure him back as a viewer.
Paul's 2023 Utah criminal case stemmed from a February arrest after Mortensen accused her of assault during an argument: hitting him, throwing objects, kicking, choking, and striking. She pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in August under a plea deal (most charges dropped), was deemed an 'intermediate problem drinker,' and met probation terms as of February 2025 (ending August 2026).
The couple now faces court-ordered psychological evaluations amid ongoing DCFS scrutiny, with cast concerns stalling season 5 filming.