Dakota Mortensen And Taylor Frankie Paul Speak Out On Secret Lives Of Mormon Wives Domestic Violence Probe
CONTENT WARNING: This article discusses domestic violence.
Dakota Mortensen has spoken out via a representative after reports that filming on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives was halted amid an ongoing domestic assault investigation involving him and ex-girlfriend Taylor Frankie Paul. His camp is pushing back on any suggestion he was behind the drama becoming public, stressing his focus is on their young son, Ever.
“His number one priority here is protecting [their son], Ever,” a rep for Dakota, 33, told Entertainment Weekly on Wednesday (local time).
“He knew there was a possibility it could come out, but he was not going to be the one to proactively do that because he has always wanted a decent relationship with Taylor. It’s been really hard to achieve that, but he wants to coparent well.”
The rep also denied that Dakota was responsible for the alleged dispute becoming public after season five filming was paused, saying he had “never done any kind of sit‑down interview about his side” and had hoped “if he says nothing, as he usually does, it would go away”.
According to the Draper City Police Department in Utah, there is an open “domestic assault investigation” involving Taylor and Dakota, with “allegations… made in both directions” and police making contact with the parties on February 24 and 25. Earlier this week, sources also confirmed production on season five of the Hulu series had been paused as a result.
Taylor, 31, has been addressing the headlines while simultaneously promoting her lead turn on season 22 of The Bachelorette. Speaking to Us Weekly at a press dinner in New York on Tuesday (local time), she said, “There’s more to the context to everything and it’s unfortunate. It’s been hard. And it sucks to be in this position.”
“I believe that I am a good mother and I have always treated my kids very well,” she continued.
“So the headlines that are out right now are very hard to see because that’s not the truth of it. I have always treated my children with respect and I’ve never touched them. So it’s been really hard.”
Taylor added that it took “everything” in her to show up, saying, “I’ve never enjoyed a premiere for any one of my shows. So it’s just been very sad.”
On Wednesday morning in the US, Taylor appeared live on Good Morning America and described this period as a “heavy time” as she faces a domestic violence allegation while her Bachelorette season is about to air.
“It’s been a heavy time to see the headlines, especially during this time of The Bachelorette being released. It’s supposed to be a really exciting time,” she said, adding, “I’m a person that will always speak my truth. That’s what I’m known for. So when the time is right, I will be.”
Taylor confirmed that production on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has been paused, saying, “as of now I have gotten word that it also has been paused”, and admitted “it’s hard to see past this” when asked about her future on the show.
Behind the scenes, ABC is reportedly in emergency talks about what to do with this year’s Bachelorette season amid the allegations.
Writer Rob Shuter reported that executives are holding crisis discussions about whether the show can “move forward as planned” after Cinnabon pulled its promotional partnership with both The Bachelorette and Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, citing recent developments and allegations that did not align with the brand’s values.
A network source described the situation as a “full crisis mode” and “a potential brand disaster”, saying “when sponsors start running, networks panic”, although no final decision has been made about pulling or delaying the season.
Taylor and Dakota’s on‑again, off‑again relationship has been a key storyline on the show since it premiered in 2024, and the pair share son Ever, born in March 2024.
Before their current legal saga, Taylor was arrested in 2023 after an altercation with Dakota and later pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, with other charges dismissed. The matter was publicly documented on the show and Dakota publicly defended her at the time as someone who would never hurt anyone “intentionally” and as “a good mum” who was “going through a lot”.
As police continue their investigation and network bosses weigh their options, both Taylor and Dakota remain under intense scrutiny on‑screen and off.
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Under 25? You can reach the Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800 or chat online.
To speak to someone about domestic violence, including for help in leaving a violent relationship, please call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or chat online.
Lead image: IG / Disney+
