Mormon Wives' Jessi Ngatikaura Addresses Cast Rumors Amid Show's Pause

The reality star spoke out after reports alleged the cast was distancing themselves from Taylor Frankie Paul due to jealousy.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 12:06pm

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Jessi Ngatikaura, star of the reality show The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, addressed rumors that the cast was distancing themselves from costar Taylor Frankie Paul due to jealousy over Taylor's spotlight. Jessi denied the rumors, saying "it was never a jealousy thing." The show's production was paused amid an incident involving Taylor and her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen, which is currently under investigation by police. Jessi and the rest of the cast's relationship with Taylor is reportedly "great right now" and the production pause was not due to issues among the cast.

Why it matters

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has faced some drama and controversy, with the recent pause in production highlighting the complexities within the cast's relationships. This story provides insight into the dynamics between the cast members and addresses speculation about potential tensions, shedding light on the real reasons behind the production pause.

The details

According to reports, filming for season five of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives was paused amid an incident involving cast member Taylor Frankie Paul and her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen. While details of the incident are still under investigation by the Draper City Police Department, allegations have been made "in both directions." Taylor was previously arrested in February 2023 regarding a separate incident with Dakota, but the source noted the recent situation is "not the same" as the prior one. Jessi Ngatikaura, another cast member, spoke out to deny rumors that the rest of the cast was distancing themselves from Taylor due to jealousy over her spotlight, saying "it was never a jealousy thing."

  • On February 24 and 25, 2026, police made contact with the involved parties regarding the open domestic assault investigation.
  • In February 2023, Taylor Frankie Paul was arrested and charged with several counts related to an incident with Dakota Mortensen.

The players

Jessi Ngatikaura

A star of the reality show The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.

Taylor Frankie Paul

A cast member of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives who is currently involved in an ongoing investigation with her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen.

Dakota Mortensen

Taylor Frankie Paul's ex-boyfriend, who is involved in an ongoing investigation with her.

Zack Peter

A podcaster who speculated on his Instagram account that the rest of the cast may be distancing themselves from Taylor Frankie Paul due to jealousy.

Tate Paul

Taylor Frankie Paul's ex-husband, with whom she shares children Indy and Ocean.

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What they’re saying

“It was never a jealousy thing lol.”

— Jessi Ngatikaura (Instagram)

“Taylor owns her mistakes. All she wants to do is protect her son, Ever, from stories in the press or anything negative about his father and wants him to think well of his father.”

— Source (E! News)

“All she cares about is protecting her child, and has been acting with this mind.”

— Source (E! News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.