Dakota Mortensen filed a lawsuit against Hulu and production companies Jeff Jenkins Productions and Ludwig Productions on Friday.
He claims producers staged scenes and faked storylines to portray him as a serial cheater and abuser on the reality series “Mormon Wives.”
The court documents obtained by TMZ show that Mortensen is seeking damages in excess of $300,000. He argues that the production team deliberately deceived viewers by assembling narratives from staged events while deleting contradictory footage.
“The producers were able to deceive the audience with storylines assembled from staged events and from the deliberate deletion of footage that contradicted the storyline, and published after the producers had been informed by Mortensen and by others, that the allegations were false,” the court docs obtained by TMZ show.
Alleged Faked Storylines and Cut Footage
Mortensen states his grievances go beyond a standard negative edit. He points to specific instances where producers allegedly fabricated conflicts involving his relationship with Taylor Frankie Paul.
The lawsuit details claims that producers painted him as an obsessed ex-partner who refused to let go, falsely accused him of retaliating by reporting Paul to Child Protective Services, and labeled him unfaithful. Mortensen insists he never contacted Child Protective Services.
“Dakota said it was all lies,” the report states regarding the accusations of infidelity and harassment. He maintains that camera crews actually captured footage of Paul striking him with a pizza box, but producers chose to cut that material from the final broadcast.
Broadcasted narrative damaged Mortensen's reputation and business deals
According to the filing, the broadcasted narrative severely damaged Mortensen’s reputation and caused him to lose numerous business deals. He also cites severe emotional distress and public humiliation resulting from the show’s portrayal.
Hulu has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the pending litigation. The network and the associated production companies have not issued public statements addressing the specific allegations outlined in the complaint.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Lawsuit
How much is Dakota Mortensen suing for?
Mortensen is seeking unspecified damages in excess of $300,000 from Hulu, Jeff Jenkins Productions, and Ludwig Productions.
What specific claims does the lawsuit make against producers?
The filing alleges that producers staged events, deleted contradictory footage, and falsely depicted Mortensen as an abusive partner, a serial cheater, and the person who reported Taylor Frankie Paul to Child Protective Services.
Has Hulu responded to the legal action?
Hulu has received requests for comment on the matter, but has not yet issued a response.
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