From viral TikTok fame to reality TV stardom, influencer Taylor Frankie Paul‘s life has been a whirlwind of public scrutiny. This comprehensive guide unravels the complexities of her “soft swinging” scandal, her divorce from Tate Paul, subsequent relationships, a domestic violence arrest, and recent dramatic accusations against a former friend.
The name Taylor Frankie Paul has become synonymous with internet drama and reality television. A popular influencer, Paul first captured widespread attention with a candid revelation about her marriage and a non-monogamous lifestyle. Her journey since has been anything but quiet, marked by divorce, new loves, legal issues, and public feuds, all unfolding under the watchful eye of her millions of followers and now, reality TV cameras.
The “Soft Swinging” Scandal and Divorce from Tate Paul
In May 2022, Taylor Frankie Paul‘s world was thrust into the spotlight when she publicly announced her split from then-husband Tate Paul. This revelation came alongside her candid confession about their involvement in “soft swinging” within a group of other Mormon influencer couples. The couple, who married in November 2017, share two children: a daughter named Indy, born in August 2017, and a son named Ocean, born in June 2020.
The rules of their “soft swinging” agreement were clear: experimentation with other people was permitted, but spouses had to be present, and sexual intercourse was off-limits. However, Paul admitted to stepping outside these boundaries. On the Viall Files podcast on September 4, 2024, she disclosed that she developed an emotional connection with one of the men in the group, which eventually progressed to a physical affair without her husband present. This confession, she stated, was the “final straw” in an already “fractured marriage,” acting as the “tip of the iceberg” rather than the sole cause of their divorce.
The fallout from the scandal swept TikTok, particularly after Paul alleged that other popular Mormon influencers were also part of their swinging group. This contentious period is set to be explored in greater detail in the Hulu reality series, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, featuring Taylor and other influencers.
Tate Paul’s Life After the Split
Since the highly publicized split, Tate Paul has largely maintained a private life. However, he did reveal in August 2023 that he was expecting a third child with his now-fiancée, Bailey. Their daughter was born in October 2023. While Taylor is starring in the Hulu reality show, Tate and Bailey opted to stay off the show and keep their children out of the public eye, despite being approached for appearances.
Despite the past turmoil, Taylor has confirmed that she and Tate are on good terms. “We’re great, we go to soccer games every week together and we talk daily,” she shared, emphasizing their amicable co-parenting relationship for Indy and Ocean.
Taylor’s Post-Divorce Relationships and Latest Accusations
Following her divorce from Tate, Taylor Frankie Paul began dating Dakota Mortensen in August 2022. The couple welcomed a son named Ever in March of an unspecified year, though context suggests it was relatively recent. Their relationship, however, proved to be rocky, ultimately ending in late 2024. Shortly after their split, Paul was named the next Bachelorette. She acknowledged that Dakota might find it difficult to watch her dating extensively on television, as she exclusively told Us Weekly in September.
On October 14, 2025, Paul ignited another firestorm by publicly accusing a former friend of having a romantic relationship with her “baby daddy,” presumably Dakota Mortensen. In a now-deleted Instagram post, screenshots of which were shared by The Sun, Paul wrote, “Just found out the snake in the middle IS sleeping with my baby daddy, meanwhile crying to me because she just got dumped by a married man.” She later added, “It’s the principle of HOW it was done, not WHAT was done.”
The accusations prompted fellow influencer Cassy Marie to quickly clarify via her Instagram Stories that she was not the unnamed friend. Marie stressed she had “never had any communication” with Taylor and was “getting blown up [online] for no reason.”
Domestic Violence Charges: A Serious Turn
Adding to her list of public controversies, Taylor Frankie Paul was reportedly arrested on domestic violence charges. This news surfaced on a podcast, which discussed the implications of such abuse, highlighting that victims can be men as well as women, and delving into concepts like trauma bonds and the challenges of leaving abusive relationships. While specific details surrounding Taylor’s arrest were not fully disclosed in the provided information, the topic brought important awareness to resources available for those experiencing domestic violence. Organizations such as fadv.org and thehotline.org offer vital support and assistance.
Taylor Frankie Paul’s journey remains a significant topic in the influencer and reality TV landscape. From her candid revelations about “soft swinging” to navigating a complex public divorce, new relationships, and personal struggles, her story continues to evolve. As she prepares for her role as the next Bachelorette and her past experiences are explored on Hulu, fans and followers are sure to remain engaged with her ongoing narrative.
