Vanderpump Villa Cuts Ties with Taylor Frankie Paul's Ex Amid Domestic Violence Probe

Dakota Mortensen's role in the Bravo spinoff series has been significantly reduced following the ongoing investigation.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 12:42am

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An abstract close-up photograph featuring shattered glass and splintered wood textures in high-contrast studio lighting, conceptually representing the fractured relationship between the two reality TV personalities.The fallout from the domestic violence allegations between reality TV stars Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen has led to the removal of Mortensen's role in the upcoming season of 'Vanderpump Villa'.Salt Lake City Today

Hulu's 'Vanderpump Villa' has decided to edit out Dakota Mortensen, the ex-boyfriend of 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' star Taylor Frankie Paul, from the upcoming third season of the show. This move comes amid an ongoing domestic violence investigation involving Paul and Mortensen, who share a 2-year-old son.

Why it matters

The decision to remove Mortensen from 'Vanderpump Villa' highlights the serious nature of the allegations against him and the show's efforts to distance itself from the controversy surrounding the former couple. This case has garnered significant public attention, leading to the cancellation of Paul's 'Bachelorette' season and raising broader questions about domestic abuse in reality TV relationships.

The details

Mortensen was originally slated to appear in Season 3 of 'Vanderpump Villa' alongside other 'DadTok' members, following the 'Mormon Wives' stars' cameos in the previous season. However, a source confirmed to NBC News that Mortensen's role has been significantly reduced, with his scenes being edited out of the upcoming season, which is set to premiere on April 16. Lisa Vanderpump, the show's executive producer, stated that Mortensen 'didn't really have a big storyline' and that removing him 'hasn't affected the story' as the show has 'so much great content' and a 'feel good factor' to offer viewers.

  • On March 24, a police spokesman told NBC News that officials are investigating allegations of a third domestic violence incident involving Paul and Mortensen.
  • On March 17, three sources close to the matter told NBC News that filming for Season 5 of 'Mormon Wives' was halted amid an investigation.
  • On March 19, TMZ published a video of a 2023 altercation between Mortensen and Paul, where she is seen throwing a chair at him in front of her daughter.
  • On March 20, Mortensen filed a petition for a protective order against Paul in Salt Lake County, with a court date scheduled for April 7.

The players

Dakota Mortensen

Taylor Frankie Paul's ex-boyfriend, who was originally slated to appear in Season 3 of 'Vanderpump Villa' but has now been edited out of the show amid the ongoing domestic violence investigation.

Taylor Frankie Paul

The star of 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' who is currently involved in a domestic violence investigation with her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, with whom she shares a 2-year-old son.

Lisa Vanderpump

The executive producer of 'Vanderpump Villa' who stated that Mortensen 'didn't really have a big storyline' and that removing him 'hasn't affected the story' as the show has 'so much great content' and a 'feel good factor' to offer viewers.

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What they’re saying

“We don't want to shine a spotlight on something that's been so controversial when we have so much great content. Our show's ready to go. Obviously, we don't want to do anything extraordinarily significant at this stage in the game, but it's ready to go.”

— Lisa Vanderpump, Executive Producer, Vanderpump Villa

“As anyone who has seen the video will understand, this is a deeply upsetting situation. I am, unfortunately, used to these baseless claims about me and our relationship, which I categorically deny. I am focusing on our son and his safety, and hope that Taylor will do the same.”

— Dakota Mortensen

“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 and taking steps to ensure that she and her children are protected from any further harm. There are too many women who are suffering in silence as they survive aggressive, jealous ex-partners who refuse to let them move on with their lives.”

— Taylor Frankie Paul's spokesperson

What’s next

A court date has been scheduled for April 7 regarding Mortensen's petition for a protective order against Paul.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges reality TV shows face in navigating sensitive domestic violence allegations, as they must balance the need to address serious issues with the desire to maintain a 'feel good' atmosphere for viewers. The decision to remove Mortensen from 'Vanderpump Villa' underscores the show's efforts to distance itself from the controversy and prioritize the safety and well-being of those involved.