Full Breakdown
Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen Poised for Return to “Mormon Wives” Amid Restraining Orders
5/28/2026, 12:47:35 PM
Core Event
Executive producer Jeff Jenkins told Variety on May 27 that he is “very hopeful” both Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen will appear in season 5 of the Hulu reality series, though their three-year restraining orders bar them from filming together for now.
Background & Context
Filming halted in March after multiple domestic-violence allegations surfaced. Body-camera footage from a 2023 incident led to Paul’s arrest and a guilty plea to aggravated assault. A February 2024 Utah investigation produced no charges, but both parties filed protective orders and a livestreamed April 30 hearing addressed custody of their two-year-old son, Ever.
Timeline
- 2023: Body-camera footage leads to Paul’s arrest.
- March 2024: Season 5 filming paused.
- April 21 2024: Cameras resume without Paul or Mortensen.
- April 30 2024: Court hearing on protective orders and custody.
- May 27 2024: Producer confirms hope for their return.
Official Statements & Responses
Jenkins called Paul “just made for this” reality format, likening her on-camera presence to “breathing air.” He said Disney has green-lit production, the cast is eager to return, and “MomTok” participants hold strong, varied opinions.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics question the ethics of filming a couple barred by restraining orders and spotlight the unresolved domestic-violence allegations.
On-the-Ground Reports
The April 30 hearing was livestreamed; Paul attended with sister Aspyn, mother Liann and stepdad Jeremy, while Mortensen presented injury photos.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Utah officials declined charges in February, yet earlier footage prompted Paul’s felony plea; when the pair can film together remains unclear.
Why It Matters
The case highlights how reality-TV productions must navigate legal restrictions and public scrutiny when participants are involved in domestic-violence investigations, raising questions about ethical storytelling and platform responsibility.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I've talked to Taylor, and she wants to come back, and I want her to come back,” — Jeff Jenkins, Executive Producer
- “If you watched the live feed from the judge’s courtroom, both Dakota and Taylor have stay away orders now that are official, so fortunately or unfortunately, whatever your perspective, we won’t be able to shoot with them together, ever again, or at least for a very long time,” — Jeff Jenkins
- “But I’m very hopeful that we’ll be shooting with both of them or either of them very soon.” — Jeff Jenkins
- “I don’t have a lot of detail on where each woman’s head is at. I’ve just heard through the grapevine. We all know Jessi [Draper’s] really supportive. Some of her comments were actually used in the courtroom that you saw on the live feed.” — Jeff Jenkins
What’s Next
Production is set to resume under Disney’s approval, with separate shoots of Paul and Mortensen planned pending compliance with restraining orders. The June 1 custody hearing will decide Ever’s living situation, and upcoming episodes will explore the cast’s reactions.
