A newly released body camera video has captured one of the most startling moments from Taylor Frankie Paul’s 2023 domestic violence arrest, showing the “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star smacking her then-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen right in front of responding officers. The footage, obtained exclusively by outlets like The U.S. Sun, adds raw detail to an incident that has continued to haunt Paul’s public image years later as she faces renewed scrutiny and a third domestic violence investigation.

The altercation occurred in February 2023 at Paul’s home in Utah. Police were called after a neighbor reported loud screaming and signs of danger. When officers arrived, they witnessed Paul lunging at Mortensen, pushing, hitting, and ultimately smacking him across the face while law enforcement attempted to de-escalate the situation. Bodycam audio captures the chaos as Mortensen repeatedly asks Paul to stop and pleads with officers, at one point even suggesting they arrest him instead to protect her record ahead of filming for her reality show.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, Paul was accused of throwing metal barstools and a wooden playset during the argument. One of the barstools allegedly struck her young daughter from a previous relationship, who was present and crying in the room. Paul was charged with one count of felony aggravated assault, two felony counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child, one misdemeanor count of child abuse, and one misdemeanor count of criminal mischief. She later entered a plea in abeyance to a third-degree felony aggravated assault charge. If she completed the terms successfully, the charge would be reduced to a misdemeanor. The other charges were dismissed with prejudice.

The incident was partially featured in the first episode of Hulu’s “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” where a portion of the bodycam footage from the arrest was shown. However, the newly released extended clips reveal more of the confrontation, including the direct smack in front of police and Paul’s claims afterward that Mortensen had pushed her in the garage, causing her to lose control out of fear. She also reportedly told officers she had urinated in her pants during the ordeal.

The release of additional video by TMZ in March 2026, showing Paul throwing barstools toward Mortensen while a child was nearby, intensified public backlash. The footage contributed to ABC’s decision to pull Paul’s upcoming season of “The Bachelorette,” which had already been filmed. Production on season 5 of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” was also halted amid the controversy.

As of March 2026, Paul is under investigation for a third alleged domestic violence incident. Dakota Mortensen contacted the West Jordan Police Department in late February 2026, reporting an incident from early to mid-2024. Detectives are reviewing multiple videos submitted in connection with the case. A separate domestic assault investigation opened in Draper after an alleged February 2026 incident between the pair, with allegations reportedly made in both directions. Paul and Mortensen share a young son, Ever, and continue to co-parent amid the ongoing legal and public drama.

Paul has addressed the allegations in interviews, describing the situation as feeling like “the end of the world” while focusing on protecting her family. Her representative has emphasized that she endured extensive mental and physical abuse and is now taking steps to ensure safety for herself and her children. Mortensen has denied leaking videos and has spoken publicly about the 2023 events, including the moment a barstool allegedly hit the child.

The pattern of investigations has raised questions about the couple’s volatile relationship and the impact on their children. Supporters of Paul point to her claims of abuse from Mortensen, while critics highlight the visual evidence of her aggressive actions and the presence of minors during confrontations. Utah police have stated they apply procedures consistently without exception, and both parties have been contacted in the latest probes.

This latest bodycam release adds fuel to an already explosive narrative surrounding one of reality TV’s most controversial figures. From her rise on TikTok’s MomTok community to the “soft swinging” scandal and now repeated domestic violence headlines, Taylor Frankie Paul’s personal life continues to play out under intense public scrutiny. The smack captured in front of officers serves as a stark visual reminder of how quickly arguments can escalate — and how quickly cameras, whether bodycams or phones, can document moments that change everything.

As investigations continue and more footage surfaces, the full story of these incidents remains complex and contested. For Paul, the path forward involves navigating probation, co-parenting challenges, and a career in entertainment now shadowed by serious allegations. For viewers and fans, the bodycam slap has become another shocking chapter in a saga that shows no signs of quieting down.