Filming of 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' halted amid Taylor Frankie Paul investigation

The Hulu reality show's star is involved in an 'ongoing investigation' with her ex, Dakota Mortensen, sources say.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 12:37am

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Filming for Season Five of the Hulu reality show 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' has been halted as the show's star, Taylor Frankie Paul, and her ex, Dakota Mortensen, are involved in an 'ongoing investigation,' according to three sources close to the matter. The show has documented Paul and Mortensen's on-again, off-again relationship, as well as the 'MomTok' group's fallout and rebuilding over the years. Paul was previously arrested and charged in connection with allegations of a separate domestic violence dispute in 2023 with Mortensen, but those charges were later dropped.

Why it matters

The investigation into Paul and Mortensen's relationship has led to a pause in filming for the popular Hulu reality show, which has followed the lives of a group of Utah-based Mormon moms known as the 'MomTok' group. The show's star, Taylor Frankie Paul, has also been tapped to lead the upcoming season of ABC's 'The Bachelorette,' adding to the high-profile nature of this ongoing situation.

The details

According to the sources, when Hulu executives visited Utah to witness 'Mormon Wives' in action, they 'witnessed' discussions of domestic violence during filming, which prompted Hulu to enforce a weeklong break from filming. When new information came to light during the break, cast members told production members that they would not continue to film unless Hulu took action about the situation. The sources also said that Paul 'needs help' and the cast is hopeful production can pause long enough so she can get the care she needs.

  • In 2023, Paul was previously arrested and charged in connection with allegations of a separate domestic violence dispute with ex Dakota Mortensen. Those charges were later dropped.
  • On February 24th and 25th, 2026, the Draper Police Department in Utah made contact with the involved parties regarding a domestic assault investigation regarding Paul and Mortensen.

The players

Taylor Frankie Paul

The star of the Hulu reality show 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' who is involved in an 'ongoing investigation' with her ex, Dakota Mortensen.

Dakota Mortensen

The ex-partner of Taylor Frankie Paul who is involved in an 'ongoing investigation' with her.

Hulu

The streaming platform that airs 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' and has enforced a break in filming due to the investigation into Paul and Mortensen.

ABC

The network that has tapped Taylor Frankie Paul to be the lead for the upcoming season of 'The Bachelorette'.

Draper Police Department

The Utah police department that is conducting an 'open domestic assault investigation' regarding Paul and Mortensen.

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What they’re saying

“It was never a jealousy thing lol.”

— Jessi Ngatikaura, one of the women in 'MomTok'

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Taylor Frankie Paul out on bail.

The takeaway

This ongoing investigation into the relationship between 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' star Taylor Frankie Paul and her ex Dakota Mortensen has led to a pause in filming for the popular Hulu reality show, raising questions about the impact on Paul's personal life, her future on 'The Bachelorette,' and the broader issues of domestic violence in the public eye.