The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives executive producer Jeff Jenkins dropped hints about Taylor Frankie Paul’s future on the Hulu reality show as season 5 nears the resumption of filming.
“I certainly hope [she will film with the other women],” Jenkins, 58, revealed at Deadline’s “Reality TV Summit” on Friday, May 1. “Again, first and foremost, is she healthy of body and mind, then we’ll talk about it.”
Jenkins pointed to a court hearing in Utah on Friday, May 1, where it was decreed that “Taylor and Dakota [Mortensen, her ex] are now legally required to stay 100 [feet] away from each other.” (At Salt Lake City’s Third District Courthouse on Friday, Utah Commissioner Russell Minas issued orders of protection for both Taylor, 31, and Dakota, 33, to stay away from one another for a period of three years to break the cycle of “a very toxic relationship.”)
“It’s a legal matter so I can tell you definitely that they will not be shooting together,” Jenkins declared.
The producer confirmed that he has been in touch with Taylor all throughout her recent legal troubles.
“I talked to Taylor for 90 minutes this week and she’s doing great,” Jenkins said. “She’s very grounded and composed. I’m happy for her.”
As for when cameras will start rolling again on Mormon Wives, Jenkins confirmed, “We don’t have a date yet. I’m very excited that we have the thumbs up from Hulu and Disney. I’m hoping it will be very soon. I’m very excited.”
Taylor Frankie Paul on “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.” Disney/Fred Hayes
Production on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives season 5 was abruptly halted in March when Taylor and her ex Dakota were involved in multiple domestic violence investigations. Following the release of shocking video footage of one February 2023 altercation, ABC cancelled plans to air Taylor’s season of The Bachelorette. (Taylor and Dakota share 2-year-old son Ever True Mortensen and she has two older children — daughter Indy May Paul and son Ocean Paul — with her ex-husband, Tate Paul.)
Utah authorities ultimately ruled on April 14 that Taylor would not be charged for a February 2026 domestic violence incident, paving the way for filming to resume on Mormon Wives.
Dakota Mortensen and Taylor Frankie Paul on “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.” Disney/Fred Hayes)
“Cried when I got the call 🙏 THANK YOU to those that have stood with me,” Taylor wrote via Instagram when news broke that she wouldn’t be charged.
Dakota reacted to the news with his own Instagram statement, writing, “Over the past several weeks, I’ve taken a step back and had time away from the chaos. That space has been a breath of fresh air and has given me clarity. My focus now is where it should have been all along-on my son and creating a stable, healthy environment for him moving forward.”
“I regret not stepping away from the difficult cycle sooner. I’m not perfect, and I take accountability for my part,” he went on. “I’m sincerely sorry to those I’ve hurt. At the same time, I don’t agree with how this situation has been portrayed publicly. It does not reflect the full context of what occurred or the impact it has had on my son and me.”
Amid confirmation that The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives will soon be filming again, Us Weekly exclusively learned that Taylor had an open invitation to return.
“The producers and cast have welcomed Taylor to return to this year’s filming,” a source told Us on April 22. “It is still unclear whether she will come back this year, but she is expected to be back in the future.”
The insider noted that Taylor “does want to return at some point” but the exact timeline was still being worked out. Meanwhile, Us reported that Dakota “will not be involved” with Mormon Wives moving forward.
“The network wants to keep them separate and not perpetuate a toxic relationship,” a second insider revealed to Us.
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is available to stream via Hulu.
