The cast of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” is reportedly distancing themselves from cast member Taylor Frankie Paul amid ongoing developments in a domestic assault investigation involving her and her ex-partner, Dakota Mortensen. This news comes following confirmation from the Draper City Police Department regarding the existence of an open investigation pertaining to allegations made by both parties.
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Sources close to the situation have revealed to PEOPLE that filming for the reality show’s fifth season has been paused, as none of the cast members wish to remain associated with Paul during these troubling times. An insider stated, “None of the women want to be associated with her,” referencing the fallout from the investigation. The police spokesperson highlighted that allegations had been exchanged between Paul and Mortensen, but they refrained from providing further details given the sensitive nature of the case.
Amidst these developments, insiders have expressed that the situation has created an atmosphere of overwhelm among the cast. One source noted, “The girls are very overwhelmed. They all banded together, and they don’t want to come back right now.” It appears that prior to these events, the cast was having a generally positive experience, but frustrations with Paul have begun to surface. “They were just getting tired of Taylor, honestly,” the insider added, suggesting that tension has been simmering within the group.
The decision to pause filming was reportedly made collectively by the cast, indicating a united front in their reluctance to continue while the investigation is active. “I don’t think they care about her really right now. They’re just kind of like, ‘We’re done for right now,’” another source commented, highlighting the shift in morale within the group.
This distancing comes just a short time after it was disclosed that filming for the show’s fifth season had been halted, only days after the release of its fourth season on March 12. Observers have noted that Paul is currently dealing with significant issues from her past, which may impact the trajectory of her involvement in the series moving forward.
Paul’s legal troubles are not new. In 2023, she faced several misdemeanour charges connected to an alleged incident of domestic violence involving Mortensen, with whom she shares a one-year-old son, Ever. Reports indicated that the charges included assault, criminal mischief, and causing domestic violence in the presence of a child. This specific incident involved an altercation during which Paul allegedly threw a chair at Mortensen, resulting in physical contact with their daughter.
In a subsequent podcast appearance, Paul stated that the charges had been “dropped” and later admitted to pleading guilty to a lesser charge of aggravated assault. According to court documents obtained by PEOPLE, this agreement allows for the charge to be dismissed if she adheres to stipulated conditions, while all other charges were dropped.
These ongoing issues have emerged at a particularly turbulent time for Paul as she prepares for the premiere of her season on “The Bachelorette,” which is set to air shortly. With the scrutiny surrounding both her personal life and her professional engagements intensifying, the implications of the investigation could significantly impact her future on the show.
The fourth season of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” has raised further questions about Paul’s readiness to take on the experience of “The Bachelorette.” The tumultuous relationship with Mortensen has been a recurring theme throughout the series, leading to concerns from fellow cast members regarding her emotional preparedness for the dating competition.
In light of these developments, it remains to be seen how the situation will evolve for Paul and whether the cast of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” will consider reuniting for the fifth season once filming resumes. As the investigation continues, viewers and fans alike will be watching closely for any updates that may emerge.
For those experiencing domestic violence, help is available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is accessible at 1-800-799-7233 or through thehotline.org, where support is offered round the clock in multiple languages.