Taylor Frankie Paul Is Leaning on Faith Amid ‘Hell on Earth’ Despite Leaving Mormonism
Shortly after scandal led to the cancellation of her season of The Bachelorette, Taylor Frankie Paul announced that she is leaving Mormonism behind. Paul stars on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and has been a member of the Mormon Church all her life. While she said she still has a strong faith, she wants to explore other ways of practicing.
Taylor Frankie Paul announced that she is leaving Mormonism
In a statement posted to her Instagram account, Paul disclosed that she is leaving the Mormon Church.
“Born and raised Mormon (lds) and I’ll always have love and respect towards it. I’ll even continue to go with my family at times, with that being said, it’s time to detach myself from it.”
Her recent troubles have not shaken her faith, but she said she wants to learn more about other ways to practice.
“I strongly believe in Christ, God, the bible, the divine,” she wrote, adding, “I believe we are loved whether we are praying in church building or from a bathroom floor at home. I’ve also experienced grace and love from amazing people that aren’t sure what they believe if at all and that’s okay too. Point being there is more out there to learn. And I’m writing this out as a release.”
Taylor Frankie Paul posted about her faith shortly before saying she was leaving Mormonism
Paul’s announcement comes amid major controversy. After a video of her attacking ex Dakota Mortensen leaked, ABC pulled her season of The Bachelorette just days before it aired. Paul and Mortensen also made separate police reports about each other in February. She admitted that this period has not been easy on her.
“The last 40 days felt like hell on earth,” she wrote in a post. “Through every panic attack I prayed for strength as I could feel my body breaking down and out from the distress of it all.”
She said her faith has helped her. It has also shifted as she weathers scandal.
“And HE sent just that in various ways along with so many undeniable signs saying ‘I am with you’ which I can’t wait to share that part,” she wrote. “I’ve prayed since I was young and never strayed away because I believe he wants us to ask for help especially during our lowest points. However, instead of just asking I switched over to thanking him at the end of each day no matter how low I felt.”
She recently filed a protective order against her ex
On March 19, Mortensen filed for a protective order against Paul. A judge also granted him temporary custody of their son, Ever.
In a filing on April 7, Paul claimed Mortensen has had a “pattern of abusive conduct and coercive control” (via NBC News). She made allegations about four separate incidents, including one in February.
“Dakota is excellent at escalating and aggravating Taylor; when she reacts, it’s 100% at Dakota,” her lawyer, Eric Swinyard, said. “Dakota pushes buttons; he is excellent at that. As long as these people stay apart … then there is no risk to the child.”
Mortensen and Paul will meet in court on April 30.
