Miranda McWhorter is shooting down the theory that she or one of the other cast members of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives leaked Taylor Frankie Paul and her ex Dakota Mortensen’s 2023 assault investigation video.
“Haha. The first time I saw that video was the same day you all did,” McWhorter commented on an Instagram post from influencer Dana Bowling, who speculated that one of the women on Mormon Wives was behind the video’s release. Bowling added that her strongest suspicion was McWhorter.
McWhorter’s response continued, “None of us girls have ever been in possession of it or any other evidence. My intent with my statement was not to shade Taylor, but to simply address that I do not support nor condone that behavior from either party.”
McWhorter released a statement on Paul’s situation on Friday amid news that ABC was pulling her season of The Bachelorette in light of the severity of the leaked video.
“I’ve honestly been a little at a loss for words trying to process this all. Everything has been really heavy to see,” McWhorter shared via Instagram Stories. “Domestic violence and abuse of any kind is something I take very seriously. As a human, and especially a mother, I cannot support that kind of behavior. My heart is with the children in this and I hope they’re safe, supported, and surrounded by love.”
Dakota Mortensen and Taylor Frankie Paul on ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’
Credit: Fred Hayes/Disney
Bowling, however, argued her case by concluding that McWhorter and Paul have the most drama between them, due to McWhorter’s best friend Shinia Powell dating Mortensen in season 4 of Mormon Wives and Paul’s romantic link to Miranda’s ex-husband, Chase McWhorter.
“Taylor and I have been in a good place and she has apologized for both the Shinia and Chase stuff! I have my theories on who leaked the video, but I can promise you it wasn’t any of the women🫶🏼,” Miranda’s response read.
Her Mormon Wives co-star Layla Taylor also denied having anything to do with the leak, responding to a commenter on Bowling’s post: “I saw the video when TMZ posted it. I don’t know how I would’ve even gotten that. Same with Miranda my intentions with my statement was to share how the situation on both sides is something I don’t condone.”
Taylor shared a statement about Paul’s investigation last week, posting on Instagram Stories, “My personal history as a survivor makes it impossible for me to stay silent. I stand firmly against domestic violence in any form. I am keeping her children in my thoughts, hoping for their safety above all else.”
On Thursday, ABC canceled the upcoming season 22 of The Bachelorette, starring Paul, ahead of its March 22 premiere.
“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,” a Disney Entertainment Television spokesperson said in a statement to Entertainment Weekly.
Ahead of that decision, news also broke that another incident involving Paul and Mortensen, who share son Ever, was under investigation with Utah police. The Draper City Police Department confirmed at the time that there was a “domestic assault investigation” involving the exes, revealing “allegations have been made in both directions” and “contact was made with involved parties on [Feb.] 24th and 25th.”
While production on season 5 of Mormon Wives was halted, Paul resumed promotion for The Bachelorette before it was canned.
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Since the cancellation, she has spoken out about seeking help during this difficult time.
“Taylor is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security,” her rep shared in a statement to EW. “After years of silently suffering extensive mental and physical abuse as well as threats of retaliation, 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 statement continued, “There are too many women who are suffering in silence as they survive aggressive, jealous ex-partners who refuse to let them move on with their lives. Taylor has remained silent out of fear of further abuse, retaliation and public shaming. She is currently exploring all of her options, seeking support, and preparing to own and share her story.”
Mortensen, meanwhile, has been granted a temporary restraining order against Paul and temporary custody of their son.
In a statement to EW, Mortensen 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.”
If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
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