A Utah judge is set to hear arguments on Tuesday regarding a protective order against reality TV star Taylor Frankie Paul, sought by her former partner, Dakota Mortensen. The legal battle comes shortly after ABC’s unprecedented decision to cancel her fully filmed season of “The Bachelorette” over domestic abuse allegations.
Mortensen, who currently holds temporary custody of their 2-year-old son, is asking the court to extend a short-term protective order into a long-term one. Authorities are actively investigating new domestic violence reports from February of this year. Both parties are expected to attend the Salt Lake City hearing remotely, while their attorneys appear in person.
Career Fallout and Legal History
The current court proceedings follow a major public setback for Paul. Last month, ABC shelved her season of “The Bachelorette” after a 2023 video leaked online. The footage, first published by TMZ, allegedly showed Paul physically assaulting Mortensen in front of a child.
Following the leak, production was also paused on the fifth season of Hulu’s “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” the hit series that originally brought Paul to fame through the #MomTok community.
Regarding the 2023 altercation, Paul previously pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge, while other charges, including domestic violence in the presence of a child, were dismissed.
Trading Accusations
The former couple has engaged in a public dispute over the allegations. A representative for Paul recently claimed she has been "silently suffering extensive mental and physical abuse" from Mortensen and is now gathering the strength to face her accuser.
Mortensen firmly rejected the claims, releasing a statement saying he is "used to these baseless claims" and "categorically" denies them.
Personal Toll and Departure from Faith
On Easter Sunday, the 31-year-old star took to Instagram to share a raw glimpse into her personal life, describing her current situation as "hell on earth."
Sharing photos of herself crying and experiencing physical distress, Paul wrote, “Through every panic attack I prayed for strength as I could feel my body breaking down... I’ve never felt the pain I’m in now.”
In a separate update, Paul announced her decision to step away from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While expressing continued love and respect for the institution and her family's involvement in it, she stated, "It’s time to detach myself from it... I believe we are loved whether we are praying in the church building or from a bathroom floor at home."
