Full Breakdown
Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen: Court Orders Amid Domestic Violence Claims
5/2/2026, 8:09:46 AM
Core Event
On April 30, 2026, Third District Court Commissioner Russell Minas ordered mutual protective orders for reality-TV personalities Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen. Each must stay at least 100 feet from the other for three years. Filings cite 11 alleged fights. Mortensen retains temporary custody of their two-year-old son Ever; Paul is limited to eight supervised visitation hours per week pending a May 11 recommendation.
Background & Context
Paul, a TikTok “MomTok” star, joined Hulu’s “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” and was announced as the lead of ABC’s “The Bachelorette” Season 22 in September 2025. A February 2023 domestic-violence incident—captured on video and leaked by TMZ in March 2026—showed Paul throwing a barstool at Mortensen while a child cried. ABC cancelled the filmed Bachelorette season, and police investigations by Draper City and West Jordan opened. Earlier, Paul pleaded guilty in abeyance to aggravated assault for the 2023 incident, with other charges dismissed.
Official Statements & Responses
Commissioner Minas described the relationship as “very toxic” and urged the parents to put their child first. Attorney Eric M. Swinyard called the ruling a “significant step forward” and noted Paul’s candid admission of fault. Disney-TV executive Rob Mills said the network is “taking everything a day at a time.” The Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office and Draper City Prosecutor declined to file charges, citing insufficient evidence.
Criticism & Opposition
Mortensen’s friend Cru Eaton called the court’s decision “a joke and pathetic.” Mortensen’s attorney Brent Salazar-Hall denied the allegation that his client leaked the video, labeling the claim “unfounded.” Several “Mormon Wives” cast members initially refused to work with Paul, prompting a temporary production halt.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Paul alleges Mortensen leaked the video to embarrass her; Mortensen’s side rejects this, citing no evidence. Police investigations found “allegations in both directions” but filed no charges. The exact sequence of the February 2023 altercation remains disputed, with each side presenting different injury accounts.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m hoping that you’re not people who just thrive on the drama and the conflict,” — Russell Minas, Court Commissioner
- “Today’s hearing was a significant step forward as the Court entered protective orders requiring that Taylor’s ex-partner stays far away from her.” — Eric M. Swinyard, Paul’s attorney
- “He specifically told Ms. Draper that he planned on leaking embarrassing videos of Taylor to the press, starting with the barstool video. He specifically named TMZ as the outlet, and a few days later, that exact video was released by TMZ.” — Eric M. Swinyard (quoting Mortensen)
- “I think everything really is a day at a time,” — Rob Mills, Executive Vice President, Walt Disney Television
- “a joke and pathetic.” — Cru Eaton, Mortensen’s friend
What’s Next
Commissioner Minas will issue a written custody recommendation by May 11, and a review hearing is set for June 1. The protective orders stay in force, and both parties must continue supervised visitation pending further rulings.
