By Luke Chinman (adapted and expanded)

The hit Hulu reality series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is moving forward with the remainder of its fifth season after a temporary production halt, but two key figures will no longer be in front of the cameras.

PEOPLE can exclusively confirm that filming will resume without cast member Taylor Frankie Paul or her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen. The decision comes after weeks of uncertainty triggered by a domestic assault investigation involving the former couple, which led to a pause in production in mid-to-late March 2026.

Hulu has not yet issued an official statement on the exact resumption date or the revised filming schedule, and representatives for both Paul and Mortensen declined to comment when reached by PEOPLE. The development marks a significant shift for the show, which has centered much of its drama around Paul’s personal life in previous seasons.

Background on the Show and the Scandal

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives follows a group of young Mormon mothers and influencers—often referred to as #MomTok—who navigate marriage, motherhood, faith, and the challenges of living in the public eye while sharing their lives on social media. Since its debut, the series has become a breakout hit for Hulu, blending elements of reality TV drama with glimpses into modern Latter-day Saint culture, “soft swinging” rumors, and the pressures of influencer life.

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Taylor Frankie Paul emerged as one of the most prominent and controversial cast members. Her on-again, off-again relationship with Dakota Mortensen, with whom she shares a young son named Ever, has been a recurring storyline across the first four seasons. The couple’s volatile dynamic, including public arguments and reconciliations, has fueled much of the show’s tension.

Production on Season 5 was reportedly underway when allegations surfaced regarding incidents on February 24 and 25, 2026. The Draper Police Department in Utah confirmed to PEOPLE on March 16, 2026, that an open domestic assault investigation was underway involving both Paul and Mortensen. Allegations were reportedly made in both directions, prompting police contact with the parties involved.

As news of the investigation broke, TMZ released footage from a 2023 incident in which Paul was seen yelling and throwing chairs at Mortensen, with a child nearby. That earlier event led to Paul’s arrest for alleged domestic violence. She later pled guilty in abeyance to aggravated assault, meaning the charge could be dismissed if she meets certain conditions. Other charges from that case were dismissed. A 2023 indictment alleged that Paul threw “heavy, metal chairs” at Mortensen, and that one of Paul’s daughters was struck during the altercation.

The Production Pause and Cast Reactions

The domestic investigation prompted an immediate pause in Season 5 filming. Sources close to the production told PEOPLE that the cast members were overwhelmed and chose to step away collectively.

“The girls are very overwhelmed. They all banded together and they don’t want to come back right now,” one source close to production said at the time. “They were just getting tired of Taylor, honestly.”

Another insider added, “None of the women want to be associated with her.”

Cast member Mikayla Matthews publicly addressed the situation in her Instagram Stories on March 19, 2026. She stated that the decision to halt filming was one “that all us girls came up with and agreed on” and that they “didn’t feel comfortable filming with everything that was happening.”

This united front from the cast highlighted growing fatigue with the repeated drama surrounding Paul. Fellow cast members include Whitney Leavitt, Jen Affleck, Demi Engemann, Mayci Neeley, Jessi Draper, Layla Taylor, and others who have built their own followings through the show and their social media platforms.

The timing of the pause overlapped with another major development: On March 19, 2026, ABC announced it was canceling Paul’s upcoming season as the lead on The Bachelorette. The season had been highly anticipated and was set to air just three days later. The cancellation further isolated Paul professionally and amplified the scrutiny on her personal life.

Legal Developments and Custody Battle

Amid the investigation, Mortensen filed for a protective order against Paul on March 19, according to court documents obtained by PEOPLE. The couple also filed competing protective orders.

On April 14, 2026, prosecutors announced they would not pursue charges against Paul in connection with the February incidents. A separate review by the Draper City Prosecutor similarly declined to file charges against either party, citing insufficient corroborating evidence and inconsistencies in statements from both individuals.

Despite the decision not to file criminal charges, family court proceedings continued. During an April 7, 2026, hearing, a judge granted Mortensen primary custody of their 2-year-old son, Ever. Paul was awarded up to eight hours of supervised visitation per week, overseen by a paid supervisor or someone approved by the guardian ad litem. This arrangement remains in effect until the next hearing on April 30, 2026, when the court will review the competing protective orders.

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Paul and Mortensen’s relationship has long been marked by turbulence. They share custody challenges and have documented their ups and downs on the show. Paul is also a mother to other children from previous relationships, including sons Indy and Ocean.

Why the Show Is Moving Forward Without Them

With criminal charges off the table, production is now resuming—but without Paul or Mortensen. This decision allows the rest of the cast to continue telling their stories without the shadow of the ongoing legal and personal drama.

Insiders suggest the other women are eager to finish Season 5 and move past the disruption. Some reports indicate that while Paul has expressed hope to return and “bounce back,” the cast’s reluctance and production’s choice to exclude her and Mortensen appear firm for the remainder of this season.

The exclusion raises questions about the future of Paul’s involvement in the franchise. She has been a central figure, often driving storylines with her candid (and sometimes controversial) discussions about faith, relationships, and motherhood. Removing her could shift the show’s focus toward the other cast members’ lives, including their own marriages, divorces, business ventures, and evolving relationships with Mormon culture.

The Broader Context of #MomTok and Reality TV

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives emerged from the viral #MomTok TikTok community, where these women originally gained fame sharing relatable (and sometimes scandalous) content about life as young Mormon moms. The series has sparked conversations about the intersection of religion, social media influence, and modern womanhood. It has also faced criticism for potentially sensationalizing personal struggles.

Paul’s situation brings added scrutiny to how reality shows handle allegations of domestic issues among cast members. Networks and streamers increasingly face pressure to balance entertainment with responsibility, especially when children are involved.

Fans have mixed reactions. Some express sympathy for Paul and hope she focuses on personal growth and co-parenting. Others support the cast’s decision to distance themselves, arguing that repeated drama can harm the group’s dynamic and the show’s reputation.

What’s Next for Season 5 and the Cast

As cameras prepare to roll again, the remaining cast members are expected to pick up where they left off. Storylines may explore the aftermath of the pause, the women’s solidarity during the crisis, and their individual journeys.

For Paul, the coming weeks will likely center on the April 30 court hearing and navigating co-parenting with Mortensen. She has reportedly been focusing on her children and self-reflection in recent statements.

Mortensen, who has also appeared on the show and faced his own public moments (including a reported hair transplant and past connections to other reality projects), will similarly step back from filming.

Hulu has not announced a premiere date for the completed Season 5, but sources suggest the pause will not significantly delay the overall timeline.

The situation remains fluid, particularly with the upcoming court date. PEOPLE will continue to follow developments involving the cast, the legal proceedings, and the future of this popular reality franchise.

This expanded coverage reflects the complexity of blending personal crises with entertainment. While The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has thrived on drama, the latest chapter underscores the real human consequences behind the cameras—especially when it comes to family, safety, and accountability.