Taylor Frankie Paul’s ex-husband, Tate Paul, allegedly expressed concern that the reality star’s mother, Liann May, was “coaching” his daughter following a 2023 domestic dispute.
On Thursday, March 26, People published transcripts of a phone call between Tate and Utah police about his ex-wife’s arrest on domestic violence charges. In February 2023, Taylor was accused of striking her then-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen and throwing multiple chairs, one of which allegedly struck her daughter, Indy. (Taylor and Tate welcomed daughter Indy May, 8, and son Ocean, 5, before splitting in May 2022. The Mormon Wives star also shares a son, Ever True, 2, with Dakota.)
In the immediate aftermath of Taylor’s arrest, her parents, Liann and stepdad Jeremy May, took care of the children who were present in the home at the time. Tate later spoke to investigators about his concerns over the Mays watching his children.
“The grandmother, is, you know, obviously there’s a conflict of interest with her because it’s her daughter that did this,” he told police on February 24, 2023. “I’ve noticed she’s already tried gatekeeping — not gatekeeping — but, like, she’s coaching my daughter and saying specific things.”
Tate asked police to contact him — not Liann — with any further updates about the ongoing case against Taylor.
The phone calls also included Tate discussing his daughter’s alleged injuries from the domestic dispute. Per Tate, his daughter had a head injury the size of a “goose egg” but he could not photograph the wound because of its location on her scalp.
Luxury Handbag Shopping has reached out reps for Tate, Taylor and Liann for comment.
Taylor was initially charged with misdemeanor assault, criminal mischief and commission of domestic violence in the presence of a child following her altercation with Dakota. After Taylor agreed to plead guilty to aggravated assault, the other charges were dismissed.
The case resurfaced earlier this month amid the release of cellphone footage of the 2023 domestic dispute, where Taylor could be seen throwing chairs during an argument with Dakota. Taylor’s spokesperson later suggested that the footage was selectively edited.
“It’s sad to see the latest installment of his never-ending, desperate, attention-seeking, destructive campaign to harm Taylor without any regard for the consequences for their child,” her spokesperson told TMZ on March 19. “Releasing an old and selectively edited video on their son’s birthday is a reprehensible attempt to distract from his own behavior.”
Dakota’s rep told Us, “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.”
Taylor’s 2023 plea deal could be impacted by two separate domestic violence investigations currently underway in Utah. (One case involves an alleged 2024 incident while Utah police are also investigating an alleged altercation from February 2026.)
Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill confirmed to Us on Thursday that his team is looking into whether Taylor may have violated the terms of her 2023 plea deal.
“We are aware of the West Jordan allegations, and since Ms. Paul is on plea in abeyance status, we would always be interested in any subsequent allegations of criminal conduct during her probationary period,” Gill, 65, told Us. “We are aware of the West Jordan allegations, and since Ms. Paul is on plea in abeyance status, we would always be interested in any subsequent allegations of criminal conduct during her probationary period.”
In light of the mounting controversy, Hulu paused production on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives season 5 and ABC pulled the plug on Taylor’s season of The Bachelorette three days before it was supposed to air on Sunday, March 22.
“Taylor is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security,” her rep told Us at the time. “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.”
Her 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.”
If you or someone you know are experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.
