Dakota Mortensen will not be returning to the cast of 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' as production resumes, following a series of domestic incidents with co-star Taylor Frankie Paul.
According to sources close to the production, Mortensen's departure comes as Hulu prepares to restart filming for the show's fifth season after a month-long hiatus. The pause was triggered by reports of physical altercations between Mortensen and Paul earlier this year.
People magazine first reported Mortensen's exit, noting that while he will not return, Taylor Frankie Paul is expected to rejoin the cast when she is ready. The two share a two-year-old son, Ever.
The conflict that led to the production halt involved multiple police reports.
In February, authorities in Draper, Utah, confirmed they were investigating a domestic assault after an incident where Paul allegedly choked Mortensen and scratched his neck. This followed another report filed by Mortensen with the West Jordan Police Department in Utah, accusing Paul of abuse during a separate dispute in 2024.
These recent allegations add to a history of documented conflict between the former couple. In 2023, Paul pleaded guilty to aggravated assault after video evidence showed her attacking Mortensen during an altercation where one of her children was also reportedly struck.
The show's unexpected production pause last month was a direct response to these escalating tensions, with network executives opting to step back until the situation could be assessed. Now, with Mortensen officially out and Paul tentatively set to return, the future dynamics of the popular reality series are set for a significant shift.