Utah Supreme Court says affair allegations against justice were ‘inappropriately’ released

The ongoing clash between Utah state leaders and the state’s highest court has boiled over into a whole new realm while exposing previously investigated and dismissed allegations that one of the …

The ongoing clash between Utah state leaders and the state’s highest court has boiled over into a whole new realm while exposing previously investigated and dismissed allegations that one of the court’s justices had an affair with an attorney representing the plaintiffs in the state’s high-profile redistricting lawsuit. 

The day after one of the state’s most popular news sites, KSL.com, broke the news that Gov. Spencer Cox and the state’s top Republican legislative leaders said they would be launching an independent investigation into Supreme Court Justice Diana Hagen, the Utah Supreme Court issued a statement saying documents detailing the allegations against her were confidential and “inappropriately released to the public.” 

The investigator who wrote the report on the preliminary investigation into Hagen ultimately recommended that the Judicial Conduct Commission dismiss the allegations against her for “insufficient evidence of judicial misconduct,” while also concluding that an allegation that Hagen inappropriately paid her ex-husband $40,000 to keep quiet was “unfounded.” 

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“As the sole entity authorized to investigate allegations of misconduct against a judge, the Judicial Conduct Commission received the allegations in their entirety and conducted an independent investigation,” the Utah Supreme Court said in a statement issued Friday. “The Judicial Conduct Commission completed their investigation in accordance with their constitutional and statutory authority and dismissed the complaint against Justice Hagen.”

Under Utah law, complaints to the Judicial Conduct Commission and its proceedings are confidential, the Utah Supreme Court said. 

“Despite their protected status, records of the Judicial Conduct Commission were inappropriately released to the public. The Judiciary does not have access to those records and did not release them. The Judicial Conduct Commission has indicated that they did not release them. The inappropriate release of these materials prompted renewed questioning about allegations that were previously investigated and dismissed in accordance with the process established by the Utah Constitution.”

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In response to a public records request for the documents provided to KSL, the chief of staff for the Utah House of Representatives provided the same documents — including the report of the preliminary investigation into Hagen — to Utah News Dispatch on Friday morning. 

A House spokesperson did not respond to a question asking how the House came to be in possession of the complaint and the report of the preliminary investigation of Hagen. 

In response to the Utah Supreme Court’s statement saying the records were “inappropriately” released, House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, issued a statement saying: “We followed the statute in releasing these records.” 

Allegations of this nature, especially involving public officials, must be examined with transparency and accountability to establish the facts and to maintain public confidence.

– Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, House Speaker Mike Schultz and Senate President Stuart Adams

The Judicial Conduct Commission is an independent body made up of two members of the House of Representatives appointed by the House speaker, two members of the Senate appointed by the Senate president, three people appointed by the governor, two members of the Utah State Bar, and two judges appointed by the Utah Supreme Court. That commission ultimately dismissed the complaint against Hagen, as recommended by the investigator. 

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In a joint statement, Gov. Spencer Cox, Schultz, and Senate President Stuart Adams said the media reports about Hagen “and an attorney who has argued high-profile cases before the Court raise serious questions and concerns.” 

That attorney is David Reymann, who has represented the League of Women Voters and other plaintiffs in the anti-gerrymandering lawsuit that resulted in a court-ordered congressional map that Republican state leaders, especially Schultz and Adams, have vehemently fought and criticized. 

Reymann has also worked on behalf of news outlets and the state’s media coalition, including Utah News Dispatch.

In response to a request for comment Thursday, Reymann told Utah News Dispatch that “the allegations are false.” 

David Reymann, attorney for the plaintiffs who sued the Utah Legislature over their congressional maps, speaks at a press conference outside the Third District Courthouse in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025. Late the night before, 3rd District Judge Dianna Gibson ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, choosing their submitted map to be used in the 2026 elections. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)

David Reymann, attorney for the plaintiffs who sued the Utah Legislature over their congressional maps, speaks at a press conference outside the Third District Courthouse in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025. Late the night before, 3rd District Judge Dianna Gibson ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, choosing their submitted map to be used in the 2026 elections. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)

Cox, Schultz and Adams, in their statement, said the “initial review by the Judicial Conduct Commission and the Court left important questions unresolved.”

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“Allegations of this nature, especially involving public officials, must be examined with transparency and accountability to establish the facts and to maintain public confidence,” they said.

The governor, House speaker and Senate president announced they will “move forward with an independent investigation to ensure the facts are fully examined.” 

“This process will be conducted objectively and thoroughly, because maintaining trust in our institutions is essential,” they said. 

The release of the preliminary investigation — which was spurred by a complaint filed Dec. 27, 2025 on allegations that stem from Hagen’s marital problems and divorce in November 2025, according to the report — comes months ahead of Hagen’s retention election this fall.

Justice Hagen’s response

In a Jan. 5 letter to the Judicial Conduct Commission after she learned days prior that Utah Supreme Court Justice Matthew Durrant had received an email containing the accusations against her, Hagen denied them. 

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“The insinuation that I was ethically compromised while carrying out my official duties is patently false,” she wrote in the letter. She also attached a declaration under penalty of perjury detailing relevant facts and a signed declaration from her adult son affirming that she has consistently denied that a “sexual affair” occurred. 

“While my ex-husband’s accusations of adultery are false and the intimate details of my failed marriage have nothing to do with my judicial duties or my strict adherence to the Code of Judicial Conduct, I have chosen to self-report these allegations to the Commission to officially refute them under oath,” Hagen wrote in that letter. 

I took prompt, prudent, and transparent steps in response to the allegations made by my ex-husband, including reporting them myself to the Judicial Conduct Commission and submitting a sworn statement. The Judicial Conduct Commission recently reviewed the matter, dismissed the complaint, and closed the case. I remain committed to upholding the highest standards of judicial ethics, integrity, and impartiality.”

– Utah Supreme Court Justice Diana Hagen

“I had no relationship of any kind with the attorney in question while he had cases pending before me,” she added. “Over twenty years ago, he was a close personal friend of mine, but we had very little interaction in the years leading up to my appointment to the Court. After my appointment, I discontinued even that minimal contact because I was aware that he was an attorney in the (redistricting case) that was likely to come before the Court, and I wanted to avoid even the appearance of impropriety.” 

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Hagen noted that her “last involvement” in the redistricting case was in October 2024, when she authored the court’s unanimous opinion upholding a district court decision voiding Amendment D, a proposed constitutional amendment tied to the redistricting lawsuit that, if approved by voters, would have solidified the Legislature’s ability to change ballot initiatives. 

“In the spring of 2025, I was struggling with the breakdown of my thirty-year marriage. I reconnected with a number of old friends, including the attorney in question, for emotional support during this difficult time,” she wrote. “In light of our renewed friendship, I voluntarily recused (myself) from all further cases in which the attorney appeared, including a subsequent petition in the (redistricting case).”

Hagen also wrote that about six months ago she disclosed these circumstances to her court colleagues, consulted the court’s attorney “to ensure compliance with my ethical obligations, and reported my ex-husband’s behavior to the court security director.” 

“The insinuation that I was ethically compromised while carrying out my official duties is patently false,” she wrote. “I appreciate having this opportunity to set the record straight.” 

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The Utah Supreme Court’s statement issued Friday also noted the timeline of Hagen’s recusals and that her ex-husband’s allegations “post date her involvement” in the redistricting case. 

The Supreme Court also issued a statement from Hagen, in which she said “I never operated under a conflict of interest while performing my judicial duties” and noted that she recused herself from all cases involving Reymann in May 2025. 

“I took prompt, prudent, and transparent steps in response to the allegations made by my ex-husband, including reporting them myself to the Judicial Conduct Commission and submitting a sworn statement,” she said. “The Judicial Conduct Commission recently reviewed the matter, dismissed the complaint, and closed the case. I remain committed to upholding the highest standards of judicial ethics, integrity, and impartiality.”

The allegations

Hagen’s ex-husband Tobin Hagen did not file the complaint against her. Rather, it was submitted by another attorney, Michael Worley — who previously applied for a clerkship for Hagen but ultimately didn’t accept to instead work for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights.

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Worley, in the email reporting the accusations to Durrant, said after he didn’t accept the clerkship with Hagen, he kept in touch with her and her husband, and he interacted with Tobin Hagen on social media. 

Worley told Durrant that he was on Facebook on Dec. 26, 2025 when he saw a post that indicated Tobin Hagen and Diana Hagen had gotten divorced, so he reached out through Facebook messenger to Tobin Hagen to offer his support. 

Worley included a screenshot of a lengthy message he received from Tobin Hagen in response, in which Tobin Hagen alleged his daughter “found some inappropriate texts” between Diana Hagen and Reymann, he accused her of cheating, and he said “she paid me $40,000 to keep quiet” as part of a nondisclosure agreement in the divorce settlement. 

In his email to Durrant, Worley said he had “no knowledge about whether Tobin’s allegations are true,” but he felt an ethical obligation to report them in case they were. 

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In the report on the Judicial Conduct Commission’s preliminary investigation into Hagen, the investigator wrote that based on an interview with Tobin Hagen on Jan. 15, 2025, “Tobin did not approve of this complaint being submitted to the JCC but acknowledged” that he had sent the message to Worley. 

“Tobin’s belief that Justice Hagen had an extramarital affair with David Reymann is based on the totality of the circumstances,” the report says, but it also notes “Tobin has no direct evidence that such an affair occured.” 

In that interview, Tobin Hagen told the investigator that their marriage was “deteriorating” in 2024, and that starting in early 2025, Diana Hagen and Reymann would meet for drinks or lunch, sometimes with other people present, and that Diana Hagen was “up front about these meetings.” However, Tobin Hagen said that he later discovered “one such meetup was concealed from him.” 

The investigator also wrote that Tobin Hagen said that in February 2025 he “became aware that Justice Hagen and Reymann were exchanging inappropriate text messages” that “were initially silly and then became more suggestive.” 

Tobin Hagen, however, declined to share copies of the text messages due to a non-disparagement agreement that was signed as part of their divorce, the investigator wrote. He described the text messages as “very flirtatious” with repeated use of the “kissy face emoji” and “love emoji.”  

Tobin Hagen told the investigator, according to the report, that when he confronted Diana Hagen about “the suspicion that she had an affair with Reymann,” she “denied the allegation but noted her 25-year friendship” with him and argued that she could talk with him “whenever she wanted.” 

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The investigator also wrote in the report that Tobin Hagen said after Diana Hagen found out he had told a friend about one of her text messages to Reymann, she became “very upset and commented that Tobin was putting her job as a Utah Supreme Court justice in jeopardy.” 

When asked about the allegation that Diana Hagen paid Tobin Hagen $40,000 to “keep quiet publicly,” Tobin clarified to the investigator that “as part of the divorce settlement, Justice Hagen wanted Tobin to sign a non-disparagement agreement (NDA), which Tobin was unwilling to do. Justice Hagen offered to contribute $40,000 toward taxes and fees associated with paying off the family home in exchange for Tobin signing the NDA. Tobin agreed.”

The investigator concluded that the allegation that Diana Hagen “committed judicial misconduct related to the $40,000 mentioned in the complaint is unfounded.”

“The language in the complaint implies Justice Hagen attempted to bride (sic) Tobin or something similarly untoward. This is inaccurate,” the investigator wrote. “The $40,000 was a negotiated element of the divorce agreement. This is not indicative of judicial misconduct.” 

Tobin Hagen also told the investigator that he confronted Reymann about having an affair with Hagen, which he said Reymann denied, but “acknowledged regular contact over the 25-year friendship with Justice Hagen.”

While Tobin Hagen wrote in the Facebook message that Worley reported to the Judicial Conduct Commission and Durrant that Diana Hagen “confessed” to the affair, the signed declaration from her son refutes that claim, the investigator wrote. 

Court documents confirm Diana Hagen filed for divorce from Tobin Hagen in August 2025. The settlement agreement was signed on Oct. 23 2025 “and makes no mention of infidelity,” according to the investigator’s report. 

Ultimately, the investigator concluded in the report that “there is insufficient evidence to support an allegation that Justice Hagen engaged in an extramarital affair. Furthermore, there is conflicting guidance on whether such infidelity by a judge in and of itself warrants discipline.” 

The allegations as presented in the complaint are speculative, overstated, and misleading. There is very little credibility to this complaint.”

– Judicial Conduct Commission investigator

“Additional investigative steps could be taken to further investigate the allegation of infidelity,” the investigator wrote in the report, listing examples like interviewing Diana Hagen’s two adult children, Reymann and his wife, and issuing a subpoena for the text messages. “However, such steps would be intrusive and potentially embarrassing for those involved.”

The investigator wrote that “since the allegation of infidelity is based on speculation, it would not be prudent nor fair to Justice Hagen or Reymann for JCC staff to attempt to take any of these investigative steps without JCC approving a full investigation into this complaint.”

The investigator also wrote there is “insufficient evidence” to support the allegation that Justice Hagen failed to properly recuse herself from the redistricting case or that her “impartiality has been compromised.” 

“Overall, the information provided by Tobin during the interview is drastically different than what is alleged in the complainant,” the investigator wrote. “The allegations as presented in the complaint are speculative, overstated, and misleading. There is very little credibility to this complaint.” 

The investigator ultimately recommended the JCC dismiss the allegations for “insufficient evidence of judicial misconduct.” 

Democrats raise concerns about separation of powers; Bar weighs in

In response to the KSL story published Thursday detailing the allegations against Diana Hagen, Utah House and Senate Democrats issued a statement saying they “trust the work of the Judicial Conduct Commission and the process it followed as it previously investigated and addressed this matter.”

“Efforts by the Legislature to investigate a member of the judiciary raise significant concerns over the separation of powers,” House and Senate Democrats said. “This is part of a broader pattern of overstepping judicial independence and sets an incredibly dangerous precedent.”

The Utah State Bar also issued a statement saying that while it “has no role or involvement with the operation of the Judicial Conduct Commission …  the Bar shares the Utah Supreme Court’s concerns regarding the release of confidential and statutorily protected JCC records.”

“We appreciate the important function of the JCC and trust that they conduct their investigations and make findings with careful and thorough consideration,” the Bar said. “We affirm the Court’s statement that the JCC is the sole entity established by the Utah Constitution with the specific authority to ‘investigate and conduct confidential hearings regarding complaints against any justice or judge.’”

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Source: Utah News

Utah leaders launch probe into Supreme Court justice over alleged relationship with redistricting lawyer

Utah officials ordered a probe into Supreme Court Justice Diana Hagen over alleged ties to an attorney involved in a key redistricting case ruling.

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Republican Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and top state lawmakers ordered an independent investigation Friday into a state Supreme Court justice over allegations she had an unethical relationship with an attorney who worked on a high-stakes redistricting case.

Justice Diana Hagen, who was appointed by Cox, stands accused by her ex-husband of sending what he described as “inappropriate” text messages to an attorney who helped challenge a Republican-friendly map that maintained four red congressional seats in Utah. Hagen joined a unanimous decision to toss out Republicans’ redistricting plan in July 2024, a ruling that led to one of the seats flipping blue in time for the 2026 midterms.

The revelation of a possible relationship between Hagen and the attorney, David Reymann, who worked on behalf of progressive voting rights groups in the case, stemmed from a complaint that a lawyer for Hagen’s husband submitted to Chief Justice Matthew Durrant and the Judicial Conduct Commission, according to local outlet KSL.

Hagen and Reymann have both denied the allegations. Fox News Digital reached out to a Utah Supreme Court representative and Reymann for comment.

FEDERAL JUDGE SCORCHES DEMS FOR PANDERING TO LATINOS WITH CALIFORNIA MAP IN FIERY DISSENT

Utah Governor Spencer Cox speaking

Utah Governor Spencer Cox welcomes U.S. President Joe Biden before he spoke at the George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center on August 10, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. President Biden was celebrating the first anniversary of the PACT Act.  (George Frey/Getty Images)

The Judicial Conduct Commission, described on its website as an independent body comprising several state lawmakers, judges and members of the public, conducted a preliminary investigation based on the complaint and chose not to pursue the matter further, the outlet reported. Fox News Digital reached out to the Judicial Conduct Commission for comment.

The Utah Supreme Court issued a public statement on behalf of Hagen Friday afternoon in which she said she never had a conflict of interest.

Justice Diana Hagen

Justice Diana Hagen in her official Utah Supreme Court headshot.  (Utah State Courts)

SUPREME COURT SIDES WITH NEW YORK REPUBLICAN IN CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING FIGHT

“My last involvement in the redistricting case was October 2024,” Hagen said. “I voluntarily recused myself from all cases involving Mr. Reymann in May 2025, and my recusal was reflected in the Court’s September 15, 2025 opinion in League of Women Voters. I took prompt, prudent, and transparent steps in response to the allegations made by my ex-husband, including reporting them myself to the Judicial Conduct Commission and submitting a sworn statement. The Judicial Conduct Commission recently reviewed the matter, dismissed the complaint, and closed the case. I remain committed to upholding the highest standards of judicial ethics, integrity, and impartiality.”

The complaint and interviews conducted by the Judicial Conduct Commission found that Hagen and her husband began discussing divorce in September 2024, had interacted together with Reymann toward the end of that year and that Hagen did not meet one-on-one with Reymann until 2025, according to KSL.

Utah Supreme Court building

Salt Lake City, Utah, The Scott M. Matheson Courthouse, which houses the Utah Supreme Court and various lower courts.  (Jim West/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

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Cox, along with Senate President Stuart Adams and House Speaker Mike Schultz, who joined the governor in launching the new investigation, said in a joint statement that more “transparency” was needed on the matter, signaling that the public’s trust in the state’s highest court was at stake, especially after a polarizing decision in a redistricting case set to affect the midterms.

“An initial review by the Judicial Conduct Commission and the court left important questions unresolved,” they said. “Allegations of this nature, especially involving public officials, must be examined with transparency and accountability to establish the facts and to maintain public confidence.”

Source: Utah News

Utah Mammoth Announce 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Activations

On the eve of the NHL 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs and the two-year anniversary of Utah welcoming the NHL to the state, the Utah Mammoth announced a slate of fan experiences, presented by Delta Air Lines …

SALT LAKE CITY (April 17, 2026) – On the eve of the NHL 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs and the two-year anniversary of Utah welcoming the NHL to the state, the Utah Mammoth announced a slate of fan experiences, presented by Delta Air Lines, designed to engage fans and ignite excitement as the team prepares for its first-ever playoff run. The Mammoth will face the Vegas Golden Knights in the first round with the best-of-seven series beginning on April 19 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The first-round celebration in Utah will include game day watch parties at popular bars and restaurants, exclusive playoff merchandise, in-arena experiences, and fan contests. 

“This is an exciting step for our players and coaches, our entire organization, and most especially our fans,” said Chris Armstrong, president of hockey operations for the Utah Mammoth. “From day one, our goal has been to build something the community could rally around throughout the entire state of Utah. Enjoying playoff hockey for the first time in just our second season will be an incredibly special shared experience for everyone. These fan-focused activations provide opportunities for our fans to be even closer to the team as we head into the most important time of the year.” 

The Mammoth are inviting fans to be a part of this historic moment by taking part in a variety of activations across the community and at the Delta Center, including:  

Look-Alike Contest (April 18)

On Saturday, April 18 from 12-1 P.M. MT fans are invited to show up with their best Nate Schmidt impression as the organization hosts a player look-alike contest on the SeatGeek plaza at the Delta Center. Participants will have a chance to win exclusive Utah Mammoth prizes, including signed hockey sticks, jerseys, pucks, and more. The grand prize winner will receive two (2) lower bowl tickets to Utah’s Round 1 Game 3 of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Delta Center, which will take place Friday, April 24 at 7:30 P.M. MT. 

A special guest judging panel will include Tusky, Allie Schmidt, Nate Schmidt’s wife, Utah Mammoth studio host Kim Becker, and Mammoth radio host Adrian Denny. Contestants will be evaluated on creativity, commitment, and overall performance. Fans interested in participating can arrive as early as 11 A.M. to register onsite but are strongly encouraged to register in advance here.

Exclusive 2026 Playoff Merchandise 

On sale now, fans can gear up for the postseason with the launch of the official 2026 Stanley Cup Playoff merchandise, available at the Team Store inside the Delta Center and online. The collection will feature limited-edition designs and playoff-specific apparel.

Watch Parties Across the Community

Fans are encouraged to gather and cheer on the Mammoth at watch party locations across Salt Lake City. Each venue will offer a high-energy, communal viewing experience, complete with giveaways taking place throughout the postseason. Participating locations include: 

  • Fiddler’s – 1063 E 2100 S #2349, Salt Lake City, UT 84106
  • Boneyard Saloon – 1251 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060
  • The Green Pig – 31 E 400 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
  • Brickyard Bar – 3000 S Highland Dr, Millcreek, UT 84106
  • A full list of locations can be found here

Utah Mammoth Playoff Plaza Parties

Ahead of each home game during Round One, the Utah Mammoth will host a free, open-to-the-public playoff party on the SeatGeek plaza outside the Delta Center. The celebrations will feature a photo opportunity with the newly-debuted Zammoth, live entertainment from Utah-based band The Current, interactive games, a beer garden, and more. 

In-Game Entertainment

Fans attending home games at the Delta Center can expect an elevated playoff atmosphere throughout the arena. Every fan in attendance will receive an exclusive rally towel each game. In addition, enhanced game presentation elements, including Mammoth dancers, a pregame drumline, surprise giveaways, and special moments will take place throughout each game. 

Where to Watch 

The First Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, including pre- and post-game coverage of the Utah Mammoth will be available locally on the over-the-air station The Spot – Utah 16 (KUPX-TV Channel 16), which is owned by The E.W. Scripps Company, as well as streamed on SEG Media’s direct-to-consumer streaming platforms SEG+ and Mammoth+.

Radio broadcasts for all games will be available on KSL Sports Zone (1280 AM/97.5 FM), the radio home of the Utah Mammoth. 

Authorized ticket platforms for Utah Mammoth home games include utahmammoth.com and SeatGeek, the Official Ticketing Partner of the Utah Mammoth, where fans can purchase, sell, or transfer tickets securely and conveniently.

Source: Utah News

Mikayla Matthews Says She Has the ‘Worst Anxiety’ About Returning Home to Utah amid Health Struggles

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ star Mikayla Matthews, who was recently on a trip in Costa Rica, opened up about her fear that her chronic illness symptoms would flare up when she returned to Utah.

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ star Mikayla Matthews, who was recently on a trip in Costa Rica, opened up about her fear that her chronic illness symptoms would flare up when she returned to Utah.

Source: Utah News

No charges to be filed against Taylor Frankie Paul’s ex-boyfriend in Utah case

Dakota Mortensen, the ex-boyfriend of Taylor Frankie Paul, the “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star, will not be charged in relation to an allegation of domestic violence this year, the Utah city of Dr …

Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen. (Getty Images )

Dakota Mortensen, the ex-boyfriend of Taylor Frankie Paul, the “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star, will not be charged in relation to an allegation of domestic violence this year, the Utah city of Draper said.

In a statement, the city announced the city prosecutor’s decision two days after the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office declined to file charges against Paul.

“The Draper City Prosecutor reviewed the DA’s findings and, upon further review of the Draper Police case, has declined to file any charges against Taylor Frankie Paul or Dakota Mortensen related to an investigation of domestic assault claims,” the city said.

Mortensen filed a complaint of domestic violence against Paul on Feb. 23, and Paul counter-claimed an assault by him.

“After a thorough investigation by Draper Police, the City Prosecutor has determined that there is insufficient corroborating evidence to support filing criminal charges against either party,” the city said in the statement.

The police department said it “would only pursue the investigation further if additional information is provided that supports the prosecution of either party.”

NBC News has reached out to representatives for Paul for comment.

Mortensen declined to comment when he was reached by phone.

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In the incident in February, a friend reported that Paul assaulted Mortensen, according to police records obtained through a Utah public records request.

Mortensen told police that Paul attacked him, grabbed his throat, scratched him and threw objects at him, according to Draper police records. Paul told police that she told Mortensen to leave her home and he refused and that at one point Mortensen grabbed her and hit her head against the dashboard of his vehicle, according to the police documents.

Police said in the documents about the investigation that the city prosecutor “advised that neither Taylor or Dakota are credible witnesses, with both their statements being fraught with inconsistencies.”

Police referred the case to the Utah Division of Child and Family Services, because the couple’s child was home at the time, the city said in Thursday’s statement.

Allegations of domestic violence between the couple made headlines last month when a leaked video from a 2023 incident went viral. The video, posted online by TMZ, appeared to show Paul hurling a chair at Mortensen as he protested.

The couple’s on-and-off relationship was depicted in “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” which premiered in 2024. Filming for season five was paused last month, sources have told NBC News.

Paul was to be the centerpiece of season 22 of ABC’s “The Bachelorette,” but after the 2023 video was leaked, the network pulled the upcoming season.

Mortensen will be edited out of the upcoming season of “Vanderpump Villa,” a source familiar with the show confirmed to NBC News.

Draper is a city of around 50,000 in Salt Lake and Utah counties, south of Salt Lake City and in the metropolitan area.

Source: Utah News

Man accused of killing Charlie Kirk pushes to ban cameras from court

Tyler Robinson is due in court Friday as his attorneys press their claims that biased coverage is tainting potential jurors in his aggravated murder case.

SALT LAKE CITY — The man accused of killing Charlie Kirk wants a judge to ban cameras from the courtroom and says live broadcasts of the prosecution are violating his right to a fair trial.

Tyler Robinson is due in court Friday as his attorneys press their claims that biased coverage is tainting potential jurors in his aggravated murder case.

Among numerous examples cited was a New York Post story they say suggested Robinson confessed to Kirk’s killing during a courtroom conversation on Dec. 11, in his first appearance after being charged. The conversation with his attorneys was inaudible, but the story cited a “lip reading analysis” to support its claim that Robinson said, “I think about the shooting daily.”

“The predominant purpose being served by the live stream coverage has not been the educational reporting of the court proceedings, but rather advertising profit, sensationalism, political agendas, and, most prominently, the vilification of Mr. Robinson,” his attorneys wrote in their request to bar cameras.

Prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty for Robinson should he be convicted in the Sept. 10 shooting of the conservative activist, who was addressing a crowd of thousands on the Utah Valley University campus in Orem.

Robinson, who turned 23 on Thursday, has not yet entered a plea.

Media sensationalism around the case has cut both ways. In a March 30 headline, the U.K.-based Daily Mail reported the bullet that killed Kirk “did NOT match” a rifle allegedly used by Robinson. The story was based on an inconclusive, preliminary finding by ballistics experts and led to speculation about Robinson’s possible exoneration. The FBI is running additional tests, according to court documents.

Media organizations, prosecutors and Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, want the court to allow cameras. They argue the best way to guard against the misinformation and conspiracy theories that concern Robinson’s defense team is to make the process transparent.

Yet livestreaming by media outlets already has tested the patience of Judge Tony Graf.

During the December hearing, Graf briefly stopped the livestream and ordered the camera relocated after it showed the defendant’s shackles in violation of a courtroom decorum order.

Then, a January hearing was interrupted when Robinson’s attorneys said close-up shots of Robinson being livestreamed by a local television station could again lead to claims based on lip reading. That, too, was a violation of Graf’s decorum order. The judge ordered the camera operator not to film Robinson for the remainder of the hearing.

Mike Judd, a lawyer for a coalition of media organizations including The Associated Press that have been fighting to preserve access, said Graf so far has focused on whether his rules inside the courtroom are being followed, not what the media is saying outside of court.

“The court can do all of that in order to try to control what gets fed into that media ecosystem,” Judd said. “You reduce the likelihood of somebody publishing things that you think may be of potentially biasing concern later on.”

Policies on cameras and livestreaming vary among states, and many including Utah give judges discretion over whether to allow cameras. Cameras are generally prohibited in federal courts.

“There’s Supreme Court precedent that says courts generally need to be open to the public, but that’s not an absolute right,” said University of Utah law professor Teneille Brown. “Even if they allow public access, that does not equal a right to broadcast or record.”

Robinson’s attorneys are seeking to delay his May preliminary hearing, when prosecutors must show that they have enough evidence to proceed to a trial.

Prosecutors have said DNA consistent with Robinson’s was found on the trigger of the rifle, the fired cartridge casing, two unfired cartridges and a towel used to wrap the rifle. Defense attorneys note that forensic reports indicate multiple people’s DNA was found on some items, which they say requires a more complex analysis.

Robinson reportedly texted his romantic partner that he targeted Kirk because he “had enough of his hatred,” prosecutors have said.

Source: Utah News

Winter returns to Utah to end the week, but warmer and drier weather returns for the weekend

The bottom line? A strong cold front is bringing colder temperatures, freeze concerns, and a bit of snow to northern Utah. Widespread frost and freeze conditions return to Utah Thursday and Friday …

The bottom line? A strong cold front is bringing colder temperatures, freeze concerns, and a bit of snow to northern Utah. Widespread frost and freeze conditions return to Utah Thursday and Friday …

Source: Utah News

Utah Valley University scraps controversial commencement speaker who criticized Charlie Kirk after his murder

Sharon McMahon will no longer speak at Utah Valley University following widespread backlash to her being selected as commencement speaker.

Utah Valley University (UVU) announced on Thursday that author and educator Sharon McMahon will no longer serve as its commencement speaker after widespread backlash to her past comments about Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, following his assassination on the same campus.

“Due to increased safety concerns related to the speaker and in consultation with public safety professionals and Sharon McMahon, Utah Valley University has decided to proceed without a featured commencement speaker for this year’s ceremony,” the school announced.

Days after Kirk was killed, McMahon wrote on X, “Millions of people feel they were harmed, and the murder that was horrific and should never have happened does not magically erase what was said or done.”

Influencer Jake Paul Says Charlie Kirk Would Have Been ‘The Next President’

Charlie Kirk in a white T-shirt emblazoned with the word "Freedom" at UVU shortly before his assassination

The now-deleted social media post sent two days after Kirk’s death also included a pair of quotes that many Kirk supporters said were taken out of context.

“It’s important to remember that the incredible tragedy of a public assassination does not erase the harm many experienced from his words, and the ensuing actions his followers took,” McMahon wrote.

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Kirk was killed after being shot in the neck while speaking at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10. The 31-year-old was participating in a public speaking event sponsored by the campus chapter of Turning Point at the time of his assassination.

The school selecting McMahon as commencement speaker months after the killing emerged as a polarizing issue, with ex-Utah Republican Rep. Jason Chaffetz calling it a “horrific choice.”

Alleged Charlie Kirk Assassin Tyler Robinson’s Fingerprints, Palm Print Found Near Rooftop: Report

Sharon McMahon

Sharon McMahon attends a discussion of her book “The Small and the Mighty” at 92NY on September 25, 2024 in New York City.

Turning Point spokesperson Andrew Kolvet was “shocked and disappointed” that the school selected McMahon.

“I just felt it was in really bad taste,” Kolvet told Fox News Digital on Wednesday, before McMahon’s speech was canceled.

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“It feels cold-hearted,” he continued. “It feels unnecessary, and I really hope that they change course, change direction and pick somebody more suitable for the time.”

Kolvet called it “really disrespectful” to students who are still grieving the loss of Kirk, and to others who are “traumatized” by the horrific killing.

Tyler Robinson Judge Unseals Atf Report In Assassination Of Charlie Kirk

Turning Point USA chapter president at Utah Valley University Caleb Chilcutt called the selection of McMahon a “slap to the face” Monday on “Fox & Friends.”

Kolvet did not immediately respond when asked for comment on the school canceling the commencement speech.

A spokesperson for McMahon declined comment.

Her team previously dismissed the notion that she celebrated Kirk’s death, telling Utah outlets that she “unequivocally condemned the murder of Charlie Kirk, repeatedly and publicly, calling his death a tragedy and stressing that public debate must never be met with violence.”

Tyler Robinson, a Utah man, was arrested on suspicion of killing Kirk and faces seven charges, including aggravated murder. He faces the death penalty if convicted.

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Fox News Digital’s Max Bacall and Michael Ruiz contributed to this report. 

Original article source: Utah Valley University scraps controversial commencement speaker who criticized Charlie Kirk after his murder

Source: Utah News

What Keanu Dawes’ transfer portal decision means for Utah basketball

Keanu Dawes became the first player from the 2025-26 Utah men’s basketball squad to officially change schools via the transfer portal Thursday, as reports surfa …

Keanu Dawes became the first player from the 2025-26 Utah men’s basketball squad to officially change schools via the transfer portal Thursday, as reports surfaced that the versatile wing committed to Kansas for his senior season.

Dawes, who grew up in the Salt Lake City area, spent the past two seasons with the Runnin’ Utes after starting his collegiate career at Rice. He previously entered the transfer portal following the 2024-25 campaign, though he opted to withdraw his name so he could be part of Alex Jensen’s first season as head coach.

In total, Dawes appeared in 63 games, including 34 starts, across his Utah career, averaging 10.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 24.8 minutes per contest. ESPN’s Jonathan Givony was the first to report his move to the Jayhawks and point out that Dawes will test the NBA draft waters as well.

What Keanu Dawes’ Transfer Decision Means for Utah

Big shoes to fill

Even if Dawes’ departure was expected by some within Utah’s walls for weeks, Thursday’s report confirmed that the Utes not only have to replenish their backcourt depth and reload in the frontcourt; they also have to attempt to replace the rebounding and scoring production the 6-foot-9 wing brought to the table with his athleticism and versatility.

Utah’s first portal addition, Utah Valley transfer Jackson Holcombe, could provide some of the same dribble penetration and aggression that Dawes did, though the former Wolverines guard isn’t the same size-wise (6-foot-7, 207 pounds) and hasn’t proven himself to be the same 3-point threat that Dawes was for Utah in 2025-26. And for what it’s worth, Dawes has more experience at the Big 12 level than the ex-Western Athletic Conference player.

That said, expecting Holcombe to do the same things Dawes did for the Utes isn’t necessarily fair. After all, Dawes recorded 11 double-doubles, including a 22-point, 12-rebound effort against Kansas in February, and finished among the Big 12’s top five rebounders with 8.8 boards per contest. On top of that, he added 12.5 points per game on 54.6% from the field and 31.7% from 3-point range.

If the Utes are to have any chance at snagging a player of Dawes’ caliber in the portal, they better move quickly; several of the top small forwards who entered the portal have committed to new schools, and the price to acquire one could go up as the market begins to dry out.

Another starter heading out the door

Dawes’ Utah exit ensures at least three starters from the 2025-26 squad won’t be on the roster for next season, given Don McHenry and James Okonkwo have both exhausted their eligibility.

Barring a return from Terrence Brown or Seydou Traore, Jensen and company will have an entirely new starting five for the 2026-27 campaign. At this rate, they’re set to lose eight of their top nine scorers to the portal or expiring eligibility. In fact, rising sophomores Obomate Abbey and Lucas Langarita are the only projected returners who logged any minutes this past season.

Utah is expected to bring back Babacar Faye, the 6-foot-9 Western Kentucky transfer who didn’t play in 2025-26 due to injury, for his sixth year of college hoops, giving Jensen and the staff a potential starter to build around.

Utah hasn’t seen the last of Dawes

Assuming he doesn’t pursue the draft waters to their full extent, Dawes will likely see his former team at least once during Big 12 conference play next season.

Utah’s league schedule hasn’t been revealed yet, though based on the fact the Utes and Jayhawks have traded home games in each of the past two seasons, there’s a good chance Dawes will return to the Huntsman Center as a visitor after facing Kansas at Allen Fieldhouse with the Utes just a few months ago.

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Source: Utah News

Utah Becomes the New Center of U.S. Measles Cases

Nearly 600 people have been sickened across the state, which has seen an increase in vaccine exemptions among children in recent years.

Nearly 600 people have been sickened across the state, which has seen an increase in vaccine exemptions among children in recent years.

Source: Utah News