Trigger Warning: This story contains descriptions of domestic violence and a video showing domestic violence.
Taylor Frankie Paul’s week has gone from really bad to even worse, as her ex Dakota Mortensen has officially been granted temporary custody of their two-year-old son Ever amid the ongoing “domestic assault investigation” into the two Secret Lives of Mormon Wives stars.
According to People, Dakota has also been granted the temporary restraining order he requested against Taylor on Tuesday.
A hearing has been set for April 7, where Taylor will be allowed to present her side of the story to the court; however, the protective order states that, “no parent time is allowed” between Taylor and Ever until then.
“Parent time temporarily suspended pending hearing and recommendation of Guardian ad Litem,” the courts docs— which were obtained by Us Weekly— state. “If there is a No Contact order, you can communicate with the Petitioner or the person with custody only about parent-time matters through [a] legal representative.”
According to Us Weekly, Taylor must stay “100 feet” away from Dakota and is not allowed to “contact, phone, mail, email or communicate in any way” before the hearing on April 7.
“The Court finds there is reason to believe…. the Respondent [Taylor] has abused or committed domestic violence against Petitioner [Dakota], or that there is a substantial likelihood that Respondent [Taylor] immediately threatens Petitioner [Dakota]’s physical safety.”
The court order comes just a day after ABC announced that it was pulling the plug on Taylor’s season of The Bachelorette right before Season 22 was set to premiere.
The network made the call following the release of a shocking video that showed Taylor physically attacking Dakota in 2023. The disturbing incident–- in which Taylor was shown kicking, hitting and throwing metal stools at Dakota–- occurred in the presence of at least one of the two children Taylor shares with ex-husband Tate Paul. (Taylor’s daughter was accidentally hit by one of the metal stools Taylor threw at Dakota, which can also be seen in the video.)
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Taylor Frankie Paul repeatedly attacked Dakota Mortensen during the 2023 incident in which she pled guilty to aggravated assault; video shows that one of her children was struck during the fight.
Trigger Warning. https://t.co/77CKYpLxvn pic.twitter.com/avr49EacY3
— TMZ (@TMZ) March 19, 2026
Prior to her ‘Bachelorette’ run being nixed by ABC, Taylor’s other show, ‘Mormon Wives’ on Hulu, had already been put on pause due to an alleged incident that occurred in February between Taylor and Dakota. During the incident, Taylor allegedly choked her ex, ripped his necklace off, and grabbed his throat and face, all while their son was in the room.
In a statement to the press made after it was announced that her ‘Bachelorette’ season had been scrapped, Taylor continued to point the finger at Dakota.
“Taylor is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security,” the statement— which was put out by Taylor’s rep— said. “After years of silently suffering extensive mental and physical abuse as well as threats of retaliation, Taylor is finally gaining the strength to face her accuser and taking steps to ensure that she and her children are protected from any further harm.”
“There are too many women who are suffering in silence as they survive aggressive, jealous ex-partners who refuse to let them move on with their lives,” the statement continued. “Taylor has remained silent out of fear of further abuse, retaliation and public shaming. She is currently exploring all of her options, seeking support, and preparing to own and share her story.”
Dakota— who, along with Taylor, has been ordered to undergo a psychological exam— responded to Taylor’s statement and denied her claims.
“As anyone who has seen the video will understand, this is a deeply upsetting situation,” Mortensen told Us. “I am, unfortunately, used to these baseless claims about me and our relationship, which I categorically deny. I am focusing on our son and his safety, and hope that Taylor will do the same.”
RELATED STORY: Taylor Frankie Paul Reacts to Her ‘Bachelorette’ Season Being Cancelled; Points the Finger at Ex Dakota Mortensen in Statement
(Photos: Hulu; Instagram)
4 Responses
Jenelle and Amber walked so this crack head could run
I feel for Taylor. Her world is basically crashing down around her. She doesn’t have custody of her other kids either though right? There’s always valid reason when a mother doesn’t have custody of her kids. I hope she gets the help she needs to be a better mom.
She has joint physical and legal custody of her other two. And she absolutely needs help before any of her kids get hurt further.
You don’t feel for.. the child that got hit by a heavy metal chair at 20 mph?