Taylor Frankie Paul Faces Restraining Order from Ex Dakota Mortensen Amid Ongoing Domestic Assault Investigation
Taylor Frankie Paul, the controversial star of Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and former The Bachelorette lead, is now dealing with her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen asking the court for a restraining order against her. According to court documents filed in Utah on March 17, 2026, Mortensen alleges that Paul was physically abusive toward him in two separate incidents in late February 2026. He is also requesting temporary sole custody of their 2-year-old son, Ever.
The filing comes amid an open domestic assault investigation by Salt Lake City police, with allegations reportedly made in both directions. Mortensen claims that on February 23, 2026, during a heated argument at Paul’s home, she choked him and shoved him into a window. He says the altercation woke their son, prompting him to leave with Ever for safety. The next day, February 24, he returned, and another argument escalated — this time with Paul allegedly throwing a drink at him. Mortensen states in the documents that he fears for his and Ever’s safety due to Paul’s “emotionally volatile” behavior and claims she expressed intent to harm herself.
A hearing on the protective order is scheduled for April 7, 2026. Mortensen is seeking a no-contact order and temporary primary custody, citing the alleged incidents as justification to protect their child.
This is not the first time Paul and Mortensen have faced legal trouble related to domestic violence. In 2023, Paul was arrested after an alleged physical altercation with Mortensen. Video footage from that incident surfaced publicly in March 2026 — coinciding with the current filing — showing a heated argument that escalated physically. Paul ultimately pleaded guilty to felony aggravated assault under a plea deal that could reduce the charge to a misdemeanor after three years if she complies with conditions.
The latest allegations have had immediate professional consequences. Production on Season 5 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives was halted indefinitely following the February incidents and the ongoing police investigation. Hulu and Disney Entertainment confirmed the pause, with sources indicating the network is monitoring the situation closely.
Mortensen’s representative issued a statement emphasizing his priority: “His number one concern is protecting Ever. He wants to co-parent well, but safety comes first.” Paul has not publicly responded to the restraining order filing or the new allegations. In past statements, she has denied or contextualized previous claims of abuse, but she has remained largely silent on the current developments.
The timing of the 2023 video surfacing — the same day as the protective order filing — has raised eyebrows among fans and observers. Some speculate the release was strategic, while others point to the ongoing police investigation as the likely source. The video shows a loud argument that turns physical, reigniting debate about the couple’s history of conflict.
Paul rose to fame through TikTok, where she and other Mormon influencers shared their lives, including controversial “soft-swinging” practices. Her stint on The Bachelorette in 2023 ended early amid personal controversies, and her role on Mormon Wives made her a polarizing figure — loved for her candor, criticized for drama and perceived hypocrisy.
The current legal battle adds another chapter to Paul’s turbulent personal life. She shares Ever with Mortensen and has older children from previous relationships. Mortensen has maintained a lower profile but has been involved in co-parenting disputes in the past.
As the April 7 hearing approaches, the case continues to draw attention — not just for the allegations, but for its impact on Paul’s reality TV career and public image. With production paused and a protective order pending, the situation remains fluid. For now, the focus is on the courtroom, the child involved, and the unresolved questions surrounding the February incidents.
The story is a stark reminder of how quickly personal lives can intersect with public scrutiny — especially for figures whose relationships and controversies are already part of their brand. Whether the allegations hold up or are contested remains to be seen, but the restraining order filing marks a significant escalation in an already complicated co-parenting dynamic.
