Recent news on “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star Taylor Frankie Paul revealed the details of the disturbing domestic violence incident from 2023 that put the first season of the reality show on pause while she served her probation. Since then, the lives of the Mormon Wives have been spiraling downward.

Big Day for Mormon Wives

The Bachelorette was cancelled several hours after TMZ released the video showing Taylor Frankie Paul assaulting her ex-partner and baby daddy, Dakota Mortensen, with a metal chair while her daughter was in the room, and was hit in the crossfire. Many speculated that Mortensen sold the video to the media as a form of manipulation and with the intent to harm the reality star’s reputation further.

On the same day, it was reported that Jordan Draper filed for divorce from another Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star, Jessi Ngatikaura, even though it was thought they were working through their problems.

New Restraining Order

Now, it has been reported that Dakota Mortensen filed a restraining order against Taylor Frankie Paul. According to several news sources, Mortensen filed a protective order against his baby mama, alleging she was physically violent towards him during several incidents in February 2026. 

The Draper City Police Department confirmed there is an open “domestic assault investigation” into Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen. A spokesperson with the police department confirmed “allegations have been made in both directions” and “contact was made with involved parties on [Feb] 24th and 25th.” 

The investigation into the incident has put a pause on filming Season 5 of “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” which was reportedly a mutual agreement among the cast stars.

Bachelorette Cancelled

Season 22 of “The Bachelorette” has been cancelled amid the outrage over the domestic violence video that was released of the newest season’s Bachelorette. Even though they were fully aware of the felony assault charge against Taylor Frankie Paul, they still chose to bring her to film, and are only cancelling because of the backlash.

“In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of ‘The Bachelorette’ at this time,” an ABC spokesperson told USA TODAY on Thursday. “Our focus is on supporting the family.” This is now the second season of “The Bachelorette” that has been cancelled, two years in a row, and fans are livid with the agency.

Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen

Taylor Frankie Paul’s public rep alleged in a statement that the domestic violence incident was a part of a larger pattern of abuse and manipulation that Paul has endured for years at the hands of Mortensen. “Taylor is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security,” the statement from her spokesperson read. 

“After years of silently suffering extensive mental and physical abuse as well as threats of retaliation, Taylor is finally gaining the strength to face her accuser and taking steps to ensure that she and her children are protected from any further harm. There are too many women who are suffering in silence as they survive aggressive, jealous ex-partners who refuse to let them move on with their lives.“

In Mortensen’s defense, his rep told Entertainment Weekly on Wednesday that his priority is the child the two share, Ever. “He knew there was a possibility it could come out, but he was not going to be the one to proactively do that because he has always wanted a decent relationship with Taylor,” his rep said. “He kind of just lets it all happen to him, and I think he realizes with the severity of everything now that he just can’t do that.“

“Secret Lives of Mormon Wives”

The popular reality show “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” is just as much to blame for the continuation of the alleged abuse and domestic violence incidents as Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen. 

Both stars are on the show, even after the initial incident three years ago. While the clips are edited to fit their narrative, there are still clear signs of a toxic and unhealthy relationship. It is easy to observe and make assumptions about their situation from the outside looking in, but at this point, it is a decision the producers and the former couple are making to continue the cycle of violence.