Reality TV Star Avoids Charges in Ex-Partner Fights

Taylor Frankie Paul, a personality from "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," has been cleared of criminal charges related to domestic violence allegations involving her former partner, Dakota Mortensen. The Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office stated on Tuesday, April 15, 2026, that insufficient evidence and expired time frames prevented criminal charges for incidents investigated by Draper City and West Jordan police.

While criminal charges will not be filed, a protective order hearing against Paul is scheduled for April 30, 2026. This legal proceeding is separate from the criminal investigation. Paul's attorney argued Mortensen was the aggressor in a February altercation, presenting evidence of Paul's bruises. Conversely, Mortensen's petition detailed an incident where Paul allegedly threw a drink at him.

Paul faced prior legal issues, including a 2023 misdemeanor assault charge to which she pleaded guilty, stemming from a fight that led to the cancellation of a season of "The Bachelorette." An upcoming hearing will address dueling protective order petitions filed by both Paul and Mortensen, impacting Paul's supervised visitation with their son.

Recent court filings and testimony in early April 2026 also highlighted concerns about Paul's emotional control, with a court-appointed attorney expressing nervousness about her ability to manage anger, particularly after a video showed her pushing Mortensen while he held their child. Paul's defense contends Mortensen uses their son as a human shield, while Mortensen's attorney claims Paul uses their son as a pawn.