‘Mormon Wives’ Filming Paused as Cast Fears Taylor Frankie Paul Amid Dakota Dispute

Filming for Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is on pause, and according to a new report, it’s not just the recent domestic dispute involving Taylor Frankie Paul and her ex, Dakota Mortensen, that’s causing the delay. Sources notify Us Weekly that the rest of the cast is “terrified” to film with Paul, fearing potential fallout from her ongoing legal and personal issues.

The production halt comes after Draper City Police Department confirmed an open “domestic assault investigation” involving Paul and Mortensen, with allegations made by both parties. Contact was made with both individuals on February 24th and 25th, according to police statements reported by The Hollywood Reporter. This isn’t Paul’s first brush with legal trouble; she was arrested in February 2023 on domestic violence charges, though those charges were later dismissed after she pleaded guilty to aggravated assault.

A Shifting Dynamic

Prior to the recent incident, the source shared with Us Weekly that the cast believed Paul was “in a better place” following her appearance on The Bachelorette. The reality show, a first for the franchise in casting someone outside of “Bachelor Nation,” is set to premiere on ABC March 22nd. However, the current situation has dramatically altered that perception. The cast reportedly feels they’ve “moved past the point of dealing with this kind of behavior” and view Paul as a “major liability.”

The dynamic between Paul and Mortensen has been particularly complex. The pair began dating before The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives premiered and continued an on-again, off-again relationship through September 2022, as noted by People. Their split followed a sexting scandal involving Mortensen and a friend of Paul’s mother, adding another layer of drama to their already turbulent history. They share a son, Ever True, born in March 2024.

Past Trauma and Present Concerns

Paul herself has been open about the challenges she’s faced. In a 2024 interview, she reflected on her arrest, calling it “the worst night of my life” and acknowledging the stress and public scrutiny that followed. Body-camera footage from the night of her arrest was released shortly before the premiere of the show’s first season in September 2024, adding to the public’s awareness of her struggles.

The current production pause isn’t solely about the latest allegations, but a culmination of concerns. The cast’s apprehension stems from a desire to distance themselves from the potential negative publicity and legal ramifications associated with Paul’s situation. The source emphasized that the issues aren’t with the other cast members, clarifying that production wasn’t halted due to internal conflicts within the group.

What’s Next for ‘SLOMW’ and Taylor Frankie Paul?

As of now, the future of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives season five remains uncertain. Hulu and ABC have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the production halt. The immediate priority appears to be allowing the Draper City Police Department to complete their investigation into the allegations made by both Paul, and Mortensen.

Paul’s focus, according to the source, is on protecting her son, Ever, from negative press and ensuring he maintains a positive relationship with his father. She’s too navigating the complexities of her newfound role as The Bachelorette lead, a position that thrusts her back into the public eye amidst ongoing personal turmoil.

The show’s procedural timeline is now dependent on the outcome of the police investigation and whether the cast will agree to resume filming. It’s unclear if Hulu will attempt to continue the season with a modified cast or delay the premiere indefinitely. The network faces a delicate balancing act between capitalizing on the show’s established fanbase and mitigating the risks associated with the current controversy.