The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Taylor Frankie Paul is sending a pointed message on Mother’s Day.
“It’s Mother’s Day so I’ll say whatever I want,” Paul, 31, began in a lengthy Instagram post on Sunday, May 10. “As if it’s not already the worst time. I have [sic] STILL have ‘friends’ kicking me while I’m already down and calling it ‘setting a boundary’ and then BLAMES ME for being upset and responding. That’s called shaming and attack while I had a moment to breathe and she knew that.”
Alongside the message, Taylor shared a series of photos with her kids through the years. (Taylor shares daughter Indy, 8, and son Ocean, 5, with ex-husband Tate Paul and is also mom to son Ever, 2, with ex Dakota Mortensen. Taylor temporarily lost custody of Ever after an alleged domestic violence incident between the pair, but was awarded a 12-hour Mother’s Day visit. Local police declined to press charges.)
“Not once have [I] called myself a ‘victim’ but I’m HUMAN and have breaking points,” Taylor wrote on Sunday. “What a snake friend just did to me in the public eye after everything she just witnessed … the lack of empathy and silence was loud enough.”
The statement comes one day after Mormon Wives costar Mikayla Matthews shared that she “tried to stay as removed as possible” from Taylor amid legal drama. Taylor, for her part, responded in the comments section of a fan’s recap of Matthew’s message and claimed her friend was “waiting for my downfall.” Matthews denied this in a separate comment.
Taylor did not name Matthews in the statement on Sunday, where she referenced her 2023 arrest when she was charged with aggravated assault, two counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child, child abuse with injury and criminal mischief after the incident. (Taylor ultimately pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, while the other four charges were dismissed with prejudice. She later reached a plea deal.)
“Did you see the hearing? Did you see the bruises?” Taylor continued on Sunday. “Yet she’s bringing up ‘picking sides?’ Yes usually you do for friends you know go through that. Have you been hurt while pregnant? Have you been beaten right after giving birth? Have you lost two babies due to who knows what? Have you gone to jail for finally breaking and taking the only blame for years? Have you been in trouble for getting ready to feel pretty two months postpartum that you cry off your make up and return to an ugly tee shirt? Can you even understand what I’m saying just from just a psychological point?”
She continued, “No clearly not .. if it’s being used as an analogy to rash cream.. You heard one side and never called me after, in fact ignored me twice. That is what an enemy is. Your trauma doesn’t give you a pass to kick me while [I’m] down and cover it with ‘a boundary’ months later after the fact… she is right to state her ‘boundary’ sure … but go ahead tell them the truth.”
Without naming Matthews, Taylor then questioned who her “last convo” was with “regarding the situation” and noted that it was “not me.” Taylor also seemingly referenced “concerns” arising with her filming Mormon Wives season 5, which halted production amid her alleged altercation with Mortensen. Us Weekly confirmed last month that filming resumed, but Taylor has yet to appear on camera.
“What other questions did you have in the concerns while filming with me… ’Does she get paid more than us? Save the ‘concern for children act,’” Taylor wrote. “They all know I’m good to my children. I’ve missed more events, girls nights and opportunities to stay home with my kids more than some could ever say.”
She concluded, “Happy mother to all the moms out there💕 Of course I’m spiraling… people calling me out yet I can’t respond? Exactly what I will NOT be tolerating ever again. Thank you GOD for the people you sent to help me through this with my enemies so close.”
In the comments section, Mormon Wives costar Jessi Draper shared a message of support.
“You know how much I love you,” she wrote. “Not many have seen the behind the scenes but I have and I understand it first hand. I’m so sorry and you’ll be back stronger and happier than ever ❤️.”
In a separate statement on Sunday, Taylor wrote via her Instagram Story, “I will not be sitting down, staying silent or logging off … I did that for years on this. Trust me I can take a beating whether it’s physical, emotional, or public scrutiny. Anyone else want to speak up? Please do …”
