Taylor Frankie Paul Speaks Out About Dakota Mortensen Amid Custody Battle and Public Fallout

Taylor Frankie Paul Speaks Out About Dakota Mortensen Amid Custody Battle and Public Fallout

Taylor Frankie Paul has shared new allegations about ex Dakota Mortensen as their custody dispute continues, following protective orders, legal scrutiny and fallout from The Bachelorette.

Taylor Frankie Paul is speaking publicly about her turbulent relationship with ex-partner Dakota Mortensen, making new allegations as the former couple remains involved in a custody dispute over their 2-year-old son, Ever.

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star shared an emotional Instagram post on Thursday, May 14, in which she reflected on the relationship, the legal battle and the intense public scrutiny surrounding both of them. Paul claimed she had endured manipulation, threats, public humiliation and emotional distress during her time with Mortensen. She also acknowledged that she was “not innocent,” while insisting that the wider situation was more complicated than the public may understand. (Us Weekly)

According to reporting from Us Weekly, Paul alleged that she had been in “survival mode” for years while dealing with pregnancy, postpartum struggles, miscarriages and what she described as betrayal and trauma. She suggested that fear kept her from asking for help, claiming she worried she would be blamed because of her existing probation. Mortensen’s representative had not commented to the outlet at the time of publication. (Us Weekly)

Paul and Mortensen’s dispute has unfolded in both court and the public eye. In late April, the two were granted mutual protective orders requiring them to stay 100 feet away from each other. The legal proceedings also involve custody arrangements for their son, Ever, who is currently in Mortensen’s temporary custody. Paul has been granted up to 12 hours of supervised visitation per week, with the arrangement expected to be revisited at a June 1 hearing. (Us Weekly)

The case escalated earlier this year after both the Draper City Police Department and the West Jordan Police Department opened domestic violence investigations involving the former couple. Prosecutors later declined to file charges against Paul in connection with the February allegations, citing insufficient evidence to prove the claims beyond a reasonable doubt. Mortensen filed for a protective order in March, and Paul later filed one of her own. (People.com)

The former couple’s history has also affected Paul’s television career. ABC reportedly shelved Paul’s already-filmed season of The Bachelorette after footage surfaced from a 2023 domestic violence incident involving Paul and Mortensen. Paul previously pleaded guilty to aggravated assault as part of a plea agreement connected to that earlier case, while other charges were dropped. (Us Weekly)

The renewed attention has also impacted The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. Production on the Hulu reality series was temporarily halted after the legal controversy intensified, though production later resumed. PEOPLE reported that Paul had chosen not to return to filming at that time. (People.com)

Paul’s latest post also appeared to address the emotional toll of losing support from people around her. She criticized those she felt had abandoned or publicly judged her during the ongoing legal battle, including remarks seemingly directed at castmate Mikayla Matthews. Earlier in May, Paul used a Mother’s Day post to describe feeling unsupported and criticized while continuing to deal with the custody case. (People.com)

During an April 30 hearing, Commissioner Russell Minas reportedly told Paul and Mortensen that their conflict had become “dysfunctional” and emphasized that their son should remain the priority. He also warned that the way they handle conflict could affect Ever as he grows older. (People.com)

For now, the legal process remains ongoing, and both Paul and Mortensen continue to face public attention as they work through protective orders, custody issues and allegations from both sides. Paul’s latest remarks show that she is no longer willing to stay silent, but the court — not social media — will ultimately determine the next steps in the former couple’s case.