Taylor Frankie Paul is being investigated for the third time, so here’s the full timeline
Dakota was granted temporary custody of their son
Taylor Frankie Paul’s rise from TikTok to reality TV has been messy enough, but it’s her repeated domestic violence incidents involving Dakota Mortensen that have really taken over the story, and she’s now facing a third investigation, so here’s everything that’s happened.
February 2023 – First arrest and domestic violence charges
In February 2023, Taylor Frankie Paul was arrested following an alleged violent altercation with her then-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen at her home, and police were called to the scene.
According to the Herriman Police Department, Mortensen had visible injuries, including redness and swelling around his eyes, scratches on his fingers, swelling on his elbow and a cut on his neck. During the incident, Taylor was alleged to have been throwing objects, including metal barstools, and at one point was reported to have put him in a headlock.
What made the situation even more serious is that it all allegedly happened in the presence of a child. Her daughter was caught in the middle of it and was reportedly hit in the head by a metal chair, leaving a painful bump, and she could be heard crying during the incident.
Because of all this, Taylor was charged with assault, criminal mischief and domestic violence in the presence of a child. Filming for The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives had already started at this point, but it was paused during the investigation.
Taylor has since spoken about the fight herself. Speaking on a podcast, she said, “He was trying to calm me down, and I was just throwing everything and I was so angry. As we all know I was trying to attack him and I assaulted him, and I took it all out on him.”
She also reflected on the incident in a TikTok video, saying, “As much as I wish that night had went differently, I felt like hitting rock bottom actually helped me in some ways. Made me seek help that I wasn’t getting at the time.”
August 2023 – Plea deal for aggravated assault
Taylor entered a plea in abeyance to a third-degree felony count of aggravated assault. This means she agreed to certain conditions set by the court, and if she meets them over the next three years, the charge could be reduced.
February 2026 – Second domestic violence investigation
According to the Los Angeles Times, police in Draper City opened a second domestic assault investigation involving both Taylor and Dakota after being contacted about an alleged incident between them.
Allegations were made from both sides, and it was actually a friend of Dakota’s who contacted authorities. According to the heavily redacted report, Dakota described incidents that involved grabbing, scratching, shoving and striking, and photos were taken showing scratches on his neck.
He was also reportedly hesitant to come forward because of Taylor’s public profile.
March 19, 2026 – 2023 footage released publicly
A previously unseen video from the February 2023 altercation was released publicly by TMZ, and it appears to show Taylor throwing metal barstools at Dakota and physically restraining him while her young daughter could be heard crying in the background.
The footage appears to support details that had already been described in the police report. The fallout was immediate, as her upcoming season of The Bachelorette was cancelled just days before it was meant to air.
Taylor responded to the video through her representative, who told Entertainment Weekly, “It’s sad to see the latest instalment of his never-ending, desperate, attention-seeking, destructive campaign to harm Taylor without any regard for the consequences for their child.”
The statement continued, “Releasing an old video, which conveniently omits context, on their son’s birthday is a reprehensible attempt to distract from his own behaviour.”
March 20, 2026 – Custody decision
As per PEOPLE, Dakota Mortensen was granted temporary custody of their two-year-old son, and at the same time, Taylor was denied visitation for now. A hearing was scheduled for April 7, where Taylor is expected to be able to respond.
March 24, 2026 – Third domestic violence investigation opens
A third domestic abuse investigation was launched by West Jordan Police, relating to an alleged incident that took place in early to mid-2024, as confirmed by NBC News.
The investigation is ongoing, and no charges have been filed yet.
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