Production on the fifth season of the reality television series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has reportedly been put on hold indefinitely. This hiatus comes as one of the show's prominent stars, Taylor Frankie Paul, and her former boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, are under investigation for domestic assault.
Filming Suspended Due to Serious Allegations
According to sources close to the production, filming has been paused due to what insiders describe as 'serious stuff' involving Taylor Frankie Paul. A representative from the Draper City Police Department has confirmed to media outlets that an open domestic assault investigation is currently underway, with allegations made in both directions between Paul and Mortensen.
The police spokesperson revealed that contact was made with the involved parties on February 24th and 25th, though specific details about the nature of the allegations remain undisclosed. Multiple media organizations, including The Daily Mail, have reached out to Paul, Mortensen, Hulu, ABC, and the Draper City Police Department for comment but have not yet received responses.
Previous Legal Troubles Resurface
This is not Taylor Frankie Paul's first encounter with legal authorities regarding domestic violence allegations. In 2023, she was arrested after allegedly throwing chairs at Mortensen during an argument, with one chair accidentally striking her five-year-old daughter, Indy, in the head.
Paul ultimately pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, a third-degree felony, as part of a plea deal that saw four other charges dismissed. As part of her sentencing, she was required to undergo counseling, receive substance abuse and domestic violence evaluations, and maintain a clean legal record.
Police bodycam footage from that incident, obtained by The Daily Mail, revealed that Paul had allegedly become enraged when Mortensen refused to take her to a concert because she was intoxicated. During the arrest at her Herriman, Utah home, Paul told officers she was so frightened she had 'peed' herself.
Impact on Production and Release Schedule
Despite the filming hiatus, sources indicate the pause is temporary, with production expected to resume soon. Industry insiders suggest the delay will likely not significantly impact the season five release date, as the alleged incident did not occur during filming.
Variety reports that the show's release schedule and promotional tour are not expected to be affected by the investigation. However, it remains unclear how the controversy might impact Paul's participation in the new season of The Bachelorette, in which she also stars.
Background and Personal Life
Taylor Frankie Paul rose to fame after becoming embroiled in a 'soft-swinging' scandal among Utah couples, which ultimately led to the creation of her Hulu reality series. The practice involves partner swapping with the understanding that full sexual intercourse does not occur.
Paul caused significant controversy when she admitted to breaking this cardinal rule, resulting in the dissolution of her marriage to Tate Paul and the loss of many friendships. She shares two children, daughter Indy and son Ocean, with her ex-husband, and has a toddler son, Ever, with Dakota Mortensen.
Following her 2023 legal troubles, Paul addressed the situation in a TikTok video, stating she didn't owe anyone an explanation beyond those directly involved. She reflected that hitting 'rock bottom' had helped her seek necessary help she hadn't been receiving previously.
The fourth season of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives recently debuted, and the show has developed a significant following for its exploration of unconventional relationships within conservative religious communities.
