Taylor Frankie Paul rocketed to internet fame through a whirlwind of scandalous activities that captivated and divided social media. As a prominent member of the “MomTok” community, Taylor’s involvement in a “soft swinging” lifestyle with her now ex-husband, Tate Paul, and other couples shattered the picture-perfect image many had of her.
The scandal, marked by allegations of cheating and the eventual dissolution of her marriage, propelled her into the spotlight and sparked widespread discussion online.
In the midst of this turmoil, Taylor’s candidness about her personal life resonated with many, garnering her both critics and supporters. Her transparency not only brought her a surge of followers but also paved the way for her to be featured in the upcoming documentary The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
This documentary aims to uncover the hidden truths and complex lives of women within the Mormon community, with Taylor’s story serving as a compelling centerpiece.
The “Soft-Swinging” Scandal
Taylor’s life took an unexpected turn when she dropped a shocking revelation during a TikTok Live session in May 2022, setting the internet abuzz. The story began with her admission that her husband, Tate Paul, had filed for divorce after she broke their unconventional “soft swinging” agreement with their close-knit Mormon friends.
This wasn’t your typical marital hiccup; it involved a unique arrangement where the couples would get together, have a few drinks, and engage in make-out sessions with each other’s spouses.
However, one fateful night, Taylor admitted she went beyond the agreed boundaries. In a state of heavy intoxication, she ended up “messing around,” a move that Tate couldn’t overlook. Taylor openly confessed, “We had an agreement, all of us, and I stepped out of that. That’s where I messed up, and now, I’m losing everything.”
Despite her slip-up, Taylor didn’t fully blame herself, noting that everyone in their circle had been intimate with one another at some point. “No one was innocent. Everyone has hooked up with everyone in this situation. So, yes, I’m getting shunned for what I did, but it wasn’t like I was going around hooking up with my friend’s husband,” she explained.
The confession sent her followers into a frenzy, sparking a flurry of speculation and attempts to identify the involved. Meanwhile, the scandal continued to fuel rumors, with some suggesting it was a calculated move for Taylor to land a spot on Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, a claim she vehemently denied.
The Hype About The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives
A controversial reality show, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, has already sparked fierce backlash from some members of the LDS church over its depiction of the religion, even though it hasn’t premiered yet. Slated for a September release, the show has ignited discussions about modern-day Mormonism and what it means to live this faith in today’s world.
The series follows a group of glamorous influencer moms whose faith and friendships are rocked by a couple-swapping scandal. Besides Taylor, the cast includes Jessi Ngatikaura, Whitney Leavitt, Jennifer Affleck, and Mikayla Mathews among others. Since Hulu announced the show on July 29, the cast’s social media accounts have been flooded with negative comments.
Critics argue that the influencers do not accurately represent LDS wives, accusing them of monetizing their “Mormon” identity without living the church’s values. “What’s sad is none of these girls actually live the values of the LDS church, so this will only give the church more negative attention,” one commented.
The controversy has spread to Reddit, where multiple threads have been filled with hundreds of comments. Comparisons have been drawn to Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, with users claiming that the cast of both shows does not represent the typical Mormon experience.
Despite the backlash, some have defended the cast. On social media, a few have suggested that the show might provide a valuable perspective on the deconstruction of faith.
“I was thinking that it might be more like a documentary of a deconstruction of their faith, what it was like growing up in the church, and why they lead the lives that they do now – which I would find super interesting,” Utah mom Elizabeth Parry said on TikTok.
Taylor Has Two Children with Ex-Husband, Tate
Taylor and Tate Paul’s relationship remains a bit of a mystery when it comes to their early days. However, what we do know is that their love story took a significant step forward in August 2016. It was then that Taylor and Tate got engaged, a joyous occasion marked by a heartfelt announcement from Taylor’s father. On August 6, he shared a picture on Instagram of the happy couple, with Taylor proudly flaunting her engagement ring.
Just a few months later, on November 17, 2016, Taylor and Tate tied the knot. The couple’s life together, filled with love and shared moments, seemed picture-perfect on social media, capturing the hearts of many followers.
The ex-duo welcomed their first child, Indy May Paul, on August 31, 2017. Indy arrived weighing 6 lbs 9 oz. This openness continued with the birth of their second child, Ocean, on June 17, 2020. Taylor kept her followers updated throughout her pregnancy and beyond, often posting photos and sharing the joys and challenges of motherhood.
Despite the happy moments, their marriage faced significant challenges. The couple’s relationship eventually hit turbulent waters, culminating in a dramatic and public separation. The infamous “soft swinging” scandal played a crucial role in their split, with Taylor admitting to overstepping the boundaries of their arrangement with friends. This breach of trust led Tate to file for divorce, marking the end of their marriage.
Was Arrested For Domestic Violence
In February 2023, Taylor Frankie Paul was arrested for domestic violence following a chaotic incident where she threw chairs at her boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, during an argument, accidentally hitting her then-five-year-old daughter, Indy, in the head.
This dramatic outburst occurred after Dakota refused to take her to a concert because she was too drunk. The distressing moment, captured in police bodycam footage, showed Taylor telling officers she was so scared she ‘peed’ herself when they arrived at her home in Herriman, Utah.
Initially arrested on February 17 on misdemeanor charges, Taylor’s situation escalated when Dakota provided police with video evidence of the chair hitting Indy. This led to the charges being upgraded to felony aggravated assault, reckless child abuse, and domestic violence in the presence of a child.
Taylor reached a plea deal in her domestic violence case, pleading guilty to aggravated assault, a third-degree felony, on August 25. As part of the deal, the other four charges were dismissed with prejudice.
Despite their altercation, Taylor is still in a relationship with Dakota, the man she cheated with while married to Tate. The couple announced in September 2023 they were expecting a child together. Their first child, son Ever True was born March 19th, 2024, weighing 6 lbs 15 oz, arriving a week early.
The couple were expecting a child together in late 2022, but she had suffered an ectopic pregnancy.
Taylor Frankie Paul’s Parents, Siblings, and Upbringing
She was born on May 23, 1994, to Jeremy and Liann May. Growing up in Salt Lake City, Utah, she was part of a close-knit family that included her siblings, Hunter and Aspen.
Her father, Jeremy, is the CEO of JPM Contracting LLC, a role that speaks to his entrepreneurial spirit and leadership skills. Meanwhile, her mother, Liann, is a multi-talented professional. Liann is a realtor and a podcast host, known for her work on the May Influence You channel. Her podcast covers a variety of topics, often focusing on influencing and personal growth.
Taylor’s upbringing in Salt Lake City was undoubtedly shaped by her parents’ diverse careers and her supportive family environment. With such strong role models, it’s no wonder Taylor developed a significant presence on social media, sharing her life and experiences with a broad audience.
What’s Her Net Worth?
Her fortune is speculated to be around $1.5 million. This is based on her substantial social media following and her active presence on various platforms. As a popular TikTok star and influencer, Taylor likely earns a significant income through brand partnerships, sponsored content, and other social media engagements.
