Taylor Frankie Paul shares cryptic video after domestic violence incident sparked Bachelorette downfall

Taylor Frankie Paul is slowly returning to the public eye after a 2023 domestic violence incident led to her Bachelorette downfall.

The 27-year-old Secret Lives Of Mormon Wives star has kept a low profile ever since it was revealed earlier this month that police were investigating her over allegations that she assaulted her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, in late February.

Her season of The Bachelorette was subsequently shelved after video of her hurling chairs at Mortensen in 2023 emerged. 

For the first time since the controversy erupted, the TikToker is making a more concrete return to social media. 

She uploaded a cryptic video of her learning the Kanye West song Runaway on a keyboard - her first post to her Instagram grid since her life turned upside down. 

'I learned this today for no reason.. I think I have a real future in piano,' she captioned the post. 

In the video, Paul - who fans may be more used to seeing her all glammed up - concealed her face as she tinkered away at the piano with a hoodie thrown over her head. 

'I was just playing around and found I kinda like this,' she elaborated in writing in the video. 

Paul has not completely faded from public view since the controversy blew up. 

She has been present on TikTok, and over the weekend thanked supporters on her Instagram Stories for 'every check in, call, prayer sent.

'Your unconditional kindness and check in can be someone's life line,' she added.

She also shared photo of her gratitude journal: 'Ending every single night with gratitude even if it's just ONE glimmer.'  

Paul's season of The Bachelorette was canceled just days before its premiere after a shocking 2023 video surfaced of the 31-year-old attacking Mortensen, 33, with her young daughter Indy present.

That case was public knowledge for years before video of the dispute came to light.

The scandal erupted after People reported last month that filming had been paused on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, with a source saying the hiatus was due to 'serious' issues involving Paul.

The Draper City Police Department confirmed to the outlet the existence of an open 'domestic assault investigation' into Paul and Mortensen. 

'Allegations have been made in both directions,' a spokesman for the department previously told People, adding 'contact was made with involved parties on [February] 24 and 25.'

A Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star has since confirmed the cast had agreed to pause filming due to the scandal.

Paul and Dakota have a toddler together, son Ever. Paul also has a daughter, Indy, and a son, Ocean, with ex-husband Tate.

Mortensen was subsequently granted a restraining order against Paul after characterizing her as an 'immediate threat' to his safety.

After the cancellation, the reality star, who made her name appearing on Hulu's The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, released a statement alleging she suffered 'extensive mental and physical abuse as well as threats of retaliation' in silence for years.

'Taylor is finally gaining the strength to face her accuser and taking steps to ensure that she and her children are protected from any further harm,' the rep said.

They further claimed Paul has been staying quiet 'out of fear of further abuse, retaliation, and public shaming' and is now 'seeking support,' going through her options and 'preparing to own and share her story.'

Mortensen has since denied 'baseless claims' made about himself and their relationship in a statement for The Daily Mail.

In a statement, he said: 'As anyone who has seen the video will understand, this is a deeply upsetting situation. I am, unfortunately, used to these baseless claims about me and our relationship, which I categorically deny.

'I am focusing on our son and his safety, and hope that Taylor will do the same.'

Paul is now under investigation over a third allegation of domestic violence made by Mortensen.

A spokesperson for the West Jordan, Utah Police department told NBC News Mortensen accused Paul of domestic violence in a 2024 incident.

In a statement obtained by The Daily Mail, the West Jordan police said: 'The West Jordan Police Department is currently investigating an incident involving Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen.

'The allegations were reported at the end of February 2026, and detectives have reviewed video believed to have been recorded in early to mid-2024.

'Investigators are actively working to gather and verify information and are in the process of interviewing those involved. At this time, no charges have been filed, as the investigation remains ongoing.

'We recognize there is significant public interest in this case; however, it is being handled in the same manner as any other investigation. Our procedures and standards are applied consistently and without exception.'

No other details are available over what allegedly transpired, however the spokesperson told NBC News the police were contacted by Mortensen last month over the matter.

The spokesperson said the department is now reviewing numerous videos tied to the alleged incident to sort out the timeline and other details.

The police only have Mortensen's version of events and have not yet communicated with Paul, the spokesperson said. Her attorneys have been in contact with investigators.