Taylor Frankie Paul‘s former partner Dakota Mortensen has been given temporary custody of their son, Ever, as they continue to navigate a domestic violence investigation.
According to court documents acquired by Us Weekly on Friday, March 20, Mortensen, 33, was awarded temporary custody of the 2-year-old Ever. Additionally, Mortensen secured a temporary protective order against Paul, 31.
The documents specify that Paul is prohibited from having parenting time or visitation until their scheduled hearing on April 7. If Paul, known for her role in The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, breaches this order, she faces potential arrest.
Mortensen sought a protective order on Thursday, March 19, following the resurfacing of a video showing Paul allegedly throwing stools at him during an incident in 2023. Paul had previously been arrested in February 2023 after a heated confrontation with Mortensen, resulting in charges of aggravated assault, two counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child, child abuse with injury, and criminal mischief.
Paul accepted guilt for the aggravated assault charges, leading to the dismissal of other charges. (Paul is also the mother of daughter Indy, 8, who was heard crying in the video, and son Ocean, 5, with her ex-husband Tate Paul.)
Following the video’s public exposure, ABC decided to cancel Taylor’s upcoming season of The Bachelorette, which was set to debut on Sunday, March 22.
“We have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of The Bachelorette at this time,” a Disney Entertainment Television spokesperson informed Us in a Thursday statement. “Our focus is on supporting the family.”
Taylor responded to the cancellation, stating she is grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety. “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. She is currently exploring all of her options, seeking support, and preparing to own and share her story,” her representative told Us.
Taylor Frankie Paul is not in contact with Dakota Mortensen after their alleged altercation. “Right now, they aren’t in communication at all,” a source tells Us Weekly exclusively. “Everything regarding custody of Ever is handled through family members.” News broke on Monday, March 16, that Taylor, 31, and Dakota were involved in an alleged domestic […]
In response to Paul’s statements, Mortensen commented to Us, “As anyone who has seen the video will understand, this is a deeply upsetting situation. 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 incident between Taylor and Mortensen in 2023 gained attention following reports of another alleged domestic altercation the previous month. A Draper City Police Department spokesperson confirmed to Us that “contact was made with involved parties on [February] 24th and 25th” concerning the alleged dispute. The spokesperson also mentioned that “allegations have been made in both directions” and that a “domestic assault investigation” is ongoing.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.
