The TV personality said going "no contact" with her ex-boyfriend is "the best case" scenario
Credit: Fred Hayes/Disney via Getty; Sara Jaye/Getty
NEED TO KNOW
- Taylor Frankie Paul and ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen are currently facing an investigation in an alleged domestic assault incident
- The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star confirmed on Tuesday, March 17, that she and Mortensen currently have “no contact” and use a third party to communicate
- Paul shares 1-year-old son Ever with Mortensen, as well as daughter Indy, 8, and son Ocean, 5, with ex-husband Tate Paul
Taylor Frankie Paul revealed where she stands with her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, amid her alleged involvement in an ongoing domestic assault investigation.
The TV personality is starring in the latest season of The Bachelorette, which premieres on Sunday, March 22. However, days before, on Monday, March 16, a spokesperson for the Draper City Police Department confirmed to PEOPLE that there is an open “domestic assault investigation” regarding The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star, 31, and Mortensen, 33.
"Allegations have been made in both directions," the spokesperson said, adding that "contact was made with involved parties" on Feb. 24 and 25.
Paul shared on Tuesday, March 17, that they have "no contact right now," according to Entertainment Weekly, and that the decision came when she "took action about a few weeks ago." The couple is utilizing a "third-party" to handle "pick-up, drop-offs, communication" amid the investigation.
Credit: Disney/Fred Hayes
Ahead of the premiere, Paul attended a press event and addressed the investigation reports — and revealed where she and Mortensen currently stand.
Paul shares 1-year-old son Ever with Mortensen, as well as daughter Indy, 8, and son Ocean, 5, with ex-husband Tate Paul.
"I think that's the best case, honestly, because clearly it's just not to a point of us getting along, so I wanted to take the best action I could," Paul told the outlet. The influencer explained that, for "the sake" of her son, she intended not to "bring anything to the public eye" and "not make it a big deal."
Paul has repeatedly discussed her tumultuous relationship with Mortensen, which serves as a focal point in the fourth season of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
At the March 17 event, Paul told Extra that the former couple "absolutely" had "an addictive cycle," but currently do not.
Paul also told PEOPLE on March 17 that joining the show was an "immediate" yes for her, explaining she wanted to leave the “toxicity of a life in Utah and bubble.”
“It was like the best thing I could have done,” she said. “I think it was like the best thing and something I've never done before, so I have no regrets,” she says.
Paul later opened up to PEOPLE about her reaction to the reports concerning the domestic assault investigation, saying it her “heart hurts to see” the headlines." Just the timing is hard, and it's a big deal. I feel like every premiere that I've experienced, I've never enjoyed fully, so this is another one,” she said.
“It's extremely hard,” Paul said. “It took everything to get me here today. It's a heavy time, and it's unfortunate."
Credit: Hulu
"I'm struggling for sure," she added, "but also at the same time, I feel like if I don't show up, then I'm just giving these opportunities away and not enjoying what we've worked on and something super exciting that's coming. I just feel like it was the right thing to do… show up even though it's hard."
The recent allegations come three years after Paul was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence following an argument with Mortensen. Paul was accused of throwing a chair at Mortensen, which allegedly hit her daughter in 2023.
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In connection with the 2023 incident, Paul was charged with misdemeanor assault, criminal mischief and commission of domestic violence in the presence of a child, CBS News reported. All the charges were dismissed, aside from the aggravated assault, which she pleaded guilty to in abeyance. The charge will be dismissed if she complies with the conditions of the plea.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
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