Taylor Frankie Paul may return to 'Mormon Wives' after production pause amid investigation

Taylor Frankie Paul has stepped back from filming the Hulu series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives following a pause in production linked to an ongoing domestic abuse investigation involving her and her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, though sources say she could still return in the future.

The reality series is set to resume production after a weeks-long hiatus, but both Paul and Mortensen will not be part of the initial filming schedule, according to prior confirmation from People.

However, a source close to Paul says her future on the show remains open-ended, noting that she “has the option to return” and could potentially appear in season five if she chooses to rejoin production.

The insider added that Paul is currently focusing on her children and mental health while recovering from what she now recognizes as an abusive relationship. 

“She’s doing great, and realizing how abusive her relationship actually was,” the source said, adding that she has received support from both cast members and producers.

Production on the Hulu series was halted earlier this year amid an active domestic assault investigation involving incidents reported in late February. 

Authorities confirmed that the investigation involves alleged events between Paul and Mortensen.

Footage from a prior 2023 incident between the former couple was also circulated, showing a heated confrontation in which Paul appeared to throw objects while a child was nearby.

Paul was previously arrested in 2023 on domestic violence-related charges, later pleading guilty in abeyance to aggravated assault, with conditions that could lead to dismissal upon compliance. Other charges tied to the case were dropped.

Mortensen later filed for a protective order against Paul in March, while prosecutors announced in April that they would not pursue new charges against her.

Despite the legal developments, uncertainty remains around Paul’s participation in the upcoming season, which has already undergone production changes due to the situation.

A previous production pause also coincided with internal tensions among cast members, with some expressing discomfort about continuing to film amid the investigation.

Paul and Mortensen share a young son, and their relationship has been a recurring storyline throughout the series, often reflecting their turbulent history.