Reality Stars Dakota Mortensen and Demi Engemann Join 'Unwell Winter Games' Amid Controversies

The new reality series from Alex Cooper's Unwell Network features contestants with checkered pasts, raising eyebrows among fans.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 1:48am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up of shattered glass and crumpled metal in dramatic, high-contrast lighting, conceptually representing the damaged trust and broken bonds at the center of this reality TV controversy.The glittering shards of a broken relationship reflect the complex aftermath of a high-profile reality TV scandal.Park City Today

Despite ongoing domestic violence allegations and scandals, reality TV personalities Dakota Mortensen and Demi Engemann have been cast in the new Unwell Network series 'Unwell Winter Games.' The show features 16 contestants competing in mental and physical challenges over four days in a luxury Utah chalet. Mortensen's involvement is particularly controversial given his recent legal issues with ex-girlfriend Taylor Frankie Paul, while Engemann has had her own drama with the 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' cast.

Why it matters

The decision to feature Mortensen and Engemann on 'Unwell Winter Games' has sparked backlash, with some fans questioning a perceived double standard after Paul's 'Bachelorette' season was canceled due to her own domestic violence incident with Mortensen. The casting choices highlight the entertainment industry's complex handling of talent with troubled pasts.

The details

The new four-episode 'Unwell Winter Games' series from Alex Cooper's Unwell Network will premiere next week on YouTube. In addition to Mortensen and Engemann, the cast includes other reality stars like 'Love Island' alum Huda Mustafa and infamous 'fake heiress' Anna Delvey. Mortensen is still under investigation for a February 2023 domestic violence incident involving his ex-girlfriend Taylor Frankie Paul, with allegations made 'on both sides.' Meanwhile, Engemann abruptly left the cast of 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' amid drama with her co-stars.

  • The 'Unwell Winter Games' series will premiere next week.
  • Mortensen is currently being investigated for a February 2023 domestic violence incident involving his ex Taylor Frankie Paul.

The players

Dakota Mortensen

A reality TV personality who is starring in 'Unwell Winter Games' despite ongoing legal issues with his ex-girlfriend Taylor Frankie Paul.

Demi Engemann

A former cast member of 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' who is also appearing on 'Unwell Winter Games.'

Taylor Frankie Paul

Mortensen's ex-girlfriend whose 'Bachelorette' season was canceled after a domestic violence incident involving Mortensen.

Jessi Draper

A 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' cast member who has publicly criticized Mortensen.

Alex Cooper

The host of the 'Call Her Daddy' podcast who is producing the 'Unwell Winter Games' series.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The judge in the domestic violence case involving Dakota Mortensen and Taylor Frankie Paul is expected to make a decision on bail next Tuesday.

The takeaway

The casting of Dakota Mortensen and Demi Engemann on 'Unwell Winter Games' despite their troubled pasts highlights the entertainment industry's complex and sometimes inconsistent handling of talent with histories of controversy and alleged misconduct.