Are Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen a Couple?

If you thought the relationship between Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen was a total rollercoaster in Season 1 of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” just wait for what Season 2 has in store.

From dating and co-parenting to all the ups and downs, Hulu audiences have closely followed the couple’s turbulent journey since the show debuted in September 2024.

Paul is recognized as the originator of #MomTok, a loose collection of Mormon influencers who have cultivated their own followings on TikTok and other social media platforms, while also collaborating with one another.

She was also at the center of its fallout in 2022 after she shared a TikTok Live revealing her involvement in “soft swinging” with other members alongside her ex-husband, Tate Paul. Other cast members have denied any participation.

Season 1 of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” offered insight into her relationship with Mortensen.

After the arrival of their child and dealing with infidelity rumors, Paul and Mortensen’s relationship faced a turning point at the conclusion of Season 1.

What was the outcome of the season, and what is the current status of Paul and Mortensen? Here’s a recap of their relationship journey.

What transpired between Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen in Season 1?

Throughout the season, viewers observed the turmoil surrounding Paul and Mortensen’s relationship. On multiple occasions, Paul’s family and friends expressed concern about the volatile nature of their communication.

Paul was arrested during a confrontation with Mortensen

In February 2023, Paul was arrested on charges that included assault and domestic violence in the presence of a child. She reached a plea agreement in her assault case by late August 2023, pleading guilty to aggravated assault, while the other charges were dismissed with prejudice, meaning they are permanently closed, according to court documents reviewed by The Salt Lake Tribune.

In an interview with TODAY.com, the TikTok star reflected on a challenging moment in her relationship, though she didn’t explicitly mention the arrest.

“I forgot the cameras were rolling, and Dakota and I got into an argument … My true feelings were revealed, and I think I became a bit heated and started to vent. I think it was a first for me to express what I was feeling without regret. It allowed me to be honest about my situation, though perhaps I regret the way I expressed it,” she shared.

The couple dealt with cheating allegations

During Paul’s pregnancy, Mortensen was eager to propose. However, Paul hesitated to move their relationship forward, citing “lies” he told her at the start as a primary reason.

In a confessional interview, she recounted an incident early in their relationship when they were not exclusive yet. Paul indicated that Mortensen had misrepresented his time with friends but later acknowledged that he had an encounter with another woman that night.

“I’ve been honest about my fears of progressing because I’m worried there may be more revelations. Can you blame me?” she questioned.

Meanwhile, Mortensen claimed that Paul frequently “self-sabotaged” their relationship.

The couple welcomed their first child together

Paul and Mortensen celebrated the birth of their son, Ever, in March 2024. Paul also has two children from her previous marriage.

Before expecting Ever, the couple had previously endured an ectopic pregnancy, which happens when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, rendering the pregnancy nonviable, as noted by the Mayo Clinic.

The season concluded with a cliffhanger for Paul and Mortensen

In one episode of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” Paul’s #MomTok friend Mayci Neeley expressed her protectiveness over Paul’s relationship with Mortensen.

Neeley, Paul, and Mortensen later shared heartfelt conversations about their feelings. However, Neeley ended the season by addressing a woman who claimed she had “accidentally slept with” Mortensen prior to realizing he was dating Paul.

What occurred after Season 1 aired?

Following the premiere of Season 1, Paul spoke with TODAY.com, disclosing that she and Mortensen remained together and were working to strengthen their connection.

“We’re attending couples therapy and coaching, which is helping us communicate and navigate the loud noise around us, which is great,” she mentioned at the time.

Paul also stated that their relationship had significantly improved since their days as cast members on “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.”

“Things have definitely improved. We’re far from our ultimate goal, given the baggage we each bring into the relationship, and now we’re in the realm of television, bringing along its challenges,” she explained.

Describing their relationship status as “good,” Paul mentioned Mortensen and her ex-husband “getting along well.”

“They share a bond, and I’m also friends with (Tate’s) partner,” she added then. “I’m aware that it may cause some discomfort, but it’s part of my journey. It feels authentic.”

In September 2024, Paul ignited speculation about a breakup when she shared a video of herself dancing on TikTok with the caption, “Not me transforming into my 2022 self.” For those familiar with the show’s backstory, 2022 was the year her marriage to Tate Paul concluded.

She also mentioned in another TikTok, shared on September 23, that the show was too “triggering” to watch. That same weekend, Paul posted an Instagram story hinting at the beginning of a “new chapter.”

In a conversation with US Weekly on September 23, she mentioned having “no idea” regarding their future.

“I would say we are working on things, but I genuinely don’t know what the future holds for us,” Taylor remarked to Us. “We are not wholly together, but we aren’t completely done either. I can’t predict where this will lead.”

What unfolded between Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen in Season 2?

Paul addressed her breakup with Mortensen

Paul wasted no time airing her relationship struggles in Episode One of Season 2, stating she felt “deceived for two years.”

Paul alleged Mortensen was involved with another woman during the early days of their relationship, without her knowledge.

According to Paul, he “swore that nothing more than kissing occurred.” Later, he admitted, “there was more to the story.”

Paul confronted the matter directly while gathering with her #MomTok friends, stating, “I’ve felt profound sadness, but my ego is kicking in, saying, ‘I won’t be anyone’s second choice, so if that’s the case, I’m alright.’”

Later in the episode, Paul shared during a confessional interview that she felt “betrayed” and was “in denial.”

“I’m unsure if I want to move forward,” she admitted.

Paul acknowledged that she had contemplated getting engaged to Mortensen after welcoming their child, as she had been in a state of “bliss.”

Paul met with Jenna, the ‘other woman’

In Season 1, Neeley reached out to the woman Mortensen was seeing early on in his relationship with Paul. In Season 2, Episode 1, Neeley and Paul met with the woman named Jenna to discover the truth.

Jenna disclosed that while she never had sexual relations with Mortensen, they did share intimate moments together. She revealed that Mortensen was often the one organizing their dates, which he had previously denied to Paul.

“I was the late-night girl you came to, while you were asking her out on real dates and saying sweet things. I feel like absolute garbage,” Paul later expressed.

Jenna mentioned that she confronted Mortensen about his relationship with Paul upon seeing a TikTok video of them together. His response indicated he was just talking to Paul for “clout” and to enhance his social media presence.

Mortensen shared his perspective on the situation

In a confessional interview, Mortensen commented that he discussed his relationship with Jenna with Paul once he learned that Neeley had approached her.

He confessed to deleting some messages from Jenna to avoid losing Paul.

“I did lie. I was always protecting myself out of selfishness. I wish I had been honest with her, but now it’s too late,” he stated.

Mortensen expressed feelings of “guilt” concerning their son, noting he felt he “let him down.”

“I would do anything to have my family back and to be with Taylor. Unfortunately, I hurt her deeply and messed up; these are the consequences of my actions,” he added.

Paul’s parents encouraged her to reconcile with Mortensen

In Episode 2 of Season 2, Paul’s family invited Mortensen over for dinner in an attempt to inspire the couple to reconcile. However, the discussion escalated into a confrontation that left Paul feeling like her family was judging her for becoming intimate with Mortensen too soon and resulting in pregnancy.

The conversation concluded with the family urging the ex-couple to sort things out for their son’s sake.

What is the current status of Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen’s relationship?

Before the Season 2 premiere, Paul spoke with People about the possibility of reuniting with Mortensen in the future.

“Right now, our focus is on self-improvement and healing, both for ourselves and for our son. That’s been our main emphasis over the last several months,” she expressed.

Paul isn’t rushing into rekindling a romance with her ex, but she remains open to the idea.

“I don’t know; I never say never, but at this moment, it’s all about individual healing and working on the necessary changes,” she remarked.

In another interview with E! News, Paul provided an update on her co-parenting dynamic with Mortensen.

“Co-parenting is fantastic, yet incredibly challenging,” she noted. “It’s the most painful experience for a parent, quite torturous. Having gone through this with my other two kids, this journey has been even more excruciating, and the decision to separate added to the difficulty of letting go.”

Reflecting on the potential for reconciliation with Mortensen, Paul shared her thoughts.

“I believe he still holds on to hope. If either of us is clinging to even a fraction of a chance, I won’t say ‘never,’” she concluded.