A domestic assault investigation is currently underway involving Dakota Mortensen and Taylor Frankie Paul, as confirmed by the Draper Police Department. On March 16, the authorities stated that “allegations have been made in both directions” between the former couple, who share a two-year-old son. Mortensen has sought a protective order against Paul, filing the necessary paperwork on March 19, with a court hearing scheduled for April 7.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Dakota-Mortensen-Park-City-2026-Taylor-Frankie-Paul-Paramount-Theatre-2025-030626-c25d04ce29404b42b85d5bdfad70aabe.jpg)
The police have been actively investigating following an altercation that reportedly took place in February. Mortensen’s filing for the protective order coincides with the release of a video obtained by TMZ that shows a physical confrontation between the two. In the footage, Mortensen captures Paul attacking him while he records the incident. He is heard calling out, “This is called physical abuse,” amidst the chaos, while Paul is seen throwing metal chairs during the altercation, with their daughter, Indy, present. The distressing scene includes the sound of the young girl crying as her parents fight.
In 2023, Paul was arrested on domestic violence charges stemming from a similar incident involving Mortensen. She pleaded guilty in abeyance to aggravated assault, a plea which allows the charge to be dismissed if she adheres to specific conditions. Other charges related to that incident have already been dropped. Court documents suggest that during the altercation, Paul’s daughter was struck by one of the thrown chairs, resulting in a serious injury.
Following the leak of the video, a spokesperson for Paul expressed frustration, suggesting Mortensen was attempting to tarnish her reputation. The representative described the release as a “desperate, attention-seeking” act, particularly given the implications for their child. They noted that the timing was coincidental, falling on their son’s birthday, and argued that Mortensen’s actions are part of a pattern of manipulation.
In light of the ongoing investigation, production of the fifth season of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” has been momentarily halted, with sources indicating that concerns surrounding Paul’s history are of paramount importance. It was suggested that any progression hinged on the resolution of these serious allegations. This pause comes shortly after Hulu released the fourth season of the reality series.
An unnamed representative for Mortensen highlighted his primary concern as the well-being of their son, Ever. They stated that, while he anticipated the possibility of the video’s emergence, Mortensen had previously aimed to maintain a stable co-parenting relationship with Paul. However, achieving harmony has proven challenging under the circumstances.
Paul responded publicly at a preview event for “The Bachelorette”, expressing her distress about the situation and the stress it has caused her during what should have been a celebratory time. She described the emotional toll of going through such difficulties, particularly amid the timing of the new season’s developments.
As tensions mounted, ABC announced the cancellation of Paul’s upcoming season of “The Bachelorette,” less than a week before its scheduled premiere. The decision, communicated by a spokesperson, prioritised the family’s wellbeing amid the newly surfaced allegations, marking a significant shift in the network’s programming.
Concerns for Paul’s welfare have been voiced by those close to her, highlighting the need for her to receive support and potentially professional help. A source revealed that her friends are deeply worried about her current situation, reinforcing the broader implications of the ongoing investigation on her life and career.
The complexities of domestic violence cases are often layered, and for anyone experiencing similar situations, support is available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers confidential assistance 24/7, with resources accessible in multiple languages. If you or someone you know is in need, help is just a call away.