Production on Season 5 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has resumed after being halted several weeks ago due to the domestic violence investigation involving Taylor Frankie Paul and her ex-girlfriend Dakota Mortensen. It is not yet clear whether Paul and Mortensen will be involved in the upcoming fifth season.
The cast of Mormon Wives includes Whitney Leavitt, Macy Neely, Mikayla Matthews, Jesse Draper, Miranda McWhirter, Jen Affleck, as well as their husbands and ex-lovers.
On March 16, news broke that production on Mormon Housewives had been paused as police in Draper City, Utah, investigated allegations of domestic violence against each other by Paul and Mortensen in connection with an incident that occurred in late February. Season 5 of Mormon Wives was in production at the time, but the incident was not caught on camera.
After hearings from multiple lawyers, a court announced earlier this month that Paul would not be charged.
The February incident was not the first such conflict between Paul and Mortensen. In 2023, Paul was arrested and later pleaded guilty to aggravated assault against Mortensen. The altercation was widely publicized and detailed in Season 1 of Mormon Housewives, but on March 19, TMZ released footage of the altercation that had previously only been shown in court. The video showed Paul throwing a metal barstool while Mortensen’s child was nearby. (Paul and Mortensen have a son, but he was not yet born at the time of the incident; the child seen in the video is from Paul’s previous marriage).
Shortly after the TMZ leak, Disney canceled the March 22nd premiere of The Bachelorette, which had already been filmed starring Paul. “In light of today’s newly released video, we have made the decision not to move forward with a new season of The Bachelorette at this time and are focused on supporting our family,” the company said in a statement. Paul’s spokesperson released a statement shortly after, saying: “Taylor is extremely grateful for ABC’s support as her family’s safety and security is her top priority. After years of enduring massive emotional and physical abuse and threats of retaliation, Taylor has finally made her final decision. “Too many women are suffering in silence while surviving aggressive and jealous ex-partners who refuse to move out.” Taylor has remained silent for fear of further abuse, retaliation and public shaming, and is now exploring all options, seeking support and preparing to share her story. ”
Paul and Mortensen have filed restraining orders against each other.
