ABC’s new “Bachelorette” star Taylor Frankie Paul spoke out Wednesday about reports alleging a domestic violence incident with her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen.
Paul, who directs Hulu’s “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” as the founder of “MomTalk,” accused the investigation of “it’s a heavy time to see headlines” on “Good Morning America,” whose season of “The Bachelorette” airs Sunday.
The interview comes after multiple reports surfaced on Monday alleging domestic violence.
“I’m someone who always speaks my truth … that’s what I’m known for,” Paul said on “GMA.”
“And when the time is right, I will be, but right now, trying to be in the present moment and focus on this,” he said, referring to the “exciting time” leading up to the premiere.
NBC News previously reported that Paul and Mortensen are involved in an “ongoing investigation,” according to three sources close to the matter. Sources declined to provide further details on the investigation on the record.
When reached by NBC News on Monday, the Draper Police Department in Utah declined to confirm reports of a domestic dispute, saying its practice is “not to release details related to active investigations.”
The department confirmed to PEOPLE reports of an open “domestic assault investigation” into Paul and Mortensen, and that “allegations have been made in both directions.”
Mortensen did not immediately reply to a request for comment sent Wednesday morning.
Paul added on “GMA” that this time is “stressful,” as the social media influencer-turned-reality star tries to make it to the premiere early while prioritizing her children above all else.
Paul and Mortensen share a son, 1-year-old Ever. She has two more children from her previous marriage.
The sources, who spoke to NBC News on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter, confirmed the hiatus in filming for “Mormon Wives,” with one source saying the show’s cast has decided to step away for now.
Asked about those reports on “GMA,” Paul said, “There’s word that it’s been put on hold, too, but I wouldn’t call those shots.” Although she is an executive producer, she said she doesn’t know how long the show’s next season will be on hiatus.
The fourth season of “Mormon Wives” premiered Thursday on Hulu. Disney, the parent company of Hulu and ABC, did not respond to requests for comment Tuesday about the hiatus in filming.
Paul added that it’s hard to envision her future on “Mormon Wives” right now.
“It’s hard looking back, I’m not going to lie at the moment,” Paul said. “When your life is broadcast in these headlines, it’s like the end of the world. It feels like it.”
“But I will say, I’ve been here before, and I’ve been through it and, you know, shared my story, my light. So I hope I can do it again,” Paul continued.
Paul first spoke about the reports Tuesday night at a press preview of “The Bachelorette,” telling People “it’s heartbreaking to see it, to go through it, especially at this time.”
On “GMA,” Paul added that she was inspired to take on the “Bachelorette” role after “Mormon Wives” co-stars Whitney Leavitt and Jen Affleck starred on “Dancing with the Stars” during the last season of “Mormon Wives.”
“I saw that, and I was like, if they can do it, and they have kids, and they’re chasing their dreams, like, why can’t I?” Paul said Wednesday morning.
“Dating as a mother of three is very difficult,” she explained, and the prospect of dating multiple men at once piqued her interest.
“So I go out, get away from my toxic cycle in Utah, go on a date, and then my kids come out and visit me,” she said. “That, to me, made me wonder why? Right?”
But that doesn’t mean it’s not exhausting, he said.
“But you’re finding the love of your life and that’s what you’re working towards,” he added on Wednesday. “So it was difficult, but also very fun and exciting at the same time. I’d be lying if I said it was really easy.”
