Taylor Frankie Paul’s ex-husband Tate Paul and ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen unexpectedly crossed paths at a Utah courthouse on Tuesday, just two days before ABC removed the 31-year-old reality star from the upcoming season of The Bachelorette over a domestic violence scandal.
Courthouse Encounter Details
The two men arrived separately without attorneys and departed at different times. Eyewitnesses describe the meeting as coincidental, noting a brief conversation in the lobby. Both visited the courthouse to secure protective orders against Paul.
Protective Order Allegations
Mortensen filed for a protective order that day, detailing a February incident where a verbal dispute escalated into physical violence. He alleges Paul choked him, forcing him to remove her hands from his neck. Mortensen claims she then shoved him into a window and struck him, creating a chaotic and frightening scene that woke their two-year-old son, Ever, amid her screams and yells.
The petition references Paul’s prior 2023 arrest for assault. Mortensen requests temporary custody of Ever and prohibits Paul from consuming alcohol or drugs during parenting time.
Bachelorette Cancellation Background
ABC shelved Paul’s participation after 2023 video surfaced showing her fighting Mortensen. Paul issued a statement expressing gratitude for public support, while her representative asserts she is the victim in the matter.
