Dakota Mortensen is breaking his silence on Taylor Frankie Paul‘s abuse allegations.
Perezcious readers know it has been a wild week in reality TV. News broke on Sunday of an investigation into an alleged domestic dispute between the former couple, which paused production on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. It came just days before Taylor’s season of The Bachelorette was supposed to premiere. However, the show is no longer happening because a video of the 31-year-old reality star brutally attacking Dakota and hitting her daughter with a metal barstool surfaced on Thursday — which led to her 2023 arrest.
Related: What Will Fill Bachelorette‘s Time Slot After Taylor’s Season Was Nixed…
Taylor reacted to the cancellation news afterward, claiming she has “silently” suffered “extensive mental and physical abuse as well as threats of retaliation” for years:
“There are too many women who are suffering in silence as they survive aggressive, jealous ex-partners who refuse to let them move on with their lives. Taylor has remained silent out of fear of further abuse, retaliation and public shaming. She is currently exploring all of her options, seeking support, and preparing to own and share her story.”
Dakota is now vehemently denying her accusations. He told People on Thursday night:
“As anyone who has seen the video will understand, this is a deeply upsetting situation. I am, unfortunately, used to these baseless claims about me and our relationship, which I categorically deny. I am focusing on our son and his safety, and hope that Taylor will do the same.”
Dakota has since filed for a restraining order against Taylor, along with a request for temporary custody of their son, Ever. A hearing is scheduled for the matter on April 7.
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[Image via Taylor Frankie Paul/Dakota Mortensen/Instagram]
