Dakota Mortensen's Podcast Appearance Fuels Online Debate

Dakota Mortensen's "Viall Files" Appearance Sparks Online Debate: Justifications for Past Actions Questioned On June 4th, 2025, Dakota Mortensen appeared on Nick Viall's popular podcast, "The Viall Files." This appearance has generated considerable discussion online, particularly after a TikTok video by Stephanie Tleiji (@stephwithdadeets) analyzed Mortensen's comments. Tleiji's video, which has garnered significant views and engagement, focuses on Mortensen's attempts to justify past actions, particularly those related to his relationship with Taylor Frankie Paul. Tleiji points out several instances in the podcast where Mortensen appears to downplay his role in certain events. She highlights a segment where Mortensen discusses his relationship with Paul, stating, "I was so afraid of how much I liked Taylor." Tleiji interprets this as an attempt to shift blame and avoid taking full responsibility for his actions. The TikTok video also addresses the recent controversy surrounding a social media post by Paul. Mortensen's comments in the podcast about protecting Paul are analyzed by Tleiji, who suggests his statements are manipulative. The video concludes with Tleiji's opinion that Mortensen and Paul should not reconcile for the sake of their child's well-being. The significant engagement with Tleiji's video underscores the public's interest in this story, highlighting the ongoing scrutiny of public figures' behavior and the role of social media in shaping public perception.