Mormon Wives' Dakota Admits to 'Villain' Behavior on 'Unwell Games'

The reality star says he doesn't think he's a 'bad guy' despite his controversial actions on the show.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 6:04pm

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An abstract close-up photograph of shattered glass reflecting a faint red light, conveying a sense of tension and drama without depicting any specific people or events.The ongoing drama surrounding 'Mormon Wives' star Dakota Mortensen exposes the darker side of reality TV stardom.Park City Today

Dakota Mortensen, star of the reality series 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives', reflected on his infamous behavior during the series premiere of 'Unwell Winter Games'. He acknowledged that people view him as a 'bad guy' due to actions like flirting with influencer Hallie Batchelder, but said he doesn't feel he is a 'really bad guy' and that he only acts like a 'villain' occasionally. Dakota and his ex-girlfriend Taylor Frankie Paul have been embroiled in a high-profile domestic dispute, leading to a production shutdown on their show.

Why it matters

Dakota's comments on 'Unwell Winter Games' come amid ongoing drama surrounding 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' cast, including a police investigation into an alleged domestic violence incident between Dakota and his ex Taylor Frankie Paul. The show has halted production as a result of the allegations, highlighting the challenges reality TV stars can face when their personal lives become public.

The details

On the series premiere of 'Unwell Winter Games', Dakota Mortensen addressed his reputation as a 'villain', saying 'I think people think that I am a really bad guy. I don't feel like I am. I think I do some villain things here and there. Every once in a while.' He was confronted about his behavior, such as flirting with influencer Hallie Batchelder, by his former co-star Demi Engemann, who joined the show. Dakota and Demi are competing alongside other reality stars, influencers and public figures on the four-episode 'Unwell Winter Games' series.

  • The series premiere of 'Unwell Winter Games' aired on Monday, April 6, 2026.
  • Dakota and his ex-girlfriend Taylor Frankie Paul are scheduled to appear in court for a hearing on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 amid their ongoing domestic dispute.

The players

Dakota Mortensen

A 33-year-old reality star who appears on 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' and is currently competing on 'Unwell Winter Games'.

Demi Engemann

A former co-star of Dakota's on 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' who joined him on 'Unwell Winter Games'.

Taylor Frankie Paul

Dakota's ex-girlfriend and co-star on 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives', who has been involved in a high-profile domestic dispute with Dakota.

Hallie Batchelder

An influencer who Dakota was accused of flirting with on 'Unwell Winter Games'.

Alex Cooper

The host of 'Unwell Winter Games'.

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What they’re saying

“I think people think that I am a really bad guy. I don't feel like I am. I think I do some villain things here and there. Every once in a while.”

— Dakota Mortensen, Reality Star

“Thank you for checking in on me as much as you have and for the wellness gift. You and Jessi [Draper], I'll never forget, didn't leave my side at my lowest.”

— Taylor Frankie Paul, Reality Star

“I want to enter into a little bit more of a slower season of life. So that's what we're going to be deciding over the next little bit, in terms of if we want to move forward there. It honestly kind of feels like a chapter's closing and a new one's opening, and I'm excited to see what comes of it. It's a good way to close out the year and I'm excited to start back up 2026 and see what comes.”

— Demi Engemann, Reality Star

What’s next

The judge in the case between Dakota Mortensen and Taylor Frankie Paul will decide on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 whether or not to allow Dakota out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges reality TV stars can face when their personal lives become public, with allegations of domestic violence and ongoing legal disputes disrupting production on their shows. It raises questions about the toll of fame and the need for greater support systems for those in the public eye.