Taylor Frankie Paul’s former husband Tate Paul and ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen unexpectedly crossed paths at a Utah courthouse on Tuesday, just two days before her removal from the upcoming season of The Bachelorette amid a domestic violence controversy.

Courthouse Coincidence

The 31-year-old reality TV star’s exes arrived separately without attorneys and departed at different times. Eyewitnesses describe the encounter as unplanned, with the pair briefly conversing in the lobby. Both visited the courthouse to seek protective orders against Paul.

Details of Mortensen’s Protective Order

Mortensen filed for a protective order, citing a February incident where a verbal dispute escalated into physical violence. He alleges Paul choked him, forcing him to remove her hands from his neck. Mortensen further claims she then shoved him into a window and struck him, creating a chaotic and frightening scene that woke their two-year-old son, Ever, amid Paul’s screams.

The filing references Paul’s prior 2023 arrest for assault and requests temporary custody of Ever. It also seeks to prohibit Paul from consuming alcohol or drugs during parenting time.

Bachelorette Participation Ends

Paul was slated to appear on the reality dating show, but producers shelved her involvement after 2023 video surfaced showing her fighting Mortensen. The footage reignited scrutiny over the domestic violence allegations.

Paul’s Statement

Paul issued a statement expressing gratitude for the support received. Her representative maintains that she is the victim in the situation.