Dakota Mortensen Addresses Domestic Assault Investigation Involving Taylor Frankie Paul
Dakota Mortensen, the ex-partner of reality television personality Taylor Frankie Paul, has publicly broken his silence regarding the ongoing domestic assault investigation that involves both individuals. This development comes after news emerged earlier this week that production on their joint reality series, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, has been abruptly suspended due to the police probe.
Production Halted Amid Police Investigation
On Monday, it was confirmed that filming for The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives had been halted as authorities investigate allegations of domestic violence between Paul and Mortensen. The couple shares a one-year-old son named Ever, adding a layer of complexity to the situation. According to a spokesperson for the Draper City Police Department in Utah, allegations have been made in both directions, though specific details have not been released to the public.
Police officials confirmed that officers were in contact with both parties on February 24 and 25 regarding the alleged incident. The reality series, which debuted in 2024, chronicles the turbulent relationship between Paul and Mortensen, making the investigation particularly disruptive to their professional commitments.
Conflicting Public Statements from Both Parties
In the wake of the investigation, Taylor Frankie Paul addressed the situation in interviews with People magazine and EW. Paul, whose season of The Bachelorette is scheduled to premiere on March 22, described this period as "a heavy time, and it's unfortunate." She revealed that she and Mortensen are currently "not in contact" and are using a third party for all communications and exchanges involving their son.
"I took action a few weeks ago, and now everything is handled through a third party - including pick-ups, drop-offs, and communication - so there's no direct contact right now," Paul explained to EW. "Honestly, it's for the best, because we just weren't getting along, so I had to take the most responsible action. I didn't want to escalate things publicly, especially for the sake of my son and everything else that's coming out. But that wasn't Mortensen's plan."
Just hours after Paul's statements, Mortensen's representative fired back with their own comments to EW. The representative emphasized that Mortensen's "number one priority here is protecting their son, Ever," while also denying any suggestion that he was responsible for the investigation becoming public knowledge.
Mortensen's Perspective on the Situation
According to Mortensen's representative, the reality star was aware that the investigation might become public but had no intention of proactively revealing it himself. "He knew there was a possibility it could come out, but he was not going to be the one to proactively do that because he has always wanted a decent relationship with Taylor," the representative stated. "It's been really hard to achieve that, but he wants to co-parent well."
The representative further explained Mortensen's typical approach to such situations: "He was just hoping that if he says nothing, as he usually does, it would go away. He's never done any kind of sit-down interview about his side. He kind of just lets it all happen to him, and I think he realizes with the severity of everything now that he just can't do that."
Paul's Television Appearances and Future Plans
In her first televised interview since the allegations surfaced, Paul addressed the situation on Good Morning America, indicating she would speak more openly when the timing was appropriate. "It's been a tough time seeing the headlines, especially with The Bachelorette about to air, a time that's supposed to be exciting," she said. "But I'm someone who speaks my truth, and when the moment is right, I will. Right now, I'm just trying to stay present and focus on what's in front of me."
As Paul prepares for the premiere of The Bachelorette season 22 this Sunday, she has also responded to conflicting reports about reactions from her suitors regarding the controversy. While some sources claim the men are "blindsided" and "upset" by the drama - including allegations of a hookup between Paul and Mortensen the night before she left for The Bachelorette - other reports suggest the men believe the version of Paul they met on the show doesn't align with media portrayals, describing her as "genuine and well-intentioned."
Paul told EW that viewers will get to see "all sides" of her personality on the upcoming season. "You'll see Open Taylor, sassy Taylor, but most importantly, you'll see the side that people don't usually see on Mormon Wives - relaxed Taylor, chill Taylor, soft girl Taylor," she explained. "I'm so excited for this side of me to finally be showcased because you already know the other sides. Now, I'm showing my true self."
The domestic assault investigation continues as both parties navigate their personal and professional lives amid intense public scrutiny, with their primary focus remaining on the wellbeing of their young son Ever.
