Reality television circles are abuzz with fresh gossip after Dakota Mortensen, the former on-and-off partner of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Taylor Frankie Paul, was spotted in a seemingly intimate moment with model Brooks Nader at a high-profile launch party.
A "Messy Crossover" at The Plaza Hotel
The rumours ignited on Tuesday, 13 November 2025, during Hulu's party for the new season of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives at New York City's famed Plaza Hotel. The source of the speculation was none other than Nader's own sister, who posted a video of the pair with the caption, "I'm sensing a MESSY crossover."
Multiple TikTok videos from the event depicted Mortensen, 32, and Nader, 28, in a quiet corner of the venue. In one clip, Mortensen was seen touching the waist of Nader, who was wearing sunglasses, as they conversed in hushed tones. Another angle showed Nader placing her hands on Mortensen's chest, further fuelling speculation about their relationship status.
Social Media Reacts to the Flirtatious Encounter
The online reaction was swift and sceptical. Both Mortensen and Nader commented on the TikToks, acting surprised they had been filmed. Mortensen wrote, "Had no clue there were other povs," accompanied by a laughing emoji, while Nader commented, "These other povs are crazy," comparing it to her sister's post.
However, many fans were not convinced the interaction was genuine. One TikTok user commented, "He wants to be on tv so bad," with another agreeing, "The way he knows he is being filmed right now too and is trying so hard." A third speculated about Nader's motives, writing, "She's just doing it for the plot at this point..oh Brooks!!"
The Complicated Backstories
The situation is layered with existing romantic entanglements. Dakota Mortensen and Taylor Frankie Paul began their tumultuous relationship in 2022, shortly after Paul's divorce and her revelation of a swinging scandal within the 'MomTok' community. The couple, who share a one-year-old son named Ever True, finally broke up in December 2024 but have stated they remain on fine terms for co-parenting.
For her part, Brooks Nader is a model who rose to prominence on season 33 of Dancing with the Stars. Her showmance with professional partner Gleb Savchenko was a major storyline during the season, and the pair dated on-and-off until April 2025. Her family is also in the reality TV spotlight, with their Hulu docuseries, Love Thy Nader, premiering in August.
With Paul absent from the SLOMW launch due to filming The Bachelorette, the cosy sighting of her ex with another reality star has certainly provided the drama fans crave, leaving many to wonder if this is a genuine new romance or simply a play for the cameras.
