In a startling revelation from a police report, Taylor Frankie Paul and her ex-partner Dakota Mortensen engaged in a heated argument over allegations of abuse while lying in bed with their 2-year-old son, according to documents obtained by Us Weekly. The incident, captured on video in September 2024 at a hotel, adds a new layer to the ongoing custody battle and domestic turmoil surrounding the reality TV star from Hulu's Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
The Draper County Police Department report, acquired on April 22, details how Mortensen, 33, provided officers with six videos as evidence of alleged domestic violence by Paul, 31. One particularly concerning clip shows the couple in a hotel bed alongside their young son, Ever. In the footage, Paul questions why Mortensen is recording them, leading to accusations flying both ways. Mortensen claims Paul was "attacking" him, pointing to a red mark on his face, while Paul counters that Mortensen had pinched her, leaving a visible red spot on her shoulder blade.
The argument escalated as they debated whether Mortensen's behavior constituted emotional abuse. Mortensen reportedly reminded Paul of her past actions, stating that she had allegedly "beat him" for two years. Paul, in turn, expressed discomfort with being filmed, which only intensified the confrontation. This exchange, occurring in such close proximity to their toddler, underscores the volatile nature of their relationship, as described in the police documentation.
This latest disclosure comes amid a history of domestic issues between the pair. Paul was arrested in February 2023 following a domestic violence incident involving Mortensen. She ultimately pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated assault as part of a plea deal that dismissed remaining charges related to child abuse, resulting in her placement on probation. In March, previously recorded footage from that altercation resurfaced, showing Paul physically assaulting Mortensen and throwing chairs in the presence of her daughter, Indy, who is 8 years old. Paul shares Indy and another child, 5-year-old Ocean, with her ex-husband, Tate Paul.
Paul has categorically denied the domestic violence accusations leveled against her. In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly in March, she stated, "There’s more to the context to everything and it’s unfortunate." She added, "It’s been hard. It sucks to be in this position. And the mother that I am, that is something I will always stand my ground on. I believe that I am a good mother and I have always treated my kids very well." Her lawyer has also revealed new details about the alleged incidents, though specifics remain tied to ongoing legal proceedings.
The couple faced another police investigation just last month after a separate altercation in February 2024. Officers from the Draper Police Department responded to a call at Paul's home involving Mortensen. Following this event, Mortensen was granted a temporary protective order against Paul, which prohibited contact between the exes and awarded him full custody of Ever. On April 7, a judge modified the order to allow Paul weekly supervised visitation with her son until a further court hearing scheduled for later this month. In response, Paul filed her own temporary protective order against Mortensen.
Despite the tensions, Draper PD ultimately declined to press charges against Paul in connection with the February incident. A source close to the situation told Us Weekly on April 17, "Taylor feels like she will bounce back from this, especially now that there won’t be any charges filed against her." The insider continued, "She knows her legal battle is far from over but does feel like she had a small victory." This development provides a brief respite for Paul amid the protracted custody dispute.
Mortensen, for his part, has publicly addressed the scandals surrounding their breakup. In a social media statement posted on April 20, he wrote, "Over the past several weeks, I’ve taken a step back and had time away from the chaos. That space has been a breath of fresh air and has given me clarity." He emphasized his priorities, adding, "My focus now is where it should be all along—on my son and creating a stable, healthy environment for him moving forward."
I regret not stepping away from the difficult cycle sooner. I’m not perfect, and I take accountability for my part. I’m sincerely sorry to those I’ve hurt. At the same time, I don’t agree with how this situation has been portrayed publicly. It does not reflect the full context of what occurred or the impact it has had on me and my son.
Mortensen's words highlight his attempt to distance himself from the ongoing drama while acknowledging shared responsibility. The statement comes after reports that he had sought physical intimacy from Paul following one of the alleged domestic incidents, a claim that further complicates the narrative of their interactions.
The custody battle between Paul and Mortensen has drawn significant attention, particularly given Paul's prominence in the reality TV world. As a cast member of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, her personal life has been under intense scrutiny, blending elements of her Mormon faith, swingers' lifestyle revelations, and family struggles. The involvement of young children, including Ever, Indy, and Ocean, raises concerns about the potential long-term effects of the repeated conflicts.
Legal experts note that such cases often hinge on evidence like the videos Mortensen provided, but interpretations can vary. While the police report paints a picture of mutual accusations, Paul's legal team maintains that the full context exonerates her from the most severe claims. The upcoming court hearing later this month could determine more permanent custody arrangements and the status of the protective orders.
Beyond the immediate legal ramifications, the situation sheds light on the challenges faced by high-profile parents navigating separation and co-parenting. Paul's probation from the 2023 case continues to loom over her efforts to regain stability, while Mortensen's focus on creating a "stable, healthy environment" for Ever suggests a shift toward resolution. Sources indicate that both parties are bracing for prolonged litigation, with emotions running high on all sides.
For those affected by domestic violence, resources are available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support. As Paul's story unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the complexities involved when public personas intersect with private pain, leaving questions about accountability, redemption, and the well-being of the children at the center.
The broader implications extend to how media coverage influences such disputes. With outlets like Us Weekly obtaining and reporting on police documents, the line between celebrity gossip and serious allegations blurs, potentially impacting judicial outcomes and public perception. Paul and Mortensen's case, rooted in Draper, Utah, reflects wider issues in family law, where evidence from personal recordings plays an increasingly pivotal role.
Looking ahead, the April hearing will be crucial. If granted more access to Ever, Paul could strengthen her position as a fit parent; conversely, any escalation in protective measures might solidify Mortensen's custody hold. Insiders suggest that therapy and mediation could be recommended, though neither party has confirmed participation. For now, the focus remains on piecing together a narrative from fragmented videos, statements, and legal filings, all while shielding the innocent from the fallout.