Lead
Police in Utah are investigating a third allegation of domestic violence involving reality TV personality Taylor Frankie Paul and her ex-partner Dakota Mortensen, sources told The Times on March 25, 2026. The West Jordan Police Department says Mortensen filed a report in February alleging an incident took place in early–mid 2024. Draper Police are separately examining a related report, and prosecutors have requested investigative materials to determine whether charges should be filed. No criminal charges have been lodged as the probes continue and interviews are being arranged.
Key Takeaways
- West Jordan Police say Mortensen filed a report in February 2026 alleging a domestic incident in early–mid 2024.
- Draper Police have confirmed they are also investigating a report involving the former couple.
- A temporary protective order was issued against Paul on March 20, 2026, and she temporarily lost custody of her son, Ever; visitation was not granted in the reviewed court documents.
- ABC removed Season 22 of The Bachelorette from its schedule after a leaked 2023 video of an altercation circulated online.
- Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill stated his office requested investigative material to screen the most recent allegations for possible charges.
- Paul is currently on a plea-in-abeyance status from an earlier domestic-violence matter; prosecutors say that could affect potential charge enhancements.
- Investigators have interviewed Mortensen and are attempting to interview Paul; no charges have been filed while the investigations remain active.
Background
Taylor Frankie Paul rose to public attention through the series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, where elements of her personal life—including an earlier arrest—were shown. Paul had been slated to lead Season 22 of ABC’s The Bachelorette; production had wrapped and the season was set to premiere before the network withdrew the show following the online spread of a leaked 2023 clip. The couple’s history includes prior police contacts and court records now cited in multiple reports.
In February 2026, Mortensen reportedly filed a fresh allegation with West Jordan Police describing an incident he says took place in early–mid 2024; investigators say they are gathering and corroborating information. Separately, Draper Police have confirmed a related report is under review and have forwarded material to prosecutors. Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill indicated his office requested investigative files to determine whether charges should be pursued and whether prior case status affects any potential enhancements.
Main Event
The new investigation began when Mortensen filed a report in February 2026 asserting an incident occurred in early–mid 2024. West Jordan Police told reporters they have interviewed Mortensen and are seeking to speak with Paul as part of evidence collection and witness interviews. Investigators emphasized the inquiry is active and described steps to verify statements and review available material.
Following the inquiry, court filings show that Paul temporarily lost custody of her son, Ever, and that a temporary protective order was issued against her on March 20, 2026; those documents also indicate she was not granted visitation pending the ongoing proceedings. Law enforcement and court actions have so far proceeded without formal criminal charges.
An earlier video clip from 2023 depicting a domestic altercation involving Paul and Mortensen circulated widely online, prompting ABC to remove the pre-recorded Bachelorette season from its premiere lineup. Portions of Paul’s earlier arrest were previously aired on the first season of Mormon Wives, and longer body-camera footage related to the arrest has since been released publicly.
Analysis & Implications
The renewed scrutiny places Paul’s public profile and pending entertainment projects under new pressure. Networks and studios typically move conservatively when allegations of domestic violence surface; ABC’s decision to withhold Season 22 reflects reputational and legal risk management. That withdrawal also affects production partners, crew and promotional schedules, with financial and contractual ripple effects.
From a legal standpoint, prosecutors’ attention to an earlier plea-in-abeyance status matters because it can influence charging decisions and potential sentence enhancement. A plea in abeyance means prior charges were held in suspension with conditions; if new conduct is substantiated, prosecutors have signaled they will consider the prior disposition when deciding how to proceed.
For victim-witness dynamics and custody outcomes, temporary protective orders and custody adjustments are administrative tools courts use to address immediate safety concerns. Those interim measures do not equate to criminal guilt but can shape family law proceedings and access to children while investigations continue. The overlap of criminal and family-law processes often lengthens resolution timelines.
Comparison & Data
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Leaked video clip of a domestic altercation circulated online. |
| Early–mid 2024 | Incident alleged in the February 2026 report to have occurred. |
| February 2026 | Dakota Mortensen files a report with West Jordan Police. |
| March 20, 2026 | Temporary protective order issued against Paul; custody and visitation adjustments made. |
| March 25, 2026 | Los Angeles Times reports ongoing police investigations and prosecutor requests for materials. |
The table places the current probe in a timeline of public events and filings. While dates of public reports and court filings are concrete, the content and legal weight of allegations remain subject to investigative verification and prosecutorial review.
Reactions & Quotes
Paul’s representatives issued a statement emphasizing her focus on family safety and alleging long-term abuse; the statement framed her steps as protective and preparatory for public disclosure. That response came after the network and authorities altered custody and programming decisions.
“Taylor is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security,”
Paul representative (statement)
Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill confirmed prosecutors requested investigative material to screen the new allegations, noting the potential for charges to be affected by Paul’s prior plea-in-abeyance status. His office described routine screening steps used to decide whether to file charges.
“We would always be interested in any subsequent allegations of criminal conduct,”
Sim Gill, Lake County District Attorney
Mortensen has publicly denied leaking the 2023 clip to media outlets; his representatives did not respond to requests for additional comment on the latest allegation when contacted through the channels used in the reporting.
Unconfirmed
- Who uploaded or leaked the 2023 video remains unverified; Mortensen has denied being the source.
- Details of the alleged early–mid 2024 incident are still being corroborated by investigators and have not been independently verified in court.
- Whether prosecutors will file new criminal charges has not been decided; the review of investigative materials is ongoing.
Bottom Line
The ongoing investigations and interim family-court actions have immediate consequences for Paul’s custody and professional engagements, while criminal accountability remains unresolved. Prosecutors have signaled they will weigh the new allegations alongside Paul’s prior plea-in-abeyance status, a factor that could influence charging decisions and potential sentencing if charges are filed.
For the public and industry partners, the case demonstrates how allegations that surface online and in public records can trigger swift institutional responses—program removals, temporary custody changes and prosecutorial review—long before any court reaches a final disposition. Observers should expect a protracted timeline as police collect evidence, interview witnesses and prosecutors determine whether the facts support criminal charges.