'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' production paused amid abuse allegations

Production on Hulu's 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' has halted following allegations of child and spousal abuse involving Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen. Both have been ordered to undergo psychological evaluations by Utah's Division of Child and Family Services, though none have been performed. Meanwhile, Paul's upcoming season on 'The Bachelorette' remains on track.

Production on the Hulu reality series 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,' which follows Mormon mom influencers navigating relationships, paused after allegations of child and spousal abuse. Sources told TMZ that Dakota Mortensen, father of Taylor Frankie Paul's son Ever—who turns 2 this week—called Utah's Division of Child and Family Services multiple times alleging Paul was physically abusive to the child. Paul denies the claims, and an investigation remains open, with both parties ordered to undergo psychological evaluations that have not yet occurred. DCFS has not acted on Mortensen's reports to his satisfaction, sources say. The incident escalated late last month during a car ride when a heated argument led to a drink spilling on Mortensen and the seat. Conflicting accounts emerged: sources connected to Paul claim Mortensen got physical with her, while Mortensen called police alleging she was the aggressor. Production halted for different reported reasons. Sources close to Paul attribute the pause to Mortensen going missing for nearly three weeks afterward, delaying filming since he plays an important role. Show sources counter that cast members refused to continue amid the allegations, despite producers' wishes. Production is set to resume soon, though Mortensen's future role is unclear. The couple's rocky relationship was a major storyline in the show's most recent season, which aired last week. Separately, Paul stars in the 22nd season of ABC's 'The Bachelorette,' which a Variety report confirmed is proceeding unaffected. She was recently in New York City promoting it ahead of a Los Angeles premiere described variably as this weekend or later this month. TMZ reached out to Paul and Mortensen but received no response.

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