Dakota Mortensen is switching gears.
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star announced on April 19 that he’s stepping away from the spotlight to focus on his son, Ever.
“My focus now is where it should have been all along—on my son and creating a stable, healthy environment for him moving forward,” Dakota revealed via an Instagram statement.
Ever’s dad also acknowledged that he played a part in the toxic cycle with Taylor Frankie Paul.
“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.”
That same day, Taylor posted her own statement, including photos showing how the back-and-forth with her son’s dad, along with the stress of looming charges, impacted her physically.
If we had to guess, Dakota’s statement came in direct response to Taylor’s side of the story.
In his message, he also expressed frustration with how the situation has been portrayed publicly, saying it “does not reflect the full context of what occurred.”
Dakota previously took a brief social media hiatus following news that he was edited out of Season 3 of Vanderpump Villa.
Now, it seems he’s making it permanent.
“I’ve chosen to step away from the spotlight to focus on my family, my growth, and our healing—and that’s where my energy will remain. I’m closing an unhealthy chapter and moving forward with hope for better days ahead,” he continued.
ICYMI:
Days before Taylor’s season of The Bachelorette was set to premiere, TMZ released video from Dakota and Taylor’s 2023 altercation.
In the footage, Taylor’s daughter (whom she shares with ex-husband Tate Paul) was allegedly struck by a metal chair thrown in Dakota’s direction.
As we know, ABC ultimately pulled Taylor’s season following backlash.
There were also additional domestic violence allegations made by both parties in February 2026.
The court later decided not to press additional charges against Taylor, citing statute of limitations and insufficient evidence.
