Trigger Warning: This article contains a discussion of domestic violence allegations.
When Taylor Frankie Paul was named the next Bachelorette, it was a shock. After all, the MomTok influencer is divorced, with three children. And she shares one of those children, her youngest son Ever True, with her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen.
Adding a cast member from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives to the ABC dating franchise could certainly lead to an uptick in ratings. Or it could lead to the opposite. Only time will tell. Of course, Taylor never expected to get the call to become the next Bachelorette. However, it’s safe to say that Dakota really never expected it.
Bachelorette Taylor Frankie Paul and ex Dakota Mortensen are in court over child custody
It seems that Taylor didn’t give Dakota a heads-up about her casting. In an Instagram post, he seemed to allude to Taylor’s big news. “Had so many curveballs today, and every time I am always reminded there is nothing more important than God and family,” he wrote.
Meanwhile, The U.S. Sun reported that in June, Dakota asked the court to decide on child custody, child support, and parenting time. The case was listed in the third category. This track is reserved for cases “with significant custody disputes, including custody disputes involving allegations of child abuse or domestic violence.”
As you may recall, Taylor was arrested in 2023 and charged with two counts of domestic violence in front of a child, aggravated assault, criminal mischief, and child abuse. According to charging documents, Taylor threw a wooden playset, a phone, and barstools at Dakota. One of the barstools allegedly struck Taylor’s daughter. After Taylor pleaded guilty to the aggravated assault, the domestic violence charges were dropped.
The Bachelorette Season 22 will air on ABC in 2026. Plus, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives returns for Season 3 on Hulu on November 13, 2025.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.
TELL US – ARE YOU SURPRISED THAT DAKOTA IS TAKING TAYLOR TO COURT OVER CUSTODY? DO YOU THINK THAT TAYLOR SHOULD HAVE BEEN SELECTED AS THE NEWEST BACHELORETTE?
