Dakota Mortensen posted on Instagram for the first time since her and Taylor Frankie Paul’s recent domestic violence scandal made headlines in March.
The 33-year-old shared a lengthy statement with his followers on Monday about the drama of “the last few weeks.”
“I took a step back and took some time away from the chaos,” Mortensen wrote. “That space was a breath of fresh air and gave me clarity.”
The reality star added, “My focus now is where it should have been all along: my son (Ever) and creating a stable and healthy environment for him to move forward.”
He continued, “I regret not breaking out of this difficult cycle sooner. I’m not perfect, so I take responsibility for my role. I’m truly sorry to the people I hurt.”
Mortensen wrote, “I have chosen to step away from the spotlight to focus on my family, growth, and healing. That’s where my energy remains.”
He has “closed an unhealthy chapter and is moving forward with hope for better days ahead.”
The “Secrets of Mormon Wives” star said she “disagrees with how this situation has been portrayed publicly” and claimed that the headline “does not fully reflect what happened or the impact it has had.”
He concluded, “I am grateful for all the encouragement and support I have received and am committed to acting in a manner that reflects that. My intention is to take the time and, where appropriate, use what I have learned in ways to support others going through similar situations.”
Mortensen’s social media carousel included a second slide showing resources to help victims of domestic violence.
She last posted on the platform on March 15, when she shared a photo of 2-year-old Ever “looking at a chicken.”
Two days later, news broke that SLOMW had halted filming due to an investigation into a February domestic violence incident between Paul, 31, and Mortensen, with accusations coming from “both sides.”
The former couple, who have been dating on and off since 2022, have since applied for confidentiality orders against each other.
Mortensen has taken temporary custody of the toddler, and a judge sided with Mortensen earlier this month, allowing him only supervised visitation with Paul.
Last week, news broke that the MomTok star would not face new charges after Utah State Police concluded an investigation into “several incidents” between her and Mortensen.
Paul, in particular, was arrested on domestic violence charges in 2023, and footage of the fight that led to his arrest was leaked last month.
Her season of “The Bachelorette” has since been canceled, but we hear the show may still air.
Mortensen was edited out of Season 3 of Vanderpump Villa amidst the drama.
As the scandal rages on, Paul has continued to post steadily on social media, offering a glimpse of the “ugly parts” of her healing journey and highlighting her weight loss with vulnerable photos over the weekend.
“I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy,” she wrote on Sunday. “(I’m) working on diet, exercise, rest, and retraining my nervous system.”
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.
