“Mormon Wives” Mayci Neeley, Jessi Draper and Layla Taylor Cheerily Reunite as Show Resumes Filming

The highly anticipated fifth season of the reality series *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives* is set to resume filming after a significant pause in production. On April 22, *PEOPLE* confirmed that the show would restart filming, a little over a month after it was halted due to various controversies involving one of its stars.

Cast members Mayci Neeley, Jessi Draper, and Layla Taylor celebrated the filming news with an outing together, sharing a glimpse of their reunion on social media. Jessi Draper took to her Instagram Stories to post a lively photo from their dinner, captioning it, “MomTok back together again hallelujah.” The image included tags for her fellow castmates and her makeup artist, reinforcing the close-knit nature of their group.

Production was initially suspended in March due to ongoing investigations related to Taylor Frankie Paul, one of the show’s prominent stars. Allegations connected to domestic violence involving Paul led some cast members to express their discomfort, resulting in a collective decision to halt filming. Reports indicated that the rest of the cast had voiced their reluctance to work alongside Paul, complicating the show’s production schedule.

In the recent announcement, a source close to Paul stated that she may still have the option to return to the show, suggesting that her involvement could shift as filming progresses. However, the source also highlighted that Paul’s primary focus at the moment is on her children and her mental health, particularly in the wake of her tumultuous previous relationship. “She’s doing great,” the source added, emphasising that Paul is beginning to comprehend the reality of the abusive dynamics she experienced.

The tumultuous circumstances surrounding Paul and her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen shed light on the seriousness of the situation. Both individuals were under investigation by local police for allegedly behaving abusively towards one another over the past two years. However, after a detailed review, both the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office and the Draper City Prosecutor’s Office decided not to pursue charges against either party.

This isn’t the first time Paul has found herself in legal troubles. Earlier this year, she faced arrest connected to a domestic violence incident and subsequently entered a plea agreement for an aggravated assault charge. Under this agreement, if she adheres to specific terms, the charge will be dismissed, adding another layer of complexity to her situation.

A viral video surfaced in March that showcased a disturbing confrontation between Paul and Mortensen, during which Paul was seen yelling and throwing furniture in a fit of anger while their young son was in the vicinity. The release of this footage spurred significant media attention and contributed to ABC’s decision to cancel the airing of Paul’s pre-recorded season of *The Bachelorette*, which was due to be shown shortly after the incident became public.

As the filming for *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives* resumes, fans will be keen to see how the evolving dynamics within the cast unfold on screen. The production team has not disclosed any details regarding how they plan to navigate the challenges posed by the ongoing investigations and Paul’s potential return.

In light of these developments, viewers and fans alike are left with a mix of anticipation and concern for the wellbeing of the cast. With the complicated personal lives of the stars often mirroring the dramatic elements typically seen in reality television, the upcoming season promises to be both compelling and complex.

As *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives* approaches its fifth season, the reality of the situation remains ever-present, highlighting the fine line between personal struggles and entertainment. The interplay of life inside and outside the series will undoubtedly captivate audiences as they tune in to witness the journey of the cast members moving forward.