Cast members of Hulu’s “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” expressed concerns to ABC executives earlier this month regarding the show’s future should “MomTok” founder Taylor Frankie Paul remain involved, according to audio obtained by NBC News.
Concerns Raised After Incident
The roughly 30-minute Zoom meeting on March 7 followed an incident involving Paul and her on-again-off-again partner, Dakota Mortensen. The Draper Police Department in Utah confirmed there is an open “domestic assault investigation” regarding Paul and Mortensen dating back to February.
During the call, cast members voiced concerns about the future of their careers, the show’s brand, and allegations surrounding Paul, and Mortensen. They also brought up alleged abuse involving Paul, who has three children, one shared with Mortensen.
Previous Legal Issues
In 2023, Paul was charged with assault, criminal mischief, and domestic violence in the presence of a child, stemming from a domestic dispute with Mortensen that was part of the storyline in Season One of “Mormon Wives.” Court records show Paul pleaded guilty in abeyance to an aggravated assault charge in August 2025, with the other four charges dismissed.
Disney Executives Respond
One cast member stated they were uncomfortable filming although Paul is under investigation, describing the situation as “dangerous” and “sad.” According to a source, the purpose of the March 7 Zoom meeting was to assure the cast that their safety was prioritized and they should not sense pressured to participate in press or filming.
Three Disney executives, including Rob Mills, the executive vice president of unscripted and alternative entertainment at Walt Disney Television, were present at the meeting. Mills stated he did not want to inquire too deeply into the situation. Cast members referenced “distressing” and “upsetting” video recordings of Paul’s alleged conduct, but did not detail their contents during the call.
Filming Paused, “The Bachelorette” Canceled
Hulu executives reportedly witnessed discussions of domestic violence while filming Season Five in Utah. On Thursday, TMZ published a video appearing to show Paul physically assaulting Mortensen. The video is mentioned in Paul’s 2023 indictment, which details injuries sustained by Mortensen and notes Paul’s daughter was nearby during the incident.
ABC subsequently canceled Paul’s planned appearance as the lead of “The Bachelorette,” stating their focus was on supporting the family. A spokesperson for Paul claimed the video was part of a campaign by Mortensen to harm her.
Mortensen has filed for a protective order against Paul, though the filing required correction and an amended petition. The cast ultimately agreed to pause filming of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” until the legal matters are resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the emergency meeting between the cast and ABC executives?
An incident involving Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen prompted the meeting, along with concerns about an ongoing domestic assault investigation.
What was Rob Mills’ response to the cast’s concerns?
Rob Mills, a Disney executive, stated he did not want to inquire too deeply into the situation and stressed the importance of taking care of each other.
What action did ABC take regarding Taylor Frankie Paul’s role on “The Bachelorette”?
ABC canceled the upcoming season of “The Bachelorette” featuring Taylor Frankie Paul, citing the newly released video and a focus on supporting the family.
As investigations continue and legal proceedings unfold, how will the future of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” be impacted by these events?
