A Utah judge has ruled that “violence both ways” defined the relationship between Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen, issuing mutual protective orders for the former couple during a tense custody hearing that marks a major turning point in their ongoing legal battle.
According to People, the decision was made during an April 30 court appearance focused on custody arrangements for their 2-year-old son, Ever. Commissioner Russell Minas granted protective orders to both parties for three years and made clear the court’s concern about their interactions.
“I’m finding that there’s been violence both ways between these parties,” Minas said during the livestreamed hearing.
He added that the pair “can’t be in the same place at the same time for very long before it turns violent,” and emphasized the court’s intent to keep them separated moving forward.
Minas also emphasized the broader impact of the conflict, telling Paul and Mortensen that their behavior directly affects their child. “You’re modeling right now how you deal with conflict to a 2-year-old,” he said, calling the situation “beyond the pale” and “toxic.”
The judge stressed that the two are “linked together for the remainder of your lives,” urging them to find a way to co-parent despite the ongoing tension. A follow-up hearing is scheduled for June 1, with additional guidance on parenting time expected.
The ruling arrives after months of escalating legal and public scrutiny tied to Paul, who rose to prominence on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives before being cast as the lead of The Bachelorette.
Her Bachelorette season was abruptly canceled in March after a 2023 video resurfaced showing a violent altercation with Mortensen, including footage of chairs being thrown while a child was present. Mortensen can be heard in the video saying, “This is called physical abuse,” as the incident unfolds.
Since then, both the Draper and West Jordan police departments have opened investigations into separate incidents involving the pair, with allegations filed by both sides. Mortensen previously sought a protective order and custody, while Paul filed her own request weeks later.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org for confidential support.
