Taylor Frankie Paul Seen Relaxed With Kids While, Dakota Mortensen Case Grows More Complex

Taylor Frankie Paul is back in the spotlight, but not for a show. The 31-year-old is spending time with her children while police in Utah continue a domestic violence investigation involving her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen. On April 3, 2026, she shared vacation photos with her kids on Instagram. The trip comes as both sides face ongoing claims, and after TMZ released a 2023 video that brought fresh attention to the case.

Taylor Frankie Paul shares vacation moments with kids during ongoing investigation

Taylor is currently in Moab, Utah, with her family. In her Instagram stories, she showed moments from the trip, including time spent at a boutique hotel and an off-road vehicle ride. Her two older children, daughter, Indy Paul, 8, and son, Ocean Paul, 5, were seen with her in the pictures. Her mother, Liann May, also shared one of the posts and wrote, "Family time is my favorite time." The trip appears to be focused on spending quiet time together, away from the noise of the ongoing situation.

Taylor shares Indy and Ocean with her ex-husband, Tate Paul. She also has a younger son, Ever, 2, with Dakota Mortensen. However, things are not simple behind the scenes. PEOPLE reported that Dakota has been given temporary custody of Ever after filing a protective order on March 19, 2026. This decision came while both sides are being investigated for domestic violence claims.

Police in Draper City confirmed to PEOPLE on March 16, 2026, that there is an active "domestic assault investigation" involving both, Taylor and Dakota. Officials also said that "allegations have been made in both directions" and that they had contact with both individuals in February. At the same time, West Jordan Police also opened a separate case after, Dakota reached out to them. A spokesperson told PEOPLE that Dakota submitted a video believed to be from early to mid-2024 as part of the investigation.

Dakota Mortensen responds as the 2023 video adds pressure to the case

The situation became more serious after TMZ released a 2023 video showing, Taylor during an argument with Dakota. In the video, she can be seen throwing chairs, yelling, and putting Dakota in a headlock while a child is heard crying nearby. This video brought fresh attention to an incident that had already led to legal action. Taylor was arrested in 2023 and later pleaded guilty in abeyance to aggravated assault. Other charges in that case were dropped. Taylor’s team responded strongly after the video came out. Her representative told PEOPLE, 

"The video conveniently omits context and is a reprehensible attempt to distract from his own behavior."

Dakota denied those claims in his own statement to PEOPLE, saying, "I am, unfortunately, used to these baseless claims about me and our relationship, which I categorically deny." The fallout has also affected Taylor’s career. ABC cancelled her already filmed season of The Bachelorette soon after the video became public. In addition, PEOPLE reported that filming for season five of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has been paused. Multiple cast members reportedly refused to film with her. A source close to production told PEOPLE:

"They all banded together and they don’t want to come back right now. None of the women want to be associated with her." 

Since then, Taylor has mostly stayed away from public appearances. On March 27, 2026, she briefly posted messages thanking her followers for their support. She wrote, "Thank you to every check in, call, prayer sent. Your unconditional kindness and check in can be someone's lifeline." The posts were later deleted. As the investigations continue, Taylor’s recent vacation shows a quieter side of her life, but the legal situation around her and Dakota is still active and unresolved, with updates expected as police complete their review.

What are your thoughts on Taylor Frankie Paul’s situation as the Dakota Mortensen case continues? Let us know.

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