Taylor Frankie Paul is staying active online—and she’s not shying away from responding to critics who question why she’s doing so.
As conversations continue to swirl following headlines tied to her personal life and the cancellation of “The Bachelorette” season she was set to lead, the “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star has remained present across social media, even replying to comments and engaging with posts in real time.
While some viewers have questioned whether she should step back, Paul has made it clear that logging off isn’t part of her plan.
ABC and parent company Disney announced just days before Paul’s season was set to air that they are pulling the plug on the whole thing amid an aggravated assault investigation involving her ex, Dakota Mortensen. On the day of the announcement, a video showing a physical altercation between the two leaked online, ultimately prompting the season’s cancellation.
Taylor Frankie Paul Claps Back at ‘Get Off Your Phone’ Comments
GettyThe discussion gained traction after pop culture influencer Holden Smith called out Paul on TikTok to step away from her phone, questioning why she was still commenting and reposting content amid the ongoing attention.
“If I were [Taylor Frankie Paul], I would not be on my phone,” Smith said. “I would actually just tell someone to take it from me because I wouldn’t be able to see all of the discourse surrounding me. But then to, like, go comment back is just, like, another level.”
Paul didn’t ignore the suggestion. Instead, she jumped into the comments with a blunt response: “Want me to stare at the wall instead?”
The reply quickly made the rounds online, with fans split between those who felt she should take time offline and others who supported her decision to stay engaged.
Taylor Frankie Paul Says Staying Online Is Part of the ‘Job’
Paul also addressed the situation on Instagram after a comment from pop culture creator Jordy Cray suggested it was shocking to see her online amid all the drama.
“I’m kind of surprised she on her phone right now,” Cray wrote on Instagram.
“Always on … it’s my job .. and yes I still have work,” Paul responded.
In addition to staying online, Paul is prioritizing her family behind the scenes, according to a statement from a spokesperson for Paul, People reported.
“Taylor is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security. 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 and taking steps to ensure that she and her children are protected from any further harm,” the statement reads. “There are too many women who are suffering in silence as they survive aggressive, jealous ex-partners who refuse to let them move on with their lives. Taylor has remained silent out of fear of further abuse, retaliation and public shaming. She is currently exploring all of her options, seeking support, and preparing to own and share her story.”
