Dakota Mortensen will be edited out of the upcoming third season of 'Vanderpump Villa', Variety has confirmed. The reality series, set to debut on April 16 on Hulu, will remove all scenes featuring the 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' cast member. Hulu did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The decision follows a domestic violence investigation involving Mortensen and his ex-girlfriend Taylor Frankie Paul. On March 16, Hulu paused filming of season five of 'Mormon Wives' due to the probe, with allegations made by both parties. No decision has been made regarding Mortensen or Paul's future on that show.
The couple's toxic, on-again, off-again relationship has been documented on the series. During the show's premiere in 2024, Paul was arrested for aggravated assault and placed on probation after a physical altercation with Mortensen, though the fight was not shown. On March 19, three days before Paul's season of 'The Bachelorette' was set to debut, TMZ leaked footage showing Paul throwing stools at Mortensen while her child was present.
ABC subsequently pulled season 22 of 'The Bachelorette', stating: 'In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of 'The Bachelorette' at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family.' It remains unclear if the season will air later.
Paul released a statement through her representation, expressing gratitude for ABC's support and alleging years of abuse. 'After years of silently suffering extensive mental and physical abuse as well as threats of retaliation, Taylor is finally gaining the strength to face her accuser,' the statement read. Mortensen is set to appear in a YouTube reality competition series produced by Alex Cooper, streaming on April 6.
