Note: This article contains mention of domestic violence.
One week after the resurfacing of a video that showed what seemed to be a physical altercation between Taylor and her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, Whitney shared her thoughts in a recent interview.
“I have a lot of emotions about it and I’m still processing everything that’s happening,” Whitney told Interview, “but the safety of human beings, especially children, comes first. Always, period, the end.”
“My personal history as a survivor makes it impossible for me to stay silent,” Layla Taylor shared in an 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.”
Miranda Hope McWhorter also posted her thoughts on Instagram. “Everything has been really tough to see,” she said. “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.”
Taylor commented on Disney Entertainment Television’s decision not to run her season of The Bachelorette via a spokesperson:
“Taylor is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security,” a spokesperson for Taylor said in the statement. “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.”
“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,” the statement continued.
“As anyone who has seen the video will understand, this is a deeply upsetting situation,” Dakota shared in a statement to People. “I am, unfortunately, used to these baseless claims about me and our relationship, which I categorically deny. I am focusing on our son and his safety, and hope that Taylor will do the same.”
The Bachelorette isn’t the only show that’s been affected by the domestic violence allegations. TMZ first reported that production on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives stopped after a “heated blowup between two of the main cast members.” It was later revealed that the two cast members involved were Taylor and Dakota. There’s been no update on when production on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives will restart.
The domestic violence investigation is still ongoing.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger as a result of domestic violence, call 911. For anonymous, confidential help, you can call the 24/7 National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or chat with an advocate via the website.
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