Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen’s trial over their dueling protective orders brought to light many of their past highs and lows, which included the reveal that Taylor suffered two miscarriages prior to their alleged domestic violence incident in February.
“This was a very difficult time in their relationship,” Taylor’s lawyer told the court on Thursday, April 30, explaining the timeline of her and ex Dakota’s February domestic violence incident. “They were going through some challenges, of course, compounded by the fact that my client was dealing with two recent miscarriages.”
The attorney added, “Alcohol was also a massive factor in the 2023 incident, a factor that is no longer an issue. She has not consumed alcohol.”
Taylor’s miscarriages had not been previously reported, but according to her lawyer took place before she and Dakota, 33, were involved in an alleged domestic dispute in their home state of Utah on February 23 and February 24.
News broke the following month that production had been paused on season 5 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives amid the drama.
As the Draper Police Department looked into the accusations on both sides, Dakota filed a temporary restraining order against Taylor, 31. He also requested temporary custody of their son, Ever, 2, which was granted in March.
Taylor subsequently filed her own temporary restraining order against Dakota, which was granted in early April.
Us Weekly confirmed on April 14 that Taylor would not be charged in the February domestic violence case. (She was previously arrested in 2023 for a separate domestic violence incident involving Dakota. Taylor pleaded guilty to aggravated assault at the time, and the other charges were dismissed.)
“After reviewing reports and evidence submitted to the Draper Police Department and West Jordan Police Department, the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office has declined to file charges against Taylor Frankie Paul,” District Attorney Sim Gill’s office said in a statement to Us earlier this month.
The same day, Taylor reacted to the news via her Instagram Story. “Cried when I got the call 🙏 THANK YOU to those that have stood with me,” she wrote.
Dakota broke his silence over the ruling on April 20, writing via Instagram, “I’m not perfect, and I take accountability for my part. I’m sincerely sorry to those I’ve hurt. At the same time, I don’t agree with how this situation has been portrayed publicly. It does not reflect the full context of what occurred or the impact it has had on me and my son.”
He noted, “I’ve chosen to step away from the spotlight to focus on my family, my growth, and our healing, and that’s where my energy will remain. I’m closing an unhealthy chapter and moving forward with hope for better days ahead.”
Ahead of their hearing on Thursday, which will help determine their custody agreement, Taylor got support from her Secret Lives of Mormon Wives costar Jessi Draper.
Us confirmed that Jessi, 33, filed an affidavit on Wednesday, April 29, in the former couple’s case. Her declaration was submitted in support of Taylor, along with an affidavit from Taylor’s younger sister, Aspen May.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.
