In recent developments surrounding Taylor Frankie Paul and her ex-partner Dakota Mortensen, allegations of domestic abuse have come to light. Paul, an influencer and reality TV star, has filed a new protective order against Mortensen, accusing him of various forms of abuse, including assault and stalking. The filing, which was made on 7 April, comes as part of an ongoing legal battle between the two regarding the custody of their two-year-old son, Ever.
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In her legal documents, Paul recounts four separate incidents in which she claims to have suffered abuse at the hands of Mortensen. One of the most alarming allegations refers to an encounter that took place on the early morning of 23 February 2026. According to the report, Mortensen arrived at Paul’s home while their son was asleep, insisting on speaking with her. After stepping outside to avoid disturbing the children, Paul alleges that Mortensen drove her away from her house against her will, where he then assaulted her by slamming her head against the car dashboard and inflicting injuries to her knee and elbow. Paul described the experience as “immediate and intense” and provided photographic evidence of her injuries.
Prior to this latest filing, Mortensen had sought a temporary restraining order against Paul on 19 March 2026. That order granted him temporary custody of Ever. The request for a protective order followed a series of police investigations into domestic violence involving both parties, initiated earlier in the year.
The initial confrontation mentioned in Paul’s filing reportedly occurred on 27 May 2025 when the couple had an argument at Paul’s residence. During this altercation, she claims Mortensen refused to leave despite her requests and ended up kicking her when she lost her balance. The documentation submitted includes photographs of the resulting bruises on Paul.
Paul also detailed an incident that took place on 14 February 2026, in which Mortensen allegedly stalked her, sending her a photo of a tattoo of her initials on the inside of his lip. In her sworn declaration, Paul expressed a sense of violation, stating, “My initials are now permanently tattooed on the body of a man who has been abusive toward and possessive of me.”
The tension escalated further on 22 February 2026 when Mortensen reportedly confronted Paul at her home, demanding to discuss their broken relationship. Despite her repeated pleas for him to leave, he allegedly refused, resulting in heightened distress and fear for her safety.
So far, representatives for Mortensen have remained silent regarding the allegations made by Paul. Meanwhile, Mortensen has previously claimed to have been a victim of domestic violence himself, having reported to police incidents of physical assault involving Paul. The Draper City Police Department launched an investigation in February 2026 based on Mortensen’s reports of having been assaulted by Paul.
The claims made by both parties have led to a contentious back-and-forth, with the West Jordan Police Department also opening a domestic violence case following Mortensen’s pleas for assistance. There has been some indication that both individuals have faced legal scrutiny in connection with their disputes.
This ongoing saga has seen further twists and turns as Paul was arrested for apparent domestic violence offences in 2023. She pleaded guilty in a deal that allowed for the dismissal of charges if she adhered to certain conditions, amidst claims that she had thrown objects at Mortensen during an altercation.
Notably, the situation garnered public attention recently when video footage emerged of a violent incident from 2023, displaying Paul apparently throwing metal chairs at Mortensen while he filmed her. The release of this video has not only affected their legal battles but also terminated Paul’s appearance in an upcoming season of “The Bachelorette,” which had already been filmed.
As the situation continues to unfold, both parties remain embroiled in a complex and distressing legal battle, with numerous allegations levied back and forth. The complexities of their relationship have raised concerns around domestic violence and the well-being of their young child, prompting discussions about the necessary support and resources for those in similar situations.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, it is crucial to seek help. In the UK, support is available through various organisations that provide confidential assistance and guidance.