Dakota Mortensen’s Girlfriend Shades Taylor Frankie Paul’s Bachelorette Season

Dakota Mortensen’s Girlfriend Weighs In on ‘Bachelorette’ Drama

As Taylor Frankie Paul prepares for her debut as the lead on the upcoming season of The Bachelorette, her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen continues to be a presence in the narrative – albeit indirectly. Now, Mortensen’s current girlfriend, Emma Shippen, has publicly commented on Paul’s upcoming television journey, adding another layer to the already complex situation.

Shippen’s comment, posted on Paul’s Instagram cross-post with the official Bachelorette account, read: “This isn’t going to age very well.” The observation was first noted by the social media account @themormonwivesreport.

The comment appears to reference the promotional material for the show, which includes footage of Paul’s past relationship with Mortensen and the fallout from a separate scandal involving “soft swinging” within her social circle. Another commenter echoed Shippen’s sentiment, writing, “Can’t wait for Bachelor Nation to find out their Bachelorette is actually the one there for the wrong reasons.”

Mortensen’s own reaction to Paul’s casting on The Bachelorette was initially expressed through a series of Instagram posts. He wrote, “Had so many curve balls today and every time I am always reminded there is nothing more important than God, and family. Life is to [sic] short.” He also shared a TikTok video teasing his own approach to dating, stating, “When you realized you can date 30 girls without being on a TV show.”

The dynamic between Mortensen, Paul, and Shippen has played out publicly on social media, with several individuals weighing in on the situation. Following Mortensen’s TikTok post, several of Paul’s co-stars from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives defended her decision to pursue love on television. Mayci Neeley questioned whether Mortensen was “going through Taylor’s friend list to find your 30?” referencing allegations that he had pursued relationships with people close to Paul. Miranda McWhorter added, “respectfully dakota, from what i hear, you’re well on your way my guy.”

The situation highlights the ongoing fallout from the end of Mortensen and Paul’s relationship, which was documented on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. Their “complicated romance” began before the show premiered on Hulu, with Paul’s divorce from Tate Paul preceding their involvement. Mortensen was Paul’s first public boyfriend following her divorce.

The Bachelorette, featuring Taylor Frankie Paul, is scheduled to premiere on ABC on Sunday, March 22, 2026.