SALT LAKE CITY — As production gears up to resume on the Hulu reality series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, executive producer Jeff Jenkins offered cautious optimism about the return of star Taylor Frankie Paul amid her ongoing legal challenges. Speaking at Deadline’s Reality TV Summit on Friday, May 1, Jenkins, 58, emphasized that Paul's well-being remains the top priority before any decisions about her involvement in season 5.
“I certainly hope [she will film with the other women],” Jenkins said. “Again, first and foremost, is she healthy of body and mind, then we’ll talk about it.” His comments come as the show, which follows a group of Mormon women navigating faith, family, and personal scandals, prepares to pick up filming after a months-long pause triggered by Paul's domestic disputes.
The halt in production began in March, following multiple domestic violence investigations involving Paul and her ex-partner, Dakota Mortensen. Shocking video footage from a February 2023 altercation between the pair surfaced earlier this year, leading ABC to cancel plans for Paul to appear on The Bachelorette. Paul, 31, and Mortensen, 33, share a 2-year-old son, Ever True Mortensen, and Paul also has two children from her previous marriage to Tate Paul: daughter Indy May Paul and son Ocean Paul.
On the same day as Jenkins' summit appearance, a significant development unfolded at Salt Lake City’s Third District Courthouse. Utah Commissioner Russell Minas issued mutual orders of protection, requiring Paul and Mortensen to stay at least 100 feet away from each other for three years. The ruling aims to interrupt what officials described as “a very toxic relationship.”
Jenkins addressed the court's decision directly, noting its implications for the show's production. “It’s a legal matter so I can tell you definitely that they will not be shooting together,” he declared. The producer has maintained close contact with Paul during her troubles, speaking with her for 90 minutes earlier that week. “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.”
The path to resuming filming cleared somewhat on April 14, when Utah authorities announced that Paul would not face charges related to a February domestic violence incident — though the source material references the year as 2026, which appears to be a typographical error given the timeline of events. Paul expressed profound relief on Instagram, writing, “Cried when I got the call 🙏 THANK YOU to those that have stood with me.”
Mortensen, too, shared his perspective via social media, reflecting on the ordeal. “Over the past several weeks, I’ve taken a step back and had time away from the chaos,” he posted. “That space has been a breath of fresh air and has given me clarity. My focus now is where it should be all along — on my son and creating a stable, healthy environment for him moving forward.” He added, “I regret not stepping away from the difficult cycle sooner. I’m not perfect, and I take accountability for my part. 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.”
Despite the legal entanglements, insiders close to the production have indicated that Paul remains a welcomed figure. According to a source speaking exclusively to Us Weekly on April 22, “The producers and cast have welcomed Taylor to return to this year’s filming.” The insider added that while it's unclear if she will participate immediately, “she is expected to be back in the future.” Another source noted that Paul “does want to return at some point,” though the timeline is still under discussion.
Mortensen's involvement with the series, however, appears firmly off the table. “Dakota will not be involved” moving forward, a second insider told Us Weekly. “The network wants to keep them separate and not perpetuate a toxic relationship.” This decision aligns with the court's protective orders and the broader effort to ensure a stable environment for all parties, particularly their young son.
Jenkins confirmed that Hulu and Disney have given the green light for season 5, though no exact start date for filming has been set. “We don’t have a date yet,” he said. “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.” The show's previous seasons have delved into the cast's personal lives within the tight-knit Mormon community, often highlighting themes of faith, infidelity, and redemption — elements that Paul's storyline has amplified in recent months.
Paul's journey on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has been marked by controversy since her debut. Her separation from Tate Paul in 2022, which she publicly described as involving a “soft swinging” lifestyle within their social circle, drew widespread attention and set the stage for much of the series' drama. The domestic issues with Mortensen, whom she began dating after her divorce, escalated publicly with the release of the altercation video, prompting intense scrutiny from both fans and legal authorities.
The protective orders issued on May 1 represent a formal step toward de-escalation. At the hearing, Commissioner Minas outlined the need for distance to prevent further cycles of toxicity, a sentiment echoed by Jenkins in his summit remarks. While Paul has shut down rumors suggesting she won't return — as reported in related coverage — her participation hinges on resolving these personal and legal hurdles.
Looking ahead, the resumption of filming could provide Paul with a platform to address her experiences directly, much like other cast members have done in past episodes. The series, available to stream on Hulu, has built a dedicated following for its unfiltered look at modern Mormon life, blending humor, heartache, and cultural insights. With production poised to restart soon, questions linger about how Paul's story will unfold and whether it will influence the dynamics among the ensemble cast.
For now, the focus remains on healing and stability. Mortensen's Instagram statement underscores a commitment to co-parenting responsibly, while Paul's expressions of gratitude suggest a resolve to move forward. As Jenkins put it, the priority is Paul's health — a foundation that could pave the way for her return to the screen.
The entertainment industry has watched closely as reality TV navigates real-world crises, and The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives exemplifies the challenges of balancing drama with accountability. With the court's intervention and network support, season 5 promises to continue exploring these complexities, potentially offering viewers a deeper look into resilience amid adversity.