Taylor Frankie Paul is getting candid about the emotional toll of her ongoing custody battle with ex Dakota Mortensen. “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star revealed she has “gone emotionally numb” as legal tensions continue to unfold between the former couple over custody of their 2-year-old son, Ever.
Paul shared the vulnerable update via Instagram Stories on Saturday after a follower reached out, writing, “I’m going through your exact situation I wish I could talk more on it! I’m so stuck.”
In response, the reality star admitted she feels deeply connected to others facing similar struggles but confessed she no longer feels like herself emotionally. “I don’t know what to say anymore other than I’m right there with a lot of you,” Paul wrote. “Wish I could be more helpful. Not sure when the nervous system switched… I can’t even cry lately which is very unlike me.”
The emotional confession comes as Paul remains embroiled in a contentious custody dispute with Mortensen.
Paul And Mortensen’s Custody Battle Intensifies
Paul and Mortensen have been locked in an ongoing legal battle over custody of their toddler son after both parties became involved in multiple domestic violence incidents and police investigations. In March, Mortensen filed legal action against Paul, alleging she had been physically violent toward him. Following the filing, he was granted sole custody of Ever.
Paul, who also shares two children with ex-husband Tate Paul, was later granted supervised visitation during an April 7 court hearing. However, due to concerns raised by the court surrounding her alleged “volatility,” a judge reportedly limited her visitation to six hours per week until a subsequent April 30 hearing. At that hearing, both Paul and Mortensen were ordered to remain 100 feet apart under the terms of mutual protective orders each had petitioned the court for.
Judge Called Taylor Frankie Paul And Dakota Mortensen’s Relationship ‘Toxic’
During one hearing, the judge weighed in on the former couple’s complicated dynamic, suggesting their relationship remained emotionally entangled despite the legal turmoil. “What I’ve seen from the evidence even post last hearing, there seems to be a continuing attraction that they have for each other,” the judge reportedly said.
“You guys have to figure out a lot here. You have to figure out how to function as coparents,” the judge added, while criticizing what was described as a “toxic relationship.”
Dakota Mortensen Previously Addressed ‘Chaos’ Of Custody Fight
Mortensen publicly acknowledged the emotional strain of the custody dispute in April, revealing he had taken “a step back” from the public eye amid the “chaos” of the situation.
According to Mortensen, his focus shifted toward creating stability for their son. “My focus now is where it should have been 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’s challenges, adding: “I regret not stepping away from a difficult cycle sooner. I’m not perfect, and I take accountability for my part. I’m sincerely sorry to those I’ve hurt.”
Taylor Frankie Paul’s Custody Drama Comes Months After ‘The Bachelorette’ Fallout
Paul’s latest custody battle comes just months after she found herself at the center of another headline-making controversy. Earlier this year, ABC abruptly canceled “The Bachelorette” starring the reality personality just days before its scheduled premiere following the release of a 2023 video that allegedly showed Paul involved in a violent altercation with her 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 just surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of ‘The Bachelorette’ at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family,” the statement read.
A spokesperson for Paul later addressed the situation, claiming the reality star had endured years of abuse. “She is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security. After years of silently suffering extensive mental and physical abuse as well as threats of retaliation, Taylor is finally gaining the strength to face her accuser and taking steps to ensure that she and her children are protected from any further harm,” the spokesperson said.