Taylor Frankie Paul Loses Custody of Son After Bombshell Dakota Mortensen Abuse Allegations

Temporary Custody Battle: Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen

Taylor Frankie Paul, a reality TV star known for her role on “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” recently lost temporary custody of her son, Ever, amid a highly publicized and disturbing custody battle with her ex-partner, Dakota Mortensen. The custody change followed Mortensen’s successful petition for an order of protection against Paul, which the court granted on Friday. According to court documents, Mortensen was awarded temporary custody of their toddler son, and Paul has been barred from any parental visitation until a hearing scheduled for April 7.

The restraining order and custody decision come after a police investigation into allegations of domestic violence between the two. The Draper City Police Department confirmed that both parties made accusations against each other, and officers made contact with them in late February. This ongoing investigation has also led to the suspension of production on the upcoming season of “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” where Paul was a featured cast member.

The 2023 Domestic Incident and Abuse Allegations

The catalyst for the custody change was the release of a disturbing video from 2023 showing a violent altercation between Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen. In the footage, Paul is seen physically assaulting Mortensen by putting him in a chokehold and throwing barstool chairs at him. Alarmingly, their daughter Indy, who was eight years old at the time, was present in the room and was reportedly struck in the head with a metal chair during the incident.

Following the release of the video, Paul was arrested and charged with multiple felonies, including aggravated assault and domestic violence in the presence of a child. She also faced misdemeanor charges of child abuse and criminal mischief. Ultimately, Paul pleaded guilty to the aggravated assault charge, while the lesser charges were dropped.

Mortensen subsequently filed for a restraining order, which was granted along with temporary custody of their son. Paul’s spokesperson condemned the video’s release as a “selectively edited” attempt by Mortensen to damage her reputation, calling it part of a “destructive campaign” against her. Meanwhile, Mortensen denied the allegations against him, emphasizing his focus on their son’s safety.

Impact on Taylor Frankie Paul’s Career and Public Response

The fallout from the abuse allegations and custody battle has extended beyond the courtroom. Taylor Frankie Paul was slated to star in Season 22 of ABC’s “The Bachelorette,” but the network decided to cancel the season following the public release of the domestic violence footage. A spokesperson for Paul expressed gratitude for ABC’s support, highlighting her priority to ensure the safety and security of her family.

This case has also sparked broader conversations about domestic abuse and the challenges many women face in abusive relationships. Paul’s representative spoke out about the prevalence of silent suffering among women who endure physical and mental abuse, urging victims to seek help. The National Domestic Violence Hotline remains a critical resource for those affected by similar issues.

Conclusion

The custody loss of Taylor Frankie Paul amid Dakota Mortensen’s abuse allegations marks a significant and troubling chapter in their family’s life. As the legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on the safety and well-being of their children. For those impacted by domestic violence, it is essential to remember that help is available. If you or someone you know is facing abuse, reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788. Stay informed and support survivors by following updates on this ongoing story.