The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Dakota Mortensen is facing difficulties following a highly publicized dispute with his ex Taylor Frankie Paul.
According to an exclusive source from Us Weekly, Dakota is feeling “hurt and disappointed” by the events that transpired when Taylor returned to Utah.
The source revealed that Dakota had hoped to provide Taylor, 31, with “space to have her moment” as she takes on the role of lead for season 22 of The Bachelorette. Although they agreed to separate at the conclusion of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives season 4, Dakota expressed during the finale that he wished Taylor would “save” him a rose.
“He was trying to be supportive and avoid conflict, even during tough times,” the insider continued, noting that Dakota believed they would be on a better path once The Bachelorette concluded.
Despite the tension, Dakota’s top priority remains the couple’s 23-month-old son, Ever, according to the source.
A Draper City Police Department spokesperson in Utah confirmed to Us on March 17 that a “domestic assault investigation” involving Taylor and Dakota is ongoing, with allegations from both parties.
Taylor has responded to the alleged incident, which reportedly led to the halt of Mormon Wives production during filming for season 5, earlier this Tuesday.
Dakota Mortensen Araya Doheny/Getty Images
In an exclusive conversation with Us Weekly at a NYC press event for The Bachelorette, Taylor stated that there is “more context” to the situation than what is publicly known.
“It’s been difficult. And it’s tough to find myself in this position,” she told Us. “As a mother, I always stand firm in my belief that I am a good mother and have always treated my kids very well.”
The reality star, whose Bachelorette season is set to premiere on March 22, added, “The headlines out there are hard to see because they don’t reflect reality. I have always respected my children and have never harmed them. So this situation has been really challenging.”
Taylor Frankie Paul Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images
She also mentioned that attending the New York dinner required “everything” in her, calling the timing of the controversy “unfortunate.”
She told Us, “It’s another premiere that’s been overshadowed. I’ve never been able to fully enjoy a premiere for any of my shows. It’s just very disappointing.”
Since the allegations surfaced, Taylor has encountered additional challenges. Cinnabon confirmed on Tuesday that they are ending their partnership with the mother of three.
“Cinnabon has decided to terminate its collaboration with The Bachelorette and The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” the company stated to Us. “The recent developments and allegations concerning the lead cast member have led us to reevaluate this partnership as it no longer aligns with our brand values.”
Another source informed Us Weekly that Taylor’s Mormon Wives co-stars are currently “terrified” to film with her due to feeling that her presence poses a “major liability.”
Taylor and Dakota’s relationship has been tumultuous, with many of their ups and downs chronicled on Hulu’s SLOMW. In 2023, Taylor faced charges of aggravated assault, two counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child, child abuse with injury, and criminal mischief, following an incident with Dakota.
