Taylor Frankie Paul gets candid about the emotional toll of her ongoing custody battle with ex Dakota Mortensen. The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star revealed she is “emotionally numb” as the former couple continue their legal battle over custody of their 2-year-old son Ever.
Paul shared the vulnerable update via Instagram Stories on Saturday after one follower reached out to him and wrote: “I’m looking into your exact situation, I’d love to talk more about it! I’m so stuck.”
In response, the reality star admitted that she feels a deep connection with others facing similar challenges, but admitted that she doesn’t feel emotional anymore. “I don’t know what else to say except that I am there for many of you,” Paul wrote. “I wish I could be more helpful. I don’t know when the nervous system switched over… I can’t even cry lately, which is very unlike me.”
Soulful confession comes as Paul remains embroiled in a contentious custody battle with Mortensen.
Paul and Mortensen’s custody battle escalates
Paul and Mortensen were embroiled in an ongoing legal battle for custody of their young son after both sides became embroiled in numerous domestic violence cases and police investigations. In March, Mortensen filed a lawsuit against Paul, alleging that she was physically abusive towards him. After filing, he was granted sole custody of Ever.
Paul, who has two children with ex-husband Tate Paul, was later granted custody during an April 7 court hearing. However, due to the court’s concerns about her alleged “instability”, the judge has reportedly restricted her visits to six hours a week until the next hearing on April 30. At that hearing, Paul and Mortensen were ordered to stay 100 feet apart under the terms of the mutual protective orders each had filed with the court.
Judge calls Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen’s relationship ‘toxic’
During one hearing, the judge weighed in on the former couple’s complex dynamic, suggesting their relationship remains emotionally entangled despite the legal turmoil. “What I’ve seen from the evidence, even after the last hearing, it appears that they continue to be attracted to each other,” the judge said.
“You guys have a lot to figure out. You have to figure out how to function as parents,” the judge added, criticizing what was described as a “toxic relationship.”
Dakota Mortensen previously spoke about the “chaos” of custody battles
In April, Mortensen publicly acknowledged the emotional strain of the custody dispute, revealing he had taken a “step back” from the public amid the “chaos” of the situation.
According to Mortensen, his focus has shifted to creating stability for their son. “My focus now is on what was meant to be all along, on (my) son (Ever) and creating a stable, healthy environment for him moving forward,” he wrote.
He also reflected on his own role in the relationship problems, adding: “I regret not getting out of the difficult cycle sooner. I’m not perfect and I take responsibility. I’m truly sorry for those I’ve hurt.”
Taylor Frankie Paul’s custody drama comes months after The Bachelorette dropped
Paul’s latest custody battle comes just months after she found herself at the center of another headline-grabbing dispute. Earlier this year, ABC abruptly canceled the reality show The Bachelor just days before it was scheduled to premiere after the film’s release Video of 2023 which allegedly showed Paul’s involvement in the violent quarrel with a former partner while her young daughter was present.
At the time, Disney Entertainment Television released a statement explaining the network’s decision. “In light of the newly released video that just surfaced today, we have made the decision not to continue with a new season of The Bachelorette at this time, and we are focused on supporting the family,” the statement read.
Paul’s spokesperson later addressed the situation, saying the reality star had endured years of abuse. “She is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes the safety and security of her family. After years of silently suffering extensive mental and physical abuse and threats of retaliation, Taylor is finally finding the strength to stand up to her accuser and is taking steps to ensure she and her children are protected from any further harm,” the spokesperson said.
