Taylor Frankie Paul stands by her friend Jessi Draper during a turbulent time for MomTok.
The 31-year-old star of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives showed her support for Jessi, 33, by commenting on a teaser for Jessi’s candid podcast interview shared on the “Call Her Daddy” Instagram account on Tuesday, March 24. Jessi, founder of JZ Styles, will discuss her separation and upcoming divorce from husband Jordan Ngatikaura in a podcast set to be released on Wednesday, March 25. In the preview, Draper says to host Alex Cooper, “If he’s going to play dirty, do you want to talk about the escorts? Do you want to talk about the orgies?”
In response, Taylor commented, “We love a person that speaks truth even when difficult 👏🏼.”
Taylor and Jessi have both been in the spotlight recently. Jessi’s husband filed for divorce on Thursday, March 19, coinciding with ABC’s decision to cancel Taylor’s season of The Bachelorette just days before its premiere.
“This has not been an easy decision and it comes with a heavy heart,” Jordan, 31, shared with Us Weekly on Thursday. “I’m grateful for the shared memories and the lessons. While our paths are now moving in different directions, my priority remains my children and ensuring they feel loved, supported, and protected through this transition.”
That same Thursday, ABC removed The Bachelorette season 22 from its schedule after TMZ released footage showing Taylor and her ex Dakota Mortensen in a February 2023 domestic altercation. In the video, Taylor appears to throw barstools at Dakota, 33, while her daughter, Indy, now 8, is present.
This incident was depicted in the first season of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, which premiered on Hulu in September 2024. During this time, the MomTok influencer was arrested and faced charges of aggravated assault, two counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child, child abuse, and criminal mischief. She pleaded guilty to felony aggravated assault as part of a deal to have other charges dismissed.
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives cast is keeping their distance from Taylor Frankie Paul following her alleged altercation with on-off ex Dakota Mortensen. “The [Mormon Wives] cast is afraid of losing more brand deals and money,” a source exclusively tells Us, claiming the group is “refusing to film” with Taylor, 31, if and when […]
The footage reappeared after another domestic dispute in February between Taylor and Dakota, involving their son Ever, 2.
Draper City Police Department in Utah confirmed to Us last week that an open “domestic assault investigation” is ongoing from the February incident. Both Taylor and Dakota have made allegations against each other, according to authorities.
Meanwhile, production on the fifth season of Mormon Wives was halted due to the police investigation.
On Friday, March 20, Dakota was temporarily granted custody of their son Ever, according to court documents obtained by Us, as the investigation into the February incident continues. A temporary protective order against Taylor was also issued.
