Legal Victory for Dakota Mortensen in Custody Battle
Dakota Mortensen has achieved a significant legal victory in his ongoing dispute with ex-partner Taylor Frankie Paul, particularly concerning the custody of their 2-year-old son, Ever. As part of a protective order filed on Thursday, March 19, Mortensen was granted temporary custody of Ever. This decision comes amid an ongoing “domestic assault investigation” between the two parties.
Ever has been under Mortensen’s care since the protective order was issued, and a hearing is scheduled for April 7. During this hearing, Paul will have the opportunity to present her perspective on the situation. The protective order explicitly states that no parent time is allowed until the scheduled hearing, as reported by a news outlet.
The Draper City Police Department confirmed on March 16 that there was an open “domestic assault investigation” between Paul and Mortensen. Authorities mentioned that allegations were made in both directions and that they had contacted the involved parties on February 24th and 25th.
Shocking Footage from 2023 Resurfaces
The controversy escalated further when TMZ released footage from a 2023 incident involving Mortensen and Paul. The video, which appeared to be recorded by Mortensen, showed Paul throwing multiple barstools across the room toward him while their 8-year-old daughter, Indy, was in the room.
In 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.” Paul responded by stating she “didn’t give a f—” before continuing to hit and kick her former partner.
Mortensen pointed out that Paul was “drunk,” as Indy could be heard in the background yelling, “Mommy.” He then said, “Your daughter just got hit in the head with a metal chair…go and help your daughter now.” Paul, in response, yelled at him to “get away” from her kid, adding, “Think of your kids…I love your kids. I freaking love them to death.”
A representative for Paul addressed the release of the footage, stating, “It’s sad to see the latest installment of his never-ending, desperate, attention-seeking, destructive campaign to harm Taylor without any regard for the consequences for their child. Releasing an old and selectively edited video on their son’s birthday is a reprehensible attempt to distract from his own behavior.”
Impact on Paul’s Career
Hours after the footage was released, ABC announced that Paul’s season of The Bachelorette, which was set to premiere on Sunday, March 22, was canceled. This development marks another significant setback for Paul, who has previously faced legal challenges.
In 2023, Paul pled guilty to aggravated assault and was placed on a three-year probation in August. She was initially also charged with child abuse and domestic violence, but those charges were later dismissed.
This case highlights the complex interplay between personal relationships, legal proceedings, and public scrutiny, especially for individuals in the spotlight. As the situation continues to unfold, the focus remains on the well-being of the children involved and the legal processes that will determine their future.
