Taylor Frankie Paul Opens Up About Relationship with Dakota Mortensen: 'I'm Fully Not Innocent'

Taylor Frankie Paul has released a candid reflection on her fractured relationship with ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen as their custody dispute continues.

The 31-year-old reality star posted an extensive message Thursday (May 14) following her investigation for domestic violence. In the statement, Paul acknowledged her own accountability in the situation, writing that she hates "that I am no longer myself" and regrets staying in the relationship as long as she did.

"I blame nobody more than my own damn self, because how did I allow this for my kids and myself for so long?" she wrote. "I'm sorry to THEM. I've already admitted in court I'm fully NOT INNOCENT, I know that. None of it is okay, period."

Paul went on to detail the physical and emotional circumstances she faced during the relationship, citing years spent in survival mode while managing miscarriages, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and what she described as repeated betrayal and deception. She explained that her existing probation status made her hesitant to seek help or speak openly about what was occurring.

In her post, Paul described the psychological dynamics she says kept her trapped in the cycle. She detailed how she eventually realized patterns of gaslighting and manipulation, yet remained emotionally bound to her ex-partner despite recognizing the harmful behavior.

When addressing why she didn't exit the relationship sooner, Paul outlined the consequences that followed her final departure. She alleged that Mortensen, 33, engaged in love bombing, manipulation, threats, and physical harm. She also claimed that after she ended things, he contacted authorities on her, publicly embarrassed her, turned friends away, and prompted child protective services involvement—all leading to ongoing court proceedings.

"The difference between us, my love was real for him without gaining anything, and people know that," Paul wrote, contrasting her approach with what she characterized as his response. "I didn't want to ruin his life, call cops on him, take his child away, or claim complete innocence … that's the difference between us."

Paul also used the message to address tension with her castmate on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Mikayla Matthews, who has stepped back from their friendship during the controversy. Paul stated that Matthews' recent criticism and request for an apology were unwelcome, saying Matthews should "go kick rocks instead of kicking me right now."

The post comes as Paul faces questions about her involvement in the upcoming fifth season of her Bravo series, with reports indicating she may not participate as filming moves forward.