Who Is Taylor Frankie Paul's Ex, Dakota Mortensen? 'Bachelorette' Star Allegedly Assaults Him in Leaked Video

Taylor Frankie Paul, a TikTok personality turned reality star, was set to headline Season 22 of The Bachelorette. Instead, her season became the first in franchise history to be scrapped before airing. The cancellation followed the resurfacing of a 2023 video showing Paul in a violent altercation with her ex-partner, Dakota Mortensen.

The video was first published by TMZ and is connected to an incident in which Paul had already pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and was placed on probation. Paul and Mortensen's turbulent relationship, already documented in Hulu's The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, continues to dominate headlines and courtrooms.

The Leaked 2023 Assault Video

In the video, Paul is seen punching and kicking Mortensen before hurling multiple metal barstools in his direction. In the background of the footage, a child's cries are clearly audible.

Mortensen is heard saying, 'Your daughter is right here,' warning that Paul's daughter, who would have been about 5 at the time, could be struck by one of the chairs. He also pleaded with Paul to 'leave' him alone and to 'stop'.

ABC was reportedly aware of her 2023 arrest, which was a central storyline on her Hulu series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. Executives stated that the severity of the video prompted the immediate cancellation.

In an interview with Good Morning America, Paul said she 'never intentionally did anything' to harm her children and described the incident as a difficult period in her life.

Paul was charged with assault, criminal mischief, and domestic violence in the presence of a child in the 2023 incident.

Who Is Dakota Mortensen?

Dakota Mortensen, 33, is a Utah-based businessman and real estate agent who gained social media fame alongside Paul within the 'DadTok' influencer community. He owns Basin Tiling, a company operating in Utah and Idaho. He has been a recurring figure in various reality television projects documenting the lives of Salt Lake City's most prominent Mormon influencers.

The couple's relationship began in 2022 following Paul's highly publicised divorce. In 2024, they welcomed a son, Ever True, who is 2 years old. In an Instagram post, Paul wrote: 'Ever True was born March 19th, 6lbs 15oz a week early and we've had the best two weeks with him. We all love you so much, thank you for blending our family'.

Escalating Legal Battles

Mortensen and Paul's relationship continue to be marred by public disputes. Mortensen has consistently maintained that his primary focus remains the safety and well-being of his son.

The controversy escalated further this week when Mortensen filed for a protective order and sole custody of their son in a Utah court on 17 March, US Weekly reported.

The filing alleges a fresh incident of domestic violence occurring in late February 2026, in which Mortensen claims Paul physically assaulted him during a heated argument.

Paul's first husband, Tate Paul, also filed for a separate protective order on the same day. These legal moves coincide with an active 'domestic assault investigation' currently being conducted by the Draper City Police Department, involving allegations made by both parties.

ABC's Decision to Cancel 'The Bachelorette'

As reported by the Associated Press, Disney Entertainment Television confirmed the season would be pulled to focus on the family's welfare.

'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,' a spokesperson said.

Statements from Both Sides

A spokesperson for Paul claimed the influencer is a victim of long-term 'mental and physical abuse'. Their statement described Mortensen's actions as a 'destructive campaign to harm Taylor' and stated that she is finally gaining the strength to face her accuser and ensure her children are protected.

The statement read: 'Taylor is very grateful for ABC's support as she prioritizes her family's safety and security. After years of silently suffering extensive mental and physical abuse as well as threats of retaliation, Taylor is finally gaining the strength to face her accuser and taking steps to ensure that she and her children are protected from any further harm'.

'There are too many women who are suffering in silence as they survive aggressive, jealous ex-partners who refuse to let them move on with their lives. Taylor has remained silent out of fear of further abuse, retaliation, and public shaming. She is currently exploring all of her options, seeking support, and preparing to own and share her story,' they added.

Mortensen denied wrongdoing, saying, 'As anyone who has seen the video will understand, this is a deeply upsetting situation. I am, unfortunately, used to these baseless claims about me and our relationship, which I categorically deny. I am focusing on our son and his safety, and hope that Taylor will do the same'.