**Filming of Reality Series Paused Amid Domestic Assault Investigation**
The production of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” has come to a standstill following an ongoing domestic abuse investigation involving cast member Taylor Frankie Paul and her former partner Dakota Mortensen. This development was confirmed to PEOPLE on March 16 by multiple sources, including representatives from the Draper Police Department, who stated that the inquiry into the pair is active, with “allegations made in both directions.”
The investigation arose after officials contacted those involved on February 24 and 25 regarding incidents that had reportedly escalated between Paul and Mortensen. Their tumultuous relationship has been a significant narrative thread throughout the reality series, especially as they share a two-year-old son, Ever.
Mikayla Matthews, a fellow cast member, took to her Instagram Stories on March 19 to address concerns about the show’s filming status. In response to a fan query about whether the show was, in fact, on hiatus, she explained, “It was a decision that all us girls came up with and agreed on. We didn’t feel comfortable filming with everything that was happening.” Her comments reflect the shared discomfort among cast members regarding the ongoing situation.
Sources close to the production revealed that Matthews and other castmates have been intentionally distancing themselves from Paul during the investigation. “The girls are very overwhelmed,” one source noted, adding, “They all banded together and they don’t want to come back right now.” The situation appears to be exacerbated by growing frustrations among the cast, with insiders suggesting there is a collective sentiment against being associated with Paul at this time.
Amidst the unfolding events, both Paul and Mortensen have publicly acknowledged the scrutiny they face. During a press event for her upcoming season of “The Bachelorette,” Paul expressed her feelings about the troubling circumstances, stating, “It’s a heavy time, and it’s unfortunate.” She detailed to Entertainment Weekly that she is now coordinating communication and transitions between her and Mortensen through a neutral third party as they navigate the challenges of parenting amid the investigation.
On March 18, Paul appeared on “Good Morning America” where she stated, “I’m a person that will always speak my truth, and that’s what I’m known for. When the time is right, I will be.” This indicates that Paul is prepared to address her situation more thoroughly when feasible, despite not knowing the specifics surrounding the production pause.
In a public response to the investigation, Mortensen’s representative emphasised his commitment to protecting his son Ever. The representative reiterated that Mortensen had no intention of being the source of the investigation becoming public knowledge: “He’s always wanted a decent relationship with Taylor. It’s been really hard to achieve that, but he wants to co-parent well.”
Interestingly, this investigation follows an earlier incident in 2023 when Paul was charged with domestic violence following an altercation with Mortensen. The accusation included claims that she threw a chair during a dispute, allegedly striking her own daughter. Paul pleaded guilty in abeyance to aggravated assault, which allows for the charge to be dismissed upon compliance with specific terms. Other charges related to the incident were dismissed.
As the situation remains fluid, news outlets have reached out for comments from representatives for Paul, Mortensen, ABC, and Hulu regarding the ongoing allegations. However, no official statements have been made since the investigation came to light.
Meanwhile, fans of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” are left in limbo, awaiting further developments regarding both the investigation and the future of the reality series. The disruption in filming not only highlights the personal struggles faced by its participants but also raises questions about the implications of such real-life issues on the genre of reality television.