Dakota Mortensen is leaning into humor following the announcement that his ex, Taylor Frankie Paul, will be the next Bachelorette.
On Thursday, Sept. 11, the 32-year-old “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star posted a lighthearted Instagram video where he jokingly “auditioned” to be the next Bachelor. The post came just one day after ABC confirmed Paul, 31, as the new lead of “The Bachelorette” for season 22.
Dakota Mortensen’s Viral Callback to Taylor Frankie Paul’s Video
In the video, Mortensen used the trending audio from Lindsay Lohan’s 2009 mock dating reel — the same TikTok sound Paul used in a viral post earlier this year with the caption, “Sending this in for my chance as the next Bachelorette.”
Adding his own spin, Mortensen wrote over the clip: “Is this how it works to be the next Bachelor?”
Fans immediately caught the callback, interpreting his version as both playful and self-aware. One viewer commented, “Plot twist: Dakota is a contestant on Taylor’s season! Lol now that would make for good TV!!!” Another joked, “Why do I have a solid feeling that Dakota is going to show up around episode 8 and Taylor will have to make a big decision between her final few and her baby daddy?”
Despite the parody, Mortensen showed his support for his ex in his caption. “It’s a joke.. everyone relax lol that being said I am happy for Tay and I hope she finds happiness no matter what ❤️🩹🫶🏽,” he wrote.
Mortensen Balances Humor & Support After Ex’s Bachelorette Casting
This isn’t the first time Mortensen has weighed in on Paul’s headline-making casting news. In an Instagram Story earlier this month, he wrote: “Had so many curve balls today and every time [sic] I am always reminded there is nothing more important than God and family. Life is to [sic] short.”
Meanwhile, Paul admitted on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast that she didn’t personally tell Mortensen she was chosen as the new Bachelorette. “I have not confirmed it with him. So I don’t know if he knows or if he knew I had the opportunity,” Paul told host Alex Cooper. “So he’ll know Wednesday.”
Mortensen and Paul dated for two years before ending their relationship in December 2024. They share a 1-year-old son, Ever True.
When asked how he might feel about the casting, Paul said, “If anything he says is real, I would say sad. He does know that I was dating and, you know, meeting people, so that we’ve already had that first hurt, I guess. I think that’s the hardest part is when you see their first dating or hookup or whatever it is. That’s gonna always take a toll no matter what.”
Mortensen has also left eyebrow-raising comments under clips of Paul discussing their past relationship. After she revealed that they had hooked up post-breakup, he replied, “over.” Paul clarified in the comments, writing: “1 or 2 times….Got it lol.”
Still, Mortensen’s latest post suggests he’s taking the news in stride — mixing humor with public support as Paul embarks on her new role.
Season 22 of “The Bachelorette,” starring Taylor Frankie Paul, is expected to premiere in 2026 on ABC.
