In a significant development involving reality TV personalities, a court in Utah has mandated that Taylor Frankie Paul, known for her role in “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” and Dakota Mortensen, the father of her 2-year-old son, maintain a distance of 100 feet from each other for three years. This decision comes as the court continues to deliberate over the child’s custody arrangements.
Since an April 7 hearing, Paul has been restricted from having unsupervised visits with her son. At this hearing, Third District Court Commissioner Russell Minas cited Paul’s past aggressive behavior towards Mortensen, often occurring in the presence of children, as a concern.
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EDITOR’S NOTE: This story includes discussion of domestic violence. If you or someone you know needs help, please call the national domestic violence hotline: 1-800-799-7233 in the U.S.
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Protective Orders Issued Amidst Toxic Relations
Describing the relationship between Paul and Mortensen as “very toxic,” Commissioner Minas granted mutual protective orders after determining that violence had occurred between both parties. He urged the two to prioritize their son Ever’s well-being and shield him from conflict.
Paul and Mortensen, accompanied by family members, attended the court session, though other cast members from the Hulu series were absent.
Conflicting Narratives from Legal Representatives
During the proceedings, attorneys for both Paul and Mortensen presented differing accounts of the couple’s altercations. Eric Swinyard, representing Paul, claimed that Mortensen, larger in stature, intimidated Paul, prompting her to react physically. “He said, ‘Hit me,’ and she did,” Swinyard recounted.
Swinyard further alleged that during a confrontation following personal hardships, Mortensen kicked Paul after she fell. He presented photographs as evidence of her injuries. Conversely, Mortensen’s lawyer, Brent Salazar-Hall, portrayed Mortensen as a victim, citing instances where Paul allegedly instigated violence.
Salazar-Hall noted an incident in which Paul interfered with Mortensen’s driving, leading to a physical altercation. He also dismissed claims of Mortensen’s possessiveness, referencing a humorous scene where men on the show obtained lip tattoos of their partners’ initials.
Impact on Reality TV Careers
Recent events have affected the filming schedules of reality TV shows featuring Paul. A leaked video capturing a violent episode between the two led ABC to halt the release of a new season of “The Bachelorette” featuring Paul. Hulu also temporarily paused production of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.”
Swinyard accused Mortensen of leaking the video to damage Paul’s career, an allegation Mortensen denies. The fallout from this incident also saw Paul charged with aggravated assault and other offenses, though she later pleaded guilty to a lesser charge.
Child Custody Under Review
Currently, Mortensen holds custody of their son, pending Commissioner Minas’s custody recommendations expected by May 11. Previously, Paul had majority custody before restrictions were imposed in April.
Utah’s protective order provisions can significantly impact parental rights, with the court relying on a court-appointed attorney to recommend the best arrangement for the child involved.
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Associated Press writer Rebecca Boone in Boise, Idaho, contributed.
