Dakota Mortensen has publicly addressed the conclusion of a police investigation into an alleged domestic violence incident involving his former partner Taylor Frankie Paul, sharing his perspective in a detailed social media statement posted in the early hours of Monday, April 20.
The 33-year-old took to Instagram to discuss the attention he has received since news emerged on March 16 regarding an alleged dispute between himself and Paul, 31, which reportedly halted production of season 5 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. The Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office confirmed on Tuesday, April 14, that Paul will not face charges following their investigation into the matter.
In his statement, Mortensen emphasized his commitment to moving forward and focusing on his responsibilities as a father. The pair share a two-year-old son, Ever, and were involved in a relationship from July 2022 until December 2024.
A Call for Clarity and Accountability
"Over the past several weeks, I've taken a step back and had time away from the chaos. That space has been a breath of fresh air and has given me clarity. My focus now is where it should have been all along-on my son and creating a stable, healthy environment for him moving forward," Mortensen wrote in his Instagram post.
The statement reflected both personal accountability and disagreement with the public narrative surrounding the incident. "I regret not stepping away from the difficult cycle sooner. I'm not perfect, and I take accountability for my part. I'm sincerely sorry to those I've hurt," Mortensen continued. "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."
Details of the Alleged February Incident
The statement comes one day after details emerged regarding an alleged February altercation between Mortensen and Paul. According to reports, Mortensen claimed that Paul "grabbed" his neck and throat during an argument. A friend of Mortensen contacted the Draper Police Department on February 23 to report the alleged assault, claiming that Mortensen was hesitant to report the incident himself due to Paul's "celebrity status."
District Attorney Sim Gill addressed the decision not to pursue charges in a statement issued on April 14. "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," the statement confirmed.
Moving Forward and Stepping Back
Mortensen indicated his intention to withdraw from public attention to prioritize his family and personal growth. "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," he stated. "I'm closing an unhealthy chapter and moving forward with hope for better days ahead."
Despite stepping back, Mortensen expressed gratitude for the support he has received and hinted at future advocacy work. "I'm grateful for all of the encouragement and support I've received, and I'm committed to showing up in a way that reflects that. My intention, over time and when appropriate, is to use what I've learned in a way that supports others navigating similar situations," he wrote.
He concluded his message by reiterating his primary focus: "For now, my priority is on showing up as the best father I can be for Ever." The post also included contact information for the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
Previous Legal History
This investigation marks the second time the former couple has been involved in a domestic violence incident. Three years prior to the alleged February altercation, Paul was arrested following a separate altercation with Mortensen. She pleaded guilty to aggravated assault at that time, while additional charges of domestic violence in the presence of a child, child abuse with injury, and criminal mischief were dismissed.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides confidential support and can be reached at 1-800-799-7233.