Layla Taylor and Miranda Hope are sharing their thoughts in the midst of controversy surrounding their "Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" co-star Taylor Frankie Paul. This includes an open police investigation into a domestic dispute between her and her ex, Dakota Mortensen, as well as the release of a video depicting a physical altercation between the pair in 2023.
"My personal history as a survivor makes it impossible for me to stay silent," Layla wrote in a March 20 Instagram Story. "I stand firmly against domestic violence in any form. I keep her children in my thoughts, hoping for their safety above all else."
Meanwhile, Miranda admits she's been at a loss for words as the situation unfolds. "Everything has been really tough to see," Miranda wrote in her own Instagram Story on March 20. "Domestic violence and abuse of any kind is something I take very seriously. As a human, and especially as a mother, I cannot support that kind of behavior."
Similarly to Layla, Miranda expressed support for Taylor's children—the 31-year-old shares three kids with ex Tate Paul and one child with Dakota—as she deals with the aftermath, which has included the cancellation of her season of "The Bachelorette." (Filming on "Mormon Wives" season five had been halted as Utah police confirmed they were looking into an alleged domestic dispute between Taylor and Dakota in February.)
"I hope they're safe," Miranda wrote, "supported, and surrounded by love."
Regarding the altercation seen in the video released by TMZ on March 19, Taylor pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in 2023 and is currently on probation for the charge until August. However, following the video's release, a rep for Taylor said it "conveniently omits context," and called it part of "a destructive campaign to harm Taylor."
Hours later, when ABC confirmed the decision to not move forward with Taylor's season of "The Bachelorette" at this time, a rep for Taylor told E! News that she was "grateful" for the network's support.
"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," her rep continued in the statement, "and taking steps to ensure that she and her children are protected from any further harm."
Meanwhile, Dakota called the entire situation "deeply upsetting" in a March 19 statement to E! News. "I am, unfortunately, used to these baseless claims about me and our relationship, which I categorically deny," he added. "I am focusing on our son and his safety, and hope that Taylor will do the same."
