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

The Shocking Custody Battle Between Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen

Taylor Frankie Paul, a reality TV star known for her role on “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” has recently lost temporary custody of her son, Ever, amid explosive abuse allegations made by her ex-partner Dakota Mortensen. The custody change came after Mortensen filed for an order of protection against Paul, citing disturbing evidence of domestic violence. This legal development has sent shockwaves through the celebrity community and raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of their child.

On March 19, 2026, Mortensen was granted temporary custody of Ever by the court, with Paul barred from any parental contact until a scheduled hearing on April 7. The restraining order was issued following the release of a 2023 video showing a violent altercation between the former couple. The footage reportedly depicts Paul physically assaulting Mortensen and throwing barstool chairs during a heated dispute, with their daughter Indy, aged eight, present in the room. The distressing video also includes moments where Indy is heard crying after allegedly being hit with a chair.

Details of the Abuse Allegations and Legal Proceedings

The released footage has been a pivotal factor in the court’s decision to grant Mortensen temporary custody. Following the incident, Paul was arrested and charged with multiple felonies, including aggravated assault and domestic violence in the presence of a child, as well as misdemeanor counts of child abuse and criminal mischief. Paul later pleaded guilty to the aggravated assault charge, with other charges dropped.

Mortensen’s petition for an order of protection highlights the severity of the situation and the urgent need to safeguard their children. In response, Paul’s representatives have criticized the video as “selectively edited,” accusing Mortensen of orchestrating a “destructive campaign” to damage her reputation. Despite these claims, the court has prioritized the children’s safety by restricting Paul’s access until the matter is fully resolved.

The Draper City Police Department confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with allegations made by both parties. The legal battle has also impacted the production of the new season of “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” which has been temporarily halted.

Impact on Taylor Frankie Paul’s Career and Public Image

The custody loss and abuse allegations have significantly affected Taylor Frankie Paul’s professional life. She 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. ABC expressed support for Paul as she focuses on her family’s safety and security during this challenging time.

A spokesperson for Paul emphasized her courage in confronting years of alleged abuse and threats, highlighting the importance of protecting victims of domestic violence. The spokesperson also called attention to the broader issue of women suffering in silence due to aggressive and jealous ex-partners.

Mortensen, on the other hand, has denied all allegations against him, describing the situation as “deeply upsetting” and asserting his focus remains on the safety of their son. The ongoing court proceedings will determine the future custody arrangement and potentially shed more light on the complex dynamics between the former couple.

Conclusion

The custody battle between Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen underscores the serious consequences of domestic abuse allegations and the importance of protecting children involved in such disputes. As the April 7 court hearing approaches, the public awaits further developments in this high-profile case.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or abuse, help is available. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788 for confidential support.

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