Taylor Frankie Paul is getting candid concerning 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 proceed to unfold between the previous 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 fact star admitted she feels deeply connected to others facing similar struggles but confessed she now not looks like herself emotionally. “I don’t know what to say anymore aside from I’m right there with plenty of you,” Paul wrote. “Wish I could possibly be more helpful. Unsure when the nervous system switched… I can’t even cry currently which could be very unlike me.”
The emotional confession comes as Paul stays 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 each parties became involved in multiple domestic violence incidents and police investigations. In March, Mortensen filed legal motion 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. Nevertheless, because of concerns raised by the court surrounding her alleged “volatility,” a judge reportedly limited her visitation to 6 hours per week until a subsequent April 30 hearing. At that hearing, each Paul and Mortensen were ordered to stay 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 previous 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 appears to be a seamless attraction that they’ve for one another,” the judge reportedly said.
“You guys need to work out loads here. You may have to work out the way 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 general public eye amid the “chaos” of the situation.
In line with Mortensen, his focus shifted toward creating stability for his or her son. “My focus now could be where it must have been all along, on [my] son, [Ever], and making a stable, healthy environment for him moving forward,” he wrote.
He also reflected on his own role in the connection’s challenges, adding: “I regret not stepping away from a difficult cycle sooner. I’m not perfect, and I take accountability in my opinion. 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 middle of one other headline-making controversy. Earlier this yr, ABC abruptly canceled “The Bachelorette” starring the fact personality just days before its scheduled premiere following the discharge of a 2023 video that allegedly showed Paul involved in a violent altercation together with her former partner while her young daughter was present.
On the time, Disney Entertainment Television released a press release explaining the network’s decision. “In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we’ve made the choice to not move forward with the brand new season of ‘The Bachelorette’ at the moment, and our focus is on supporting the family,” the statement read.
A spokesperson for Paul later addressed the situation, claiming the fact star had endured years of abuse. “She could be 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 in addition to threats of retaliation, Taylor is finally gaining the strength to face her accuser and taking steps to be sure that she and her children are protected against any further harm,” the spokesperson said.