Australian influencer Tammy Hembrow has voiced public support for Taylor Frankie Paul, star of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, following a domestic violence incident that prompted the cancellation of Paul’s season on The Bachelorette US right before its premiere.
Paul’s Emotional Instagram Revelation
In an Instagram post shared on Sunday, Paul opened up about enduring ‘hell on earth’ over the past 40 days. She revealed leaning on her faith during the ordeal but announced her decision to detach from the Mormon church, despite being born and raised in the Latter-day Saints (LDS) faith. Paul emphasized she holds ‘love and respect’ for it but needs to step away.
Hembrow’s Support Sparks Debate
Hembrow, familiar with relationship scrutiny herself, commented on Paul’s post: ‘Sending so much love mama.’ The message has garnered over 800 likes, though some critics question Hembrow’s choice given Paul’s allegations.
Hembrow previously addressed violence in a May TikTok video after her half-brother Henri Thynne faced incarceration on 17 domestic violence charges. She denied bailing him out, stated she had no involvement or contact with his case, and firmly declared: ‘I don’t condone violence in any form. I don’t condone abusive behaviour. I just, I don’t think it’s okay, period.’
Details of the Domestic Incident
A video surfaced on March 19 showing Paul attacking her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen, 33, in the presence of her minor daughter. The footage prompted ABC to cancel her Bachelorette season abruptly. Disney Entertainment Television stated: ‘In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of The Bachelorette at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family.’ Paul received full payment.
Paul shares daughter Indy, 8, and son Ocean, 5, with ex-husband Tate Paul, and son Ever, 2, with Mortensen. A court hearing on Tuesday will address custody of Ever after Mortensen obtained a temporary protective order last month. Court documents detail a February incident where Mortensen alleged Paul choked him.
Paul Denies Allegations Amid Legal Proceedings
Paul denies the claims. Body camera footage from her 2023 arrest, released March 23, captures Mortensen urging officers to jail him instead. He described Paul’s condition as ‘not doing OK’ and displayed injuries he attributed to her, saying: ‘I can’t even tell you the stuff that’s happened to me.’ After her arrest, Mortensen requested to take her place in custody so she could ‘get help.’
In August 2023, Paul pleaded guilty to third-degree aggravated assault related to the February incident. Four other charges were dropped, and her probation continues until August 2026.
