**Reality Star Taylor Frankie Paul Files for Protective Order Against Dakota Mortensen**
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Reality television personality Taylor Frankie Paul has filed for a protective order against her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen, citing a history of alleged abusive behaviour. The filing, made on April 7, comes just weeks after Mortensen sought a court order for protection against Paul on March 19, amidst ongoing domestic violence investigations involving the couple.

In the recent court documents, Paul alleges that Mortensen has exhibited a “pattern of abusive conduct and coercive control” throughout their relationship. The dispute over their two-year-old son, Ever, is also a focal point of the protective order request, which seeks to ensure the child’s safety amidst the couple’s turbulent history.
Paul’s allegations include a disturbing incident on February 23, where she claims Mortensen assaulted her by forcefully slamming her head against the dashboard of his vehicle. According to the filing, this altercation occurred after Mortensen allegedly drove her away from her home while her three children slept inside. Furthermore, the request for a protective order includes evidence such as screenshots of text messages and photographs of bruises that Paul attributes to these incidents.
In response to her accusations, Mortensen had previously obtained a temporary custody order, which Paul claims was an attempt to undermine her career. Paul argued that Mortensen’s protective order filing was an effort to sabotage her life as a reality star and public figure.
This ongoing conflict between the two has deep roots, as they were both implicated in a domestic violence incident last year, which resulted in Paul’s arrest. In 2023, she was accused of throwing heavy metal chairs during an argument with Mortensen, with her then-five-year-old daughter allegedly struck during the fracas. Subsequently, Paul faced several misdemeanor charges, including assault and domestic violence in the presence of a child. She later entered a guilty plea in abeyance for aggravated assault, meaning that her charges may be reduced or dismissed if she complies with the stipulated plea conditions.
The repercussions of their tumultuous relationship extend beyond personal matters, as both Paul and Mortensen are subjects of two ongoing domestic violence investigations initiated by law enforcement in Utah in February 2026. The Draper City Police Department launched an inquiry after Mortensen reported being assaulted by Paul at her home. According to police reports, Mortensen described experiences of physical confrontation, detailing incidents involving “grabbing, scratching, shoving, and striking.” Evidence, including photographs of injuries, was also collected by the authorities.
Meanwhile, the West Jordan Police Department is conducting a separate investigation related to allegations against both individuals, confirming that Mortensen approached them to report claims of domestic violence. Police have received video evidence purportedly from early to mid-2024, yet have not released further details about the content of this footage.
As the legal proceedings unfold, representatives for both Paul and Mortensen have refrained from commenting on the ongoing investigations. In relation to the previously circulated video of their altercation from 2023, Paul’s representative stated that it lacks necessary context and that its emergence serves as a diversionary tactic from Mortensen’s own actions. Mortensen has categorically denied these allegations, asserting that he is accustomed to what he describes as baseless claims about their relationship.
The ramifications of their legal disputes have impacted their reality television careers as well. Following the circulation of their altercation video on March 19, ABC made the decision to cancel Paul’s anticipated season of The Bachelorette days before it was set to air, highlighting the serious implications of their ongoing issues.
As the situation develops, both parties are embroiled in a complex legal battle that touches on personal safety, child custody, and professional repercussions. The couple’s turbulent relationship and the legal entanglements that have ensued serve as a cautionary tale regarding the impacts of domestic violence and the significant consequences it can have on public figures in the limelight.
