‘Bachelorette’ Taylor Frankie Paul Slammed As ‘Toxic’ By Judge

Taylor Frankie Paul and her ex went back to court this week after filing mutual restraining orders. The Bachelorette star previously lost custody of one of her three children amid a domestic violence investigation. The judge in the hearing slammed her as “toxic” amid the ongoing custody battle. Keep reading to find out more about the judge’s harsh criticism. 

Taylor Frankie Paul & Ex Back In Court Over Restraining Orders, Custody

Taylor Frankie Paul was ready to find love again on The Bachelorette. ABC filmed an entire season, only to yank it days before it was supposed to premiere. The decision came in March after a leaked video revealed the truth about a violent altercation. 

The reality star pleaded guilty to domestic violence-related charges in 2023. The case was behind her.. or so she thought. It all resurfaced after a shocking video showed her hitting and punching her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen. 

Taylor Frankie Paul/Credit: YouTube

He filed for a restraining order against her in March amid allegations of a new domestic violence incident in February 2026. He was granted temporary custody of their son, Ever, at that time. The Bachelorette star was allowed limited supervised visits with Ever.

Taylor Frankie Paul filed for a protective order against her ex in April. The authorities in Utah declined to press new charges against either of them for the alleged incident. The former couple was back in court this week to address the restraining orders and custody of their son. 

The judge declined to change the custody agreement right now, according to Us Weekly. “I need to think a little bit more about this lifting of supervision. I have mixed feelings about it,” the judge said. Dakota Mortensen retained temporary custody for now. 

Judge Slams Bachelorette Star As ‘Toxic’

Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen both accused the other of physical abuse. The judge agreed. He made the temporary restraining orders permanent for the next three years. The former couple isn’t allowed to come within 100 feet of each other. Furthermore, the judge said he saw violence from both sides. 

“Dakota knows what to do, that to get under her skin, so to speak, and she reacts,” the judge told the court. He also reminded Dakota Mortensen and Taylor Frankie Paul that they’re tied together for life because of their son.

He suggested they both get their acts together. “This has been a very toxic relationship. It’s beyond the pale in a lot of ways, the toxicity, he said. “You guys have to figure out a lot here. You have to figure out how to function as coparents,” the judge scolded. 

Taylor Frankie Paul is resolving her legal troubles. Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is said to resume filming soon, but it remains to be seen if it will feature the former couple’s toxic dynamic like the reality show did in previous seasons. Stay tuned for more on the custody battle.