Taylor Frankie Paul’s Ex Dakota Mortensen Speaks Out on Assault Claims

In response, Taylor’s rep said in a statement that the reality star 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,” her statement continued, “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.”

Amid the investigation, Dakota’s rep emphasized that his client’s “number one priority” was the well-being of their son.

“He knew there was a possibility [the alleged February incident] could come out,” his rep told Entertainment Weekly in a March 18 statement, “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.” 

Season five of Mormon Wives was halted following news of the alleged confrontation, with Taylor—who is listed as an executive producer on the Hulu series—saying she doesn’t “call the shots with production.”

Taylor said the timing was unfortunate amid her new season of The Bachelorette.

“Honestly, it’s been a heavy time to see the headlines, especially during this time of The Bachelorette being released,” she said on Good Morning America March 18. “It’s supposed to be a really exciting time.”

The 31-year-old added, “I’m a person that will always speak my truth, and that’s what I’m known for, and so when the time is right, I will.”

However, Taylor—also mom to two kids with ex-husband Tate Paul—emphasized her main priority is motherhood.

“The thing is, my kids do come first,” she continued. “And so it’s been a back and forth process, trying to be here in the present moment, worrying about home and headlines. It’s been stressful, to be honest.”