Reality television personalities Dakota Mortensen and Taylor Frankie Paul have recently garnered national attention due to ongoing domestic violence investigations. These headlines emerged shortly after video footage surfaced online depicting a violent confrontation between the two that occurred in 2023.

The Context of Recent Controversy

The circulating clip allegedly shows Paul throwing metal barstools and kicking Mortensen while their young daughter was present and crying. This incident led to the immediate cancellation of Season 22 of ABC's “The Bachelorette,” which Paul was slated to headline.

Mortensen has publicly denied being the source who leaked the altercation video. The former couple shares one child, a toddler named Ever. Paul also has two other children from her previous marriage to Tate Paul.

Impact on Reality Television Production

The turbulent relationship between Mortensen and Paul serves as a major storyline in Hulu's popular series, “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.” Production for the fifth season of this reality show has been temporarily halted while the current investigations proceed.

“The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” documents the lives of several Utah influencers, often referred to as MomTok, as they navigate religion, friendships, and marital challenges.

Key Facts About Dakota Mortensen

Early Life and Reality TV Experience

Dakota Mortensen was born in 1993 in Caldwell, Idaho, and is one of five siblings. He previously appeared on the short-lived NBC survival show, “The Island,” hosted by Bear Grylls.

At the time, the then-21-year-old Mortensen was introduced as a bird farmer—a family business—who reportedly had never visited a beach or left the United States.

Professional Ventures

According to his Instagram profile, Mortensen previously owned Basin Tiling, a company incorporated in 2020 offering contractor tiling services in Caldwell. However, state records indicate this business has since been dissolved.

In December 2024, Mortensen announced on Instagram his intention to enter the real estate sector, stating he finally planned to pursue his license. By early 2025, he joined Presidio Real Estate in Utah, focusing on new construction projects. Presidio Real Estate was previously featured on the Bravo series “Sold on SLC,” which concluded after one season.

Social Media Influence and Family Life

Mortensen has cultivated a significant online presence, boasting approximately 830,000 followers on TikTok and 290,000 on Instagram. His content typically covers family life, wellness, and general lifestyle topics, including endorsements for an AI calorie-tracking app and creatine supplements.

He has been granted temporary custody of his son, Ever, who often features in his vlogs. Mortensen is also part of the influencer group DadTok, which serves as a male counterpart to the MomTok community featured on the show.

Struggles with Addiction and Recovery

Mortensen has been open about his journey overcoming drug addiction. He shared in a November 2025 interview on the “Recoverycast” podcast that his addiction began in high school.

He started taking painkillers for knee pain, which he said led to dependency on other substances, including heroin and M30 pills. He detailed relapses, struggles with withdrawal, suicidal ideation, and being removed from rehab facilities.

Mortensen noted that the intense public scrutiny from being on “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” was “probably the toughest situations” he has faced to test his sobriety. He mentioned taking precautions, like carrying eye drops, to ensure people do not mistake his sensitive eyes for signs of drug use. Reports from June 2025 indicated Mortensen had achieved over three years of sobriety.

Past Relationships

Mortensen was married to registered nurse Kenna Rae Hopkins from 2015 to 2017. He stated on the podcast that he hid his drug use from Hopkins, his high school sweetheart, which contributed to their separation.

He and Taylor Frankie Paul first connected via social media and confirmed their relationship on TikTok in September 2022. Their relationship has been characterized by rumors of infidelity, which are explored on the reality series.

Ongoing Legal Matters and New Projects

Paul had been arrested in 2023 and subsequently pleaded guilty to aggravated assault related to a domestic dispute with Mortensen, an event documented in the first season of “Mormon Wives.”

The former couple is currently involved in two additional police investigations. A Draper Police spokesperson confirmed an “open domestic assault investigation” involving both parties, noting that “allegations have been made in both directions.”

Furthermore, West Jordan Police Department records show that Mortensen filed a report in February alleging a domestic violence incident with Paul occurred in early-to-mid 2024. Mortensen is reportedly now dating Emma Shippen, a former cheerleader for the 49ers.

Upcoming Television Appearance

Mortensen is slated to appear in “Unwell Winter Games,” an upcoming YouTube series from Alex Cooper’s Unwell Network, which focuses on controversial reality stars and influencers. The series is scheduled to debut on April 6.

The show will feature 19 cast members, including Mortensen’s former co-star Demi Engemann, Anna Delvey, and Huda Mustafa from “Love Island USA.” The competition will take place over four days in a Park City, Utah, luxury chalet, involving physical and mental challenges.