Dakota Mortensen is experiencing some career shakeups himself as of late,
Taylor Frankie Paul's Ex Dakota Mortensen Cut From ‘Vanderpump Villa’
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Taylor Frankie Paul's Ex Dakota Mortensen Cut From ‘Vanderpump Villa’
Dakota Mortensen's time in paradise won't make it to the small screen.
Ahead of Vanderpump Villa's season three premiere, a crossover episode featuring some of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives cast will no longer include Taylor Frankie Paul's now-ex-boyfriend. E! News has learned that Dakota's storyline has been cut from the upcoming episode, set to debut on Hulu April 16.
E! News has reached out to Dakota's attorney and has not yet heard back. Hulu has not publicly commented on Dakota's removal.
Meanwhile, Vanderpump Villa's Lisa Vanderpump, an executive producer on the series, told People that Dakota "didn't really have a big storyline" and editing him out "hasn't affected the story."
The Vanderpump Villa-Mormon Wives crossover is sure to make waves, as the self-proclaimed "Dad Tok" group, consisting of Dakota, Jordan Ngatikaura, Chase McWhorter, Mason McWhorter, Zac Affleck and Jacob****Neeleypartied at Lisa's English estate.
The vacation was teased on the most recent season of Secret Lives when Jordan told his now-estranged wife Jessi Draper, Mayci Neeley, Mikayla Matthews and Layla Taylor that Dakota "unequivocally" slept with another woman while at the villa.
After Taylor—who had been on-and-off with Dakota from 2022 to 2024, and was broken up during the trip—learned the news from Jordan and Jessi, she decided it was time to finally move on.
"Dakota and I have been done for a couple of months," she said in a confessional during the third episode. "But he's still all about family and wants a family, love, loves me, his child, all these things. I wanted to be with him, so for me, it's very confusing. That's where I think my frustration comes from. He is who he is."
Sara Jaye/Getty Images for Arby's
The confirmation comes nearly three weeks after season five of Mormon Wiveswas halted following an alleged confrontation between Taylor and Dakota, who share a 2-year-old son.
Two days later, a video of a 2023 domestic dispute between the exeswas released by TMZ, in which Taylor had struck Dakota with a chair before accidentally hitting her then-5-year-old daughter, whom she shares with ex-husband Tate Paul.
Following the news, Taylor's season 22 of The Bachelorettewas canceled just three days before its premiere. As the 31-year-old continues to navigate her legal battle with her ex, her rep addressed the cancellation of her dating show.
Araya Doheny/Getty Images
"Taylor is very grateful for ABC's support as she prioritizes her family's safety and security," her team told E! News in a March 19 statement. "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."
For Dakota's part, he shared his own statement following the domestic violence allegations.
"As anyone who has seen the video will understand, this is a deeply upsetting situation," he told E! News in a statement that same day. "I am, unfortunately, used to these baseless claims about me and our relationship, which I categorically deny."
For a closer look at the allegations between Taylor and Dakota, keep reading.
Disney/John Fleenor
Feb. 17, 2023: Taylor Frankie Paul Arrested Following Confrontation With Dakota Mortensen
After rising to fame with #MomTok, Taylor Frankie Paulwasarrested in Utah on Feb. 17, 2023 stemming from an incident with then boyfriend Dakota****Mortensen. She was accused of throwing metal chairs and a wooden playset at him while one of her two children—who she shares with ex-husband Tate****Paul—was in the room, per an affidavit obtained byABC 4 Utah.
Taylor wascharged with one count of felony aggravated assault, two counts of felony domestic violence in the presence of a child causing injury, one count of misdemeanor child abuse and one count of misdemeanor criminal mischief, according to court documents released by the District Attorney for Salt Lake County and obtained by E! News at the time.
A Herriman Police Department officer who responded to the incident said that when he arrived, Dakota "reported he was in an argument with his girlfriend,” according to a written declaration in the court documents. The officer further stated that "during the argument, Dakota attempted to leave the residence, however [Taylor] began hitting him."
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
August 2023: Taylor Frankie Paul Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Assault
Taylor pleaded guilty to a third-degree felony count of aggravated assault in August 2023, according to court documents obtained by the Salt Lake Tribune, while four other charges were dismissed with prejudice.
Her plea was held in abeyance for three years, at which time the charge would be entered as a Class A misdemeanor as long as Taylor abided by the terms of her plea agreement, per the documents.
According to her plea deal, Taylor was to obtain both a substance abuse evaluation and a domestic violence evaluation and complete any recommended treatment over a three-year period—as well as not violate any major laws.
Disney/Fred Hayes
March 19, 2024: Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen Welcome Son
Taylor and Dakota’s son was born a week early, with Taylor posting a photo from the hospital to Instagram on April 4, 2024 and writing, “We’ve had the best two weeks with him. We all love you so much, thank you for blending our family.”
Disney/Bahareh Ritter
September 2024: Taylor Frankie Paul Speaks Out About 2023 Arrest
Taylor admittedin an interview withE! News that the altercation with Dakota was their “rock bottom for sure.”
"He stood by me with that because he knew everything going on behind closed doors,” she said. “That was a horrible night and I'm full of regret. Dakota has been at rock bottom himself, so he could totally relate. He was like, 'I want to help you out of this.'"
As for the confrontation itself, she later said the incident had been building up.
“I had an ectopic [pregnancy] a few months prior, and then I had a chemical pregnancy,” she shared on the Viall Filespodcast in September 2024. “I don't want to blame hormones, but I will put that into account. Like, I am pretty whack.”
Taylor added that the events had left her feeling lost and angry, saying, “I was feeling so low I went and drank that night. And Dakota picks me up and he’s angry that I drank.”
“I remember throwing things, and I don't know my daughters on the couch. We had babysitters there, so I think they’re upstairs sleeping,” she said, alleging that Dakota tried to tell her that her then 5-year-old daughter was present, but “I’m like so gone I don’t care, and I throw another chair.”
Araya Doheny/Getty Images
Sept. 6, 2024: Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Premieres
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives debuted on Hulu in September 2024, with the first episode of season one featuring Taylor’s 2023 arrest.
TikTok/@taylorfrankiepaul
May 18, 2025: Taylor Frankie Paul Confirms Dakota Mortensen Breakup After On-Again, Off-Again Relationship
Taylorconfirmed their split in May 2025 after it was revealed on the season two premiere of SLOMW that Dakota had cheated on her shortly after they had welcomed their son, writing on TikTok, "Dakota isn’t mine anymore, wish him the best.”
"Dakota and I were living together and in bliss with our new baby, and I was even considering engagement,” she said on the premiere episode. “And then I learned that he was lying this entire time.”
During a season four episode of SLOMW, Dakota admitted to cheating with their friend Shinia****Powell, telling Taylor during a FaceTime call, “Was it dumb of me? Yes. Could I have picked someone else? Yes. Who it was matters, and that's where I think I went wrong. I picked somebody that was obviously going to come with problems, and that was very s--tty of me to do."
Disney/Michael Kirchoff) (Photo by Michael Kirchoff/Disney via Getty Images
Sept. 10, 2025: Taylor Frankie Paul Is Cast as The Bachelorette for Season 22
In a surprising turn of events, Taylor was cast as the leading lady for season 22 of The Bachelorette, confirming the news during an appearance on Call Her Daddy in September 2025. The decision marked a notable departure for the franchise, as it usually casts suitors from previous seasons of The Bachelor in the position.
But for Taylor, it was a welcome change, saying in a teaser for the season, “I do believe I was gifted this for another chapter in my life.”
“I’ve been criticized, I’ve been judged and I’ve been rejected,” Taylor continued, “but anyone that takes the time to know me will see that I’m actually a genuine person and I mean well and a person that deserves another chance at love.”
Instagram/Dakota Mortensen
Fall 2025: Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen FaceTime Before Filming Begins on The Bachelorette
Shortly before Taylor began filming season 22 of The Bachelorette, she and Dakota shared an emotional conversation seen during a season four episode of SLOMW, during which he apologized for having a relationship with Shinia, saying it was "very s--tty of me to do."
He added that he and Taylor had both done “a lot of things” to “hurt each other,” but believed that overall the two still loved each other.
The pair agreed their relationship was “toxic,” with Taylor saying that being on The Bachelorette"will be one the best things for us, regardless of what happens. This would be the best break and breakoff of our cycle. You could do a lot of healing."
But Dakota made it clear he was still interested in a relationship, telling Taylor, “I'm happy for you. I want you to be happy. That's what I'm saying, if you find someone, like, great. But all I'm gonna say—save a rose for me, 'kay?"
Fred Hayes/Disney via Getty Images & Sara Jaye/Getty Images for Arby's
February 2026: Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen's Domestic Assault Investigation Opened
Filming for season five of Secret Lives of Mormon Wiveswas put on hold after an alleged confrontation between Taylor and Dakota in February 2026.
A spokesperson for the Draper City Police Department confirmed toPeople on March 16 that there was an open "domestic assault investigation" regarding Taylor and Dakota—telling the outlet that "allegations have been made in both directions.” The spokesperson explained "contact was made with involved parties on [Feb] 24th and 25th,” but declined to share more information due to the ongoing investigation.
As a source shared with E! News, “Taylor owns her mistakes, all she wants to do is protect her son, Ever, from stories in the press or anything negative about his father and wants him to think well of his father."
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images; Sara Jaye/Getty Images for Arby's
March 19, 2026: Footage From Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen’s 2023 Confrontation Surfaces
Following news of Taylor and Dakota’s 2026 dispute, video footage from their physical altercation in 2023 was released by TMZ.
In the video, Dakota can be seen recording the fight on his phone as Taylor yells at him and attempts to strike him, at one point putting him in a headlock.
“Look,” Dakota can be heard saying, “this is called physical abuse.”
He could also be heard telling her that her daughter was present as Taylor began throwing metal barstools at him. During the altercation, Taylor accused Dakota of pushing her to the floor before he started recording, while he alleged, “You did this,” and asked her to help her then-5-year-old. Later, Taylor could be heard yelling, “Get away from my daughter.”
The responding police officer’s written declaration obtained by E! News in 2023 confirmed the child was hit by one of the stools.
After the video was published, a spokesperson for Taylor told E! News in a statement that the video was part of “a destructive campaign to harm” her, saying it “conveniently omits context" and was meant to "distract" from Dakota’s actions. As for the real estate agent, he denied her claims as “baseless.”
Disney/Sami Drasin
March 19, 2026: ABC Cancels Taylor Frankie Paul’s Season of The Bachelorette
After video of the 2023 altercation between Taylor and Dakota surfaced, ABC confirmed that it would be cancelling season 22 of The Bachelorette, with a spokesperson for Disney Entertainment saying in a statement to E! News, “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.”
Paula Lobo/American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. via Getty Images
March 19, 2026: Taylor Frankie Paul Speaks Out on Bachelorette Cancelation
Following ABC’s decision, Taylor broke her silence about the situation.
“Taylor is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security,” her rep told E! News. “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 continued, “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.”
Her rep confirmed that Taylor was “currently exploring all of her options, seeking support, and preparing to own and share her story.”
Araya Doheny/Getty Images
March 19, 2026: Dakota Mortensen Breaks Silence on the Allegations
Dakota spoke out about the domestic violence allegations between himself and Taylor, telling E! News in a March 19 statement, “As anyone who has seen the video will understand, this is a deeply upsetting situation.”
“I am, unfortunately, used to these baseless claims about me and our relationship,” he said, “which I categorically deny."
"I am focusing on our son and his safety,” Dakota added of Ever, “and hope that Taylor will do the same."
Instagram/Taylor Frankie Paul
March 20, 2026: Dakota Mortensen Granted Temporary Custody of Son
Dakota was awarded temporary custody of Ever after filing for a protective order against Taylor, according to documents obtained by People March 20. A hearing in the matter was scheduled for April 7—where Taylor will be allowed to speak and share her side—but until then, the order states “no parent time is allowed,” per the outlet.
Disney/Pamela Littky
March 24, 2026: Third Police Investigation
Authorities in Utah began investigating another alleged domestic violence incident that took place in 2024 which Dakota brought to the police’s attention in February, a West Jordan Police Department spokesperson told NBC News March 24. While investigators spoke to Taylor’s attorney, they had not yet spoken to her directly, and hoped for her to submit a written statement or be interviewed to corroborate details of Dakota’s report, per the spokesperson.
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