Reality TV star Taylor Frankie Paul’s tumultuous personal life is now spilling into her run on The Bachelorette. Her past relationship with Dakota Mortensen, marked by domestic disputes, addiction struggles, and co-parenting battles, has resurfaced, raising questions about the show’s casting and the couple’s ongoing legal issues. The case highlights a dangerous pattern of repeated conflict and police intervention.
The Relationship: From Divorce to Domestic Disputes
Paul and Mortensen began dating in July 2022, shortly after Paul’s divorce from Tate Paul. They had a son, Ever, in March 2024, but their relationship quickly became unstable. The couple repeatedly broke up and reconciled, including the night before Paul began filming The Bachelorette, as documented on the reality series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
Mortensen, who owns a tiling business, has a history of addiction; he revealed in a 2025 podcast interview that he battled opioid and fentanyl addiction for years, spiraling from prescription painkillers to heroin after a high school sports injury. He credits his wife’s distress at discovering his drug use for pushing him into sobriety.
Domestic Violence Investigation and Allegations
In March 2024, Draper City Police opened a “domestic assault investigation” involving Paul and Mortensen, with allegations coming from both sides. Mortensen initially claimed Paul choked him and stole his necklace, though he later retracted the accusation. A roommate then contacted police after witnessing further violence between the pair.
Paul was previously arrested in 2023 for allegedly throwing heavy metal chairs during an argument, with one hitting her daughter, Indy. She pleaded guilty to aggravated assault. The recent allegations add to this pattern of escalating physical conflict.
Current Status: Co-Parenting Under Strain
Despite the ongoing legal issues, Paul and Mortensen share custody of Ever. They now communicate exclusively through third parties, with Paul stating she has “no contact” with Mortensen due to their inability to co-parent peacefully. Mortensen’s representative emphasizes his priority is protecting their son, denying that he leaked the details of the domestic violence investigation.
Paul has acknowledged the toxicity of the relationship, admitting she still had feelings for Mortensen but recognizes it “just did not work out.” Their co-parenting arrangement has led to court battles over custody and support.
The situation underscores a disturbing cycle of violence, addiction, and legal intervention. The couple’s history suggests ongoing instability, making the future of their co-parenting relationship uncertain.
