Timeline of Mormon Wives Drama Following Season 5 Production Halt
Keeping up with the latest events in the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives universe over the last two weeks has been quite the challenge, and you’re certainly not alone.
The unfolding drama has been rapid and multifaceted, featuring production halts, police inquiries, a divorce, and a surprising kiss that sparked a debate among MomTok users regarding girl code.
Scroll down for a comprehensive recap of the significant developments involving the Mormon Wives cast after season 5’s production was temporarily halted — and the implications for the show’s future:
Hitting Pause
On March 16, 2026, various news outlets reported that The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives season 5 had halted production following an alleged domestic violence incident involving star Taylor Frankie Paul and ex-partner Dakota Mortensen in Utah weeks prior. A spokesperson from the Draper City Police Department confirmed to Us Weekly that an active “domestic assault investigation” is underway concerning the former couple, revealing that “allegations have been made in both directions” after a reported incident in February 2026.
In the wake of the police investigation news about Taylor and Dakota, their Mormon Wives co-stars allegedly consulted with Hulu and Disney executives regarding a possible filming hiatus.
“It’s a troubling situation, it’s disheartening, and we’re uncertain how to proceed because Taylor is our friend,” one cast member shared during a 30-minute call obtained by NBC News.
Mikayla Matthews later validated the group’s decision on Instagram Stories, stating, “We collectively agreed on this decision. We felt filming was uncomfortable given the circumstances.”
A source exclusively informed Us Weekly that Taylor’s co-stars were “frightened” to film alongside her amid the investigation.
“The women have voiced that they prefer not to be near her, viewing her as a significant risk,” the insider disclosed, claiming the group believed “Taylor was in a better spot” after her participation in The Bachelorette.
Taylor was named the lead of season 22 of The Bachelorette, which commenced filming a few months later. She returned home in December 2025, merely two months before her alleged incident with Dakota.
Taylor Breaks Her Silence — Then Everything Unraveled
On March 17, 2026, Taylor Frankie Paul addressed the police incident during a conversation with Us Weekly at a press dinner in NYC.
“There’s more context to everything, and it’s unfortunate,” she expressed. “It’s been challenging. It’s tough to be in this spot. As a mother, I stand firm on the fact that I am a good parent and have always treated my children well.”
A few days later, Taylor appeared on Good Morning America, where she discussed the Mormon Wives production hiatus, asserting that she had no control over the decision.
Then, on March 19, 2026, TMZ released footage of a past 2023 incident — mentioned in the debut episode of Mormon Wives — showing Taylor physically assaulting Dakota Mortensen and throwing chairs while her daughter, Indy, can be heard crying in the background. (Taylor shares Indy and Ocean with ex-spouse Tate Paul, as well as a son, Ever, with Dakota.)
Following the 2023 incident, Taylor was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, domestic violence in the presence of a child, child abuse with injury, and criminal mischief. She pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, leading to the dismissal of the remaining charges, and is currently on probation set to conclude in August 2026.
Shortly after the footage was released, ABC decided to cancel The Bachelorette season 22.
“In light of the newly surfaced video, we have chosen not to proceed with the new season of The Bachelorette at this time,” a spokesperson from Disney Entertainment Television stated to Us. “Our priority is supporting the family.”
Dakota soon filed for a temporary protective order against Taylor, seeking custody of their son, both of which were granted on March 20, 2026. A hearing is slated for early April 2026.
A New Investigation Emerges
NBC News reported on March 25, 2025, that Utah’s West Jordan Police Department has opened an investigation into claims made by Dakota Mortensen against Taylor Frankie Paul following an alleged domestic dispute in 2024. Dakota reached out to the department in February 2026.
Current Status of the Cast
Miranda McWhorter and Layla Taylor both voiced their concerns after the latest alleged incident, condemning domestic violence on March 20, 2026.
“It has been really difficult to witness all of this,” Miranda shared via her Instagram Stories. “Domestic violence and abuse, in any form, are issues I take very seriously. As a human being and as a mother, I cannot support such behavior.”
Layla also stated, “My personal experience as a survivor prevents me from remaining silent.”
Even with the cast’s strong condemnation of domestic violence, they haven’t entirely cut ties with Taylor.
“Many of the girls have reached out to ensure she’s okay. There’s concern for her mental health,” a source informed Us, adding that Taylor is “not responding and is in turmoil.”
Regarding the show’s future, a second insider mentioned to Us, “The girls believe they can continue without Taylor and are eager to move forward.”
The second source emphasized, “This situation has brought them closer in many ways; they’re supporting each other and want to complete season 5 on a positive note.”
The Divorce Surprise Between Jessi and Jordan
The rest of the cast has its own share of turmoil. Jordan Ngatikaura filed for divorce from Jessi Draper on March 19, 2026, after five years of marriage, mere hours after the footage of Taylor Frankie Paul’s arrest from 2023 made headlines.
Jessi later stated on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast that she informed Jordan of her desire for a divorce on March 13 — but he caught her off guard by filing first.
“We had agreed to approach it together, and he blindsided me by filing because he wanted to be the one to make headlines first,” she said. “We planned to inform our children together before taking legal steps, and that hasn’t happened … A betrayal.”
Then, Jessi Shared a Kiss with Miranda’s Ex
Just days after the divorce filing, Jessi Draper was seen kissing Chase McWhorter — Miranda McWhorter’s ex-husband — at a birthday gathering. DeuxMoi first reported this sighting, which was later confirmed by a source to Us, stating, “They were just having fun at a party and it’s not serious.”
Miranda subsequently expressed her feelings to Entertainment Tonight, stating she felt caught off guard.
“Jessi reached out only after she was aware Chase had told me about them,” she shared. “I feel slighted by my friend. I hold my friends to a high standard, and I believe in girl code.”
After learning about the kiss, Miranda received flowers from Jessi.
“I completely understand you being upset with me,” Jessi wrote in a note shared by Miranda on Instagram. “[I] wanted to send you a little something to let you know I’m thinking of you and I am truly sorry.”
One major question remains: Can MomTok withstand this whirlwind of drama? Stay tuned.
If you or someone you know is facing domestic violence, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.
This article was compiled using AI tools and refined by journalists.
