Taylor Frankie Paul’s ex, Dakota Mortensen, is speaking out amid the release of a video showing a fight between the former couple that resulted in ABC pulling Paul’s season of “The Bachelorette” from its lineup days before its scheduled premiere.
TMZ posted a video on March 19 that shows Paul attacking and throwing chairs at Mortensen in front of her daughter, reportedly filmed in 2023 and connected to Paul’s arrest at the time. NBC News has not independently verified the circumstances and authenticity of the video.
“As anyone who has seen the video will understand, this is a deeply upsetting situation,” Mortensen said in a statement to People. “I am, unfortunately, used to these baseless claims about me and our relationship, which I categorically deny. I am focusing on our son and his safety, and hope that Taylor will do the same.”
TODAY.com has reached out to Mortensen for comment.
After the release of the video, Paul told NBC News, “I will have my truth.”
Mortensen filed a petition for a protective order against Paul on March 19 in Utah’s Salt Lake County, documents obtained by NBC News show. The filing was sent back for a correction and an amended petition.
Disney announced March 19 it will “not move forward” with Paul’s season of “The Bachelorette,” which was scheduled to premiere March 22.
“In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of ‘The Bachelorette’ at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family,” a Disney spokesperson said in a statement to TODAY.com.
In a statement, Paul’s spokesperson said, “Taylor 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, 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,” the statement read.
“There are too many women who are suffering in silence as they survive aggressive, jealous ex-partners who refuse to let them move on with their lives,” the spokesperson added. “Taylor has remained silent out of fear of further abuse, retaliation, and public shaming. She is currently exploring all of her options, seeking support, and preparing to own and share her story.”
“The Bachelorette” was pulled amid an investigation involving “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star and Mortensen, who share a 2-year-old son. Three sources familiar with the situation confirmed to NBC News March 17 that Paul and Mortensen were part of an “ongoing investigation.” The sources commented on the condition of anonymity and did not provide more details.
People reported March 16 that the Draper City Police Department said Paul and Mortensen were connected to a “domestic assault investigation.” The spokesperson added that “allegations have been made in both directions” and “contact was made with involved parties” on Feb. 24 and 25. (The department declined to confirm the report to NBC News.)
Filming for Season 5 of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” has been put on hold amid the investigation. NBC News reported that on March 7, cast members had a meeting with ABC executives and expressed concerns about staying on the show if Paul remained involved, per audio from the meeting.
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