Restraining Order Filed Against Reality Star Amidst Escalating Domestic Incidents
A prominent reality television personality is facing serious allegations of domestic violence following a recent filing for a restraining order. The ex-partner of Taylor Frankie Paul, Dakota Mortensen, has initiated legal proceedings, seeking protection and temporary sole custody of their two-year-old son, Ever. The protective order was reportedly lodged on Thursday, March 19, with a court hearing scheduled for April 7.
The legal action by Mortensen comes in the wake of disturbing video footage that surfaced online, appearing to show Paul throwing metal chairs at him during an incident in 2023. Adding to the gravity of the situation, Mortensen has detailed further alleged domestic violence incidents that occurred between the pair in February of this year.
Allegations of “Chaotic” and “Frightening” Encounters
According to Mortensen’s legal filings, his interactions with Paul have become increasingly volatile. He described the situation last month as “chaotic” and “frightening,” characterising his ex-partner as “emotionally volatile.” The 33-year-old alleges that a heated argument escalated to a point where Paul allegedly choked him and shoved him into a window.
Mortensen claims he initially called emergency services, but Paul persuaded him to terminate the call. He also stated that Paul expressed intentions of self-harm.
The situation reportedly worsened when Mortensen attempted to de-escalate by going to lie down in bed with their son. He claims Paul then forcefully entered the room, ripped the blanket off them, causing Ever to cry due to her aggressive behaviour. This alleged incident led Mortensen to leave the property with their toddler.
The following day, the three were reportedly together again when another confrontation occurred. Mortensen alleges that Paul threw his phone at the wall. When he attempted to leave the situation by getting into his car, Paul allegedly began to attack him.
“My child had been left inside the home during the chaos under her watch due to our custody agreement,” Mortensen stated in his filing, expressing genuine concern for his safety and the well-being of his child. He added that he had to “push her away from [him]” in self-defence.
Leaked Footage Exposes Past Violent Incident
The timing of Mortensen’s filing was prescient, as leaked video footage from a 2023 incident also began circulating widely. This clip appears to capture Paul striking Mortensen while he was filming the altercation. During the video, Mortensen can be heard saying, “See, Taylor? This is all you do. The only thing you know how to do is hurt me. You think this is okay? It’s not okay.”
In the leaked footage, Paul is seen throwing two metal chairs at Mortensen. Alarmingly, her daughter Indy, whom she shares with ex-husband Tate Paul, was present and visibly distressed, beginning to cry during the incident. (Taylor Frankie Paul and Tate Paul also share a son named Ocean.)
Television Show Pulled Following Disturbing Revelations
The emergence of this graphic video had immediate repercussions for Paul’s television career. Shortly after the footage went viral, ABC announced its decision to withdraw the upcoming season of The Bachelorette, which was slated to premiere on Sunday, March 22.
A representative for the network issued a statement, explaining, “In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of The Bachelorette at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family.”
