Dakota Mortensen is speaking out for the first time since a video surfaced of his ex-girlfriend, Taylor Frankie Paul, appearing to assault him in 2023.
“As anyone who has seen the video will understand, this is a deeply upsetting situation,” Mortensen told Us Weeklyon Thursday, Mar. 19. “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.”
Mortensen has also filed for a restraining order and for sole custody of their son Ever, who turned 2 on Mar. 19.
In 2023, Paul was arrested for alleged domestic violence following an argument with Mortensen. She was given misdemeanor charges of assault, criminal mischief, and commission of domestic violence in the presence of a child, after she was accused of throwing a chair at Mortensen that hit her daughter.
Paul ultimately pleaded guilty to a single charge of aggravated assault, and the domestic violence charges were dismissed as part of the plea deal. She is currently serving a 3-year probation.
A video obtained by TMZ on Mar. 19 shows the incident that led to those charges. In the clip, Paul is seen hitting Mortensen, putting him in a headlock, and trying to kick him as he records her actions.
ABC pulled the plug on Paul’s Bachelorette season just hours after the video was released online.
RELATED: ABC Officially Cancels Taylor Frankie Paul’s ‘Bachelorette’ Season
Paul also addressed the cancelation in a statement to Us Weekly on Mar. 19.
“Taylor is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security,” the statement read. “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 statement continued, “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.”
A spokesperson for the Draper City Police Department confirmed to People earlier this week that there is an open “domestic assault investigation” regarding Paul and Mortensen.
The spokesperson confirmed “allegations have been made in both directions” and “contact was made with involved parties on [Feb] 24th and 25th,” but declined to share any further details.
TMZ also spoke to sources connected to both Paul and Mortensen, who offered conflicting stories regarding the recent alleged domestic violence incident.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of domestic violence, help is available 24 hours a day through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.
