Trigger Warning: This article contains a discussion of domestic violence allegations.
The allegations between Taylor Frankie Paul and her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, continue to play out in court. During a hearing on April 30, both parties were granted restraining orders, which will be in force for three years. Dakota originally filed for a restraining order against Taylor in March. In addition, the couple shares one son, Ever.
Dakota’s attorney calls him a “domestic violence victim”
Both Dakota and Taylor were involved in a domestic violence incident in February 2026. Meanwhile, Dakota also alleged that The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star was involved in a separate domestic abuse incident in 2024. However, the Salt Lake City District Attorney’s Office decided not to charge Taylor in either case.
ABC4 Utah livestreamed the most recent hearing. During the proceedings, Dakota’s attorney spoke out on his client’s behalf. “Why did he wait so long to do anything? The answer is because he was afraid of the force that would happen against him,” the lawyer stated. “Unfortunately, and I don’t get to say this very often with male victims, but he’s a domestic violence victim, your Honor.”
Dakota’s attorney alleged that his client “is coerced either through romantic interest or interests involving his son” to “come back and rejoin this romantic relationship.” The lawyer explained that Dakota requested a restraining order “because of the most recent incident” and “he decided to break the cycle.”
Meanwhile, Taylor’s attorney presented a different view. “He’s not just trying to come after her for custody. He’s not just trying to seek a protective order,” Taylor’s lawyer claimed. “He wants to literally destroy her.”
In Taylor’s filing for the protective order, she alleged that Dakota had a “pattern of abusive conduct and coercive control.” The next court hearing for Taylor and Dakota is set for June 1.
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is streaming on Hulu.
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 – WHAT DO YOU THINK OF DAKOTA’S ATTORNEY’S STATEMENT? DID THE JUDGE MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION?
