The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives executive producer Jeff Jenkins has hinted about Taylor Frankie Paul‘s participation in the upcoming season 5 of the Hulu reality series as filming preparations are underway.
“I certainly hope [she will film with the other women],” Jenkins, 58, expressed at Deadline‘s “Reality TV Summit” on Friday, May 1. “Again, first and foremost, is she healthy of body and mind, then we’ll talk about it.”
Jenkins referenced a Utah court hearing held on Friday, May 1, where it was ruled that “Taylor and Dakota [Mortensen, her ex] are now legally required to stay 100 [feet] away from each other.” (At Salt Lake City’s Third District Courthouse that day, Utah Commissioner Russell Minas issued orders of protection for both Taylor, 31, and Dakota, 33, to maintain distance from one another for three years to prevent the continuation of “a very toxic relationship.”)
“It’s a legal matter so I can tell you definitely that they will not be shooting together,” Jenkins stated.
Taylor Frankie Paul has dismissed claims that she will not participate in season 5 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. Us Weekly confirmed on Tuesday, April 21, that filming resumed after a brief halt due to Taylor’s legal issues with ex Dakota Mortensen. A report later emerged about Taylor, 31, and Dakota, […]
The producer shared that he has been in regular contact with Taylor throughout her recent legal challenges.
“I talked to Taylor for 90 minutes this week and she’s doing great,” Jenkins said. “She’s very grounded and composed. I’m happy for her.”
Regarding when filming will recommence for Mormon Wives, Jenkins stated, “We don’t have a date yet. I’m very excited that we have the thumbs up from Hulu and Disney. I’m hoping it will be very soon. I’m very excited.”
Taylor Frankie Paul on “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.” Disney/Fred Hayes
Filming for season 5 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives was unexpectedly halted in March due to Taylor and her ex Dakota’s involvement in several domestic violence investigations. Following the release of disturbing video footage of an altercation in February 2023, ABC decided not to air Taylor’s season of The Bachelorette. (Taylor and Dakota have a 2-year-old son, Ever True Mortensen, and Taylor has two older children—daughter Indy May Paul and son Ocean Paul—with her ex-husband, Tate Paul.)
Utah authorities later determined on April 14 that Taylor would not face charges for a domestic violence incident in February 2026, allowing Mormon Wives to resume filming.
Dakota Mortensen and Taylor Frankie Paul on “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.” Disney/Fred Hayes)
“Cried when I got the call 🙏 THANK YOU to those that have stood with me,” Taylor expressed on Instagram following the news that she would not be charged.
Dakota responded with his own statement on Instagram, saying, “Over the past several weeks, I’ve taken a step back and had time away from the chaos. That space has been a breath of fresh air and has given me clarity. My focus now is where it should have been all along—on my son and creating a stable, healthy environment for him moving forward.”
“I regret not stepping away from the difficult cycle sooner. I’m not perfect, and I take accountability for my part,” he continued. “I’m sincerely sorry to those I’ve hurt. At the same time, I don’t agree with how this situation has been portrayed publicly. It does not reflect the full context of what occurred or the impact it has had on my son and me.”
As confirmation emerged that The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives would soon resume filming, Us Weekly exclusively learned that Taylor had an open invitation to return.
“The producers and cast have welcomed Taylor to return to this year’s filming,” a source told Us on April 22. “It is still unclear whether she will come back this year, but she is expected to be back in the future.”
The insider noted that Taylor “does want to return at some point” but the exact timeline was still being worked out. Meanwhile, Us reported that Dakota “will not be involved” with Mormon Wives moving forward.
“The network wants to keep them separate and not perpetuate a toxic relationship,” a second insider revealed to Us.
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is available to stream via Hulu.
