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In the wake of a domestic violence incident that thrust him and Taylor Frankie Paul into the limelight last March, Dakota Mortensen has broken his silence on Instagram. This marks his first public statement since the controversy erupted.
On Monday, the 33-year-old shared a heartfelt message with his followers, reflecting on the tumultuous events of the past few weeks. “I’ve taken a step back and had time away from the chaos,” Mortensen expressed. “That space has been a breath of fresh air and has given me clarity.”
Mortensen emphasized that his priorities have shifted, saying, “My focus now is where it should have been all along — on my son, Ever, and creating a stable, healthy environment for him moving forward.”
He went on to acknowledge his own shortcomings, admitting, “I regret not stepping away from a difficult cycle sooner. I’m not perfect, and I take accountability for my part. I’m sincerely sorry to those I’ve hurt.”
He continued, “I regret not stepping away from a difficult cycle sooner. I’m not perfect, and I take accountability for my part. I’m sincerely sorry to those I’ve hurt.
Mortensen wrote that he has “chosen to step away from the spotlight to focus on [his] family, [his] growth and [his] healing, and that’s where [his] energy will remain.”
He is “closing an unhealthy chapter and moving forward with hope for better days ahead.”
The “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star noted that he doesn’t “agree with how the situation has been portrayed publicly,” claiming headlines do “not reflect the full context of what occurred or the impact it has had.”
He concluded, “I’m grateful for all of the encouragement and support I’ve received, and I’m committed to showing up in a way that reflects that. My intention, over time and when appropriate, is to use what I’ve learned in a way that supports others navigating similar situations.”
Mortensen’s social media carousel included a second slide pointing victims of domestic violence to helpful resources.
He last posted to the platform on March 15, sharing photos of Ever, 2, “looking at chickens.”
Two days later, news broke that “SLOMW” had halted filming over an investigation into Paul, 31, and Mortensen’s alleged domestic violence incidents in February — with accusations made “on both sides.”
The former couple, who have dated on and off since 2022, have since each filed protective orders against each other.
Mortensen has temporary custody of their toddler, with a judge siding with him earlier this month and granting Paul only supervised visitation.
News broke last week that the MomTok star won’t face any new charges after Utah police concluded their investigations into the “several incidents” between her and Mortensen.
Paul, notably, was arrested on domestic violence charges in 2023 — and footage from the fight that led to that detainment was leaked last month.
Her season of “The Bachelorette” was subsequently canceled — but we hear the show may still make it to air.
Mortensen, for his part, is being edited out of Season 3 of “Vanderpump Villa” amid the drama.
Paul has been steadily posting to social media as the scandal rages on, giving a glimpse of the “ugly parts” of her healing journey in vulnerable photos over the weekend, highlighting her weight loss.
“I wouldn’t wish this upon my worst enemy,” she wrote on Sunday. “[I’m] working on eating, movement, rest, and retraining the nervous system.”