Reality Star Taylor Frankie Paul Faces Ongoing Legal Troubles with Ex Dakota Mortensen

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star has been involved in multiple domestic violence investigations with her former boyfriend.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 2:51pm

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Taylor Frankie Paul, the star of the Hulu reality series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, has faced ongoing legal issues stemming from her tumultuous relationship with ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen. In 2023, Paul pleaded guilty to aggravated assault after she was arrested on allegations of domestic violence during an argument with Mortensen, with whom she shares a son. The former couple have now been involved in another domestic assault investigation since February 2026, which has halted production on season 5 of Mormon Wives.

Why it matters

The legal troubles between Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen highlight the complexities and challenges of domestic violence cases, especially when they involve high-profile public figures. The situation raises questions about accountability, the impact on their children, and the broader societal issues surrounding intimate partner violence.

The details

In 2023, Paul was arrested and charged with felony counts of aggravated assault and domestic violence in the presence of a child after Mortensen called the police, claiming that she had been hitting him in front of their two children. Court documents state that Paul admitted to throwing heavy metal chairs in Mortensen's direction, one of which allegedly struck their then-5-year-old daughter. Paul later pleaded guilty in abeyance to the aggravated assault charge, with the understanding that the felony would be reduced to a misdemeanor if she adhered to the terms of her probation for three years.

  • On February 17, 2023, Paul was arrested after the alleged domestic violence incident.
  • In March 2023, Paul was charged with one felony count of aggravated assault and two felony counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child, along with one misdemeanor count each of child abuse and criminal mischief.
  • In August 2023, Paul pleaded guilty in abeyance to the aggravated assault charge, with the understanding that the felony would be reduced to a misdemeanor if she adhered to the terms of her probation for three years.
  • In March 2026, police confirmed that there is an open "domestic assault investigation" regarding Paul and Mortensen, with allegations made in both directions.

The players

Taylor Frankie Paul

A reality TV star known for her role in the Hulu series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, who has been involved in multiple domestic violence incidents with her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen.

Dakota Mortensen

The ex-boyfriend of Taylor Frankie Paul, with whom she shares a son. Mortensen has been involved in multiple domestic violence investigations with Paul.

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What they’re saying

“Honestly, just like, my heart hurts to see it, to go through it, especially at this time. It's just heavy. It's a heavy time, and it's unfortunate. I'm struggling for sure, 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.”

— Taylor Frankie Paul

“He knew there was a possibility it could come out, but he was not going to be the one to proactively do that because he has always wanted a decent relationship with Taylor. It's been really hard to achieve that, but he wants to co-parent well.”

— Dakota Mortensen's representative

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Taylor Frankie Paul out on bail.

The takeaway

This ongoing legal saga between Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen highlights the complexities and challenges of domestic violence cases, especially when they involve public figures. The situation raises important questions about accountability, the impact on their children, and the broader societal issues surrounding intimate partner violence.