Taylor Frankie Paul Scandal Halts ‘Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ Season 5 After Shocking Domestic Violence Video Surfaces
Filming on the fifth season of Hulu’s reality series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has been paused following allegations of domestic violence involving star Taylor Frankie Paul and her ex, Dakota Mortensen, People and TMZ reported.
A spokesperson for the Draper City Police Department confirmed there is an ongoing “domestic assault investigation” between the two, with claims made by both parties. Contact with both Taylor and Dakota occurred on February 24 and 25, according to authorities.
A source said, “They are not filming. Taylor has some pretty serious stuff happening regarding her past, and they will see what happens. Until that resolves, they are off.”
The news comes just days after the release of season four of Mormon Wives and shortly before Taylor is set to make her debut as the lead on ABC’s The Bachelorette. Her casting is notable as she is the first person outside of Bachelor Nation to lead the franchise.
Taylor’s past legal troubles include a February 2023 domestic violence arrest involving Mortensen, which was featured in the first season of Mormon Wives. The couple shares a child, Ever True, born in March 2024. Taylor also has two other children from a previous marriage.
TMZ obtained a video from a 2023 incident in which Taylor allegedly attacked Mortensen. The footage shows a violent altercation, including Taylor throwing objects while a child was present. The child reportedly suffered a minor head injury described in the police report as a “goose egg.”
Taylor pled guilty to felony aggravated assault and received three years’ probation, which ends in August. Four other charges, including domestic violence in the presence of a child, child abuse, and criminal mischief, were dropped as part of the plea deal.
Ongoing allegations of violence between Taylor and Dakota have prompted an investigation by the Utah Division of Children and Family Services. Both have been ordered to undergo psychological evaluations. A representative for Taylor criticized Dakota, saying, “Releasing an old and selectively edited video on their son’s birthday is a reprehensible attempt to distract from his own behavior. Thankfully, the public has seen this act before and knows who he is.”
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Taylor Frankie Paul repeatedly attacked Dakota Mortensen during the 2023 incident in which she pled guilty to aggravated assault; video shows that one of her children was struck during the fight.
— TMZ (@TMZ) March 19, 2026
Trigger Warning. https://t.co/77CKYpLxvn pic.twitter.com/avr49EacY3
The situation has reportedly caused tension among the cast of Mormon Wives, with some members refusing to film until matters are resolved. Hulu has not commented on the halt in production, and ABC did not respond to requests for comment regarding Taylor’s upcoming role on The Bachelorette.
This incident adds another layer of controversy to Taylor’s public image, especially as she prepares to lead a major reality TV show.
This situation highlights how real-life issues can dramatically impact television production and cast dynamics. It also shows the challenges of separating personal history from professional opportunities in reality TV. What do you think about this pause in filming and the surrounding controversy? Share your thoughts in the comments.