**Dakota Mortensen Makes His First Statement Amid Domestic Assault Investigation with Ex-Girlfriend Taylor Frankie Paul**
For the first time, Dakota Mortensen has spoken out amidst reports of a domestic assault investigation involving him and his ex-girlfriend, Taylor Frankie Paul. A representative for Mortensen told Entertainment Weekly on March 18th that his "number one priority here is protecting [their 1-year-old son], Ever." The rep denied that Mortensen was the reason the investigation had been made public, stating that "he knew there was a possibility it could come out, but he was not going to be the one to proactively do that because he has always wanted a decent relationship with Taylor."
Earlier this week, the Draper City Police Department confirmed to PEOPLE that there is an open domestic assault investigation involving the star of "Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," Taylor Paul, 31, and Mortensen, 33. A spokesperson for the Utah-based police department said on March 16th that "allegations have been made in both directions" and "contact was made with involved parties on [February] 24th and 25th," but declined to share more information due to the ongoing investigation.
In the last 24 hours, Paul, whose season of "The Bachelorette" is set to premiere on March 22nd, has made a series of public statements regarding the investigation. She first spoke out at a "Bachelorette" press preview on March 17th, telling PEOPLE in an interview, "It's a heavy time, and it's unfortunate." At the event, Paul also told EW that she and Mortensen have "no contact right now" and are using a "third party" to handle "pick-up, drop-offs [and] communication" as the investigation unfolds. She added that those decisions were made when she "took action about a few weeks ago."
Paul also appeared on "Good Morning America" on March 18th, telling Lara Spencer in her first televised interview since news broke of the investigation, "Honestly, it's been a heavy time to see the headlines, especially during this time of 'The Bachelorette' being released, and it's supposed to be a really exciting time." She continued, "I'm a person that will always speak my truth and that's what I'm known for. But right now, I'm just trying to be in the present moment and focus on this."
A source close to Paul previously denied to PEOPLE that the reality TV star was "violent" during the February incidents and said that she remains "focused" on the upcoming "Bachelorette" premiere. Reps for Paul, ABC, and Hulu have not commented on the allegations to PEOPLE.
Paul and Mortensen's domestic assault investigation comes three years after Paul's 2023 arrest for alleged domestic violence after an argument with Mortensen. She was given misdemeanor charges of assault, criminal mischief, and commission of domestic violence in the presence of a child, accused of throwing a chair at Mortensen that allegedly hit her daughter. Paul pled guilty in abeyance to aggravated assault, which means that if she complies with the conditions of the plea, that charge will be dismissed. Meanwhile, the other charges have already been dismissed.
Those close to Paul are reportedly concerned for her well-being. A source with knowledge of the situation told PEOPLE that Paul calls Mortensen "all the time," often between the hours of 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. "We're all worried for Taylor's well-being," said the source. "We want Taylor to get the help she needs."
In the wake of Paul and Mortensen's domestic assault investigation, Paul's "Mormon Wives" costars have refused to work with her, and filming on the show's fifth season has been halted, multiple sources confirmed to PEOPLE. "None of the women want to be associated with her," said a source close to the cast. "The girls are very overwhelmed. They all banded together and they don't want to come back right now," added a source close to production.
Paul acknowledged the production pause during her interview on GMA, telling Spencer that she had heard that "Mormon Wives" had stopped filming but did not know "for how long or why." She said, "I do not call those shots."
