The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives was an instant hit upon its release in 2024. The reality TV series follows the lives of nine Utah influencers dealing with the aftermath of their newfound (and somewhat infamous) virality.

The world was aghast when Taylor Frankie Paul confessed on TikTok live that she and her (now ex) husband were swingers, despite being members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. As if that wasn’t salacious enough, Paul also revealed they had swung with members in their ward (and of MomTok).

That controversy never reached a courtroom. Even so, Taylor Frankie Paul found herself in front of a judge soon enough.

During production for season one of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Paul was arrested for aggravated assault and domestic violence. The reality TV star racked up multiple charges after a drunken altercation with her new boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen.

She ultimately struck a plea deal, pleading guilty to aggravated assault while the remaining charges were dropped.

Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen: The Protective Order Battle

In March 2026, footage of Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen’s altercation from 2023 was released. The video shows the flight escalating from verbal to physical as they chased each other through Paul’s house. She attempted to put Mortensen in a headlock before hurling metal chairs and a wooden playset at him—one of which struck her daughter caught in the crossfire.

On the same day that the video was leaked to TMZ, it was announced that Mortensen filed a protective order against Paul. Shortly after, production was paused for season five of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.

Taylor Frankie Paul’s Bachelorette Season Canceled Amid Investigation

Once the Draper City Police confirmed there was an open domestic assault investigation, Taylor Frankie Paul’s season of The Bachelorette was canceled—despite the premiere being just days away.

Will MomTok Survive Taylor Frankie Paul?

Multiple companies have cut ties, not only with Taylor Frankie Paul, but with The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives altogether. After the news broke, Cinnabon was the first to part ways with MomTok, according to NBC.

The “recent developments and allegations…” against Taylor Frankie Paul “led [Cinnabon] to reassess [their] collaboration…” A company spokesperson explains that they terminated their collaboration with The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and The Bachelorette because “… it no longer [aligned] with [their] brand values.”

With Paul’s scandal dominating headlines, the remaining members of MomTok met with Hulu executives to discuss her future on the show. NBC News obtained audio from their March 7 Zoom meeting. Cast members shared concerns “about continuing the show if MomTok founder Taylor Frankie Paul remained involved.”

Fear over their future careers and concern for the show’s branding were mounting so high that “one cast member said they did not feel comfortable filming as long as Paul is being investigated.”

Production Resumes: Taylor Frankie Paul Confirmed to Return

Despite the drama, MomTok’s founding member is confirmed to return. Production for season five of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives was greenlit at the end of April, and an exclusive source confirmed to TMZ that they were “… told [Taylor Frankie Paul] will film at some point.”

DA Declines to File Charges Against Taylor Frankie Paul

A temporary restraining order against Dakota Mortensen was granted to Taylor Frankie Paul at the beginning of April 2026. In her request, she shared four alleged incidents to outline Mortensen’s alleged “pattern of abusive conduct and coercive control.” NBC News exclusively detailed one of the referenced incidents.

While Paul’s children were sleeping inside her house, she and Dakota Mortensen went outside to fight in his truck. According to Taylor Frankie Paul’s lawyer, “[he] allegedly drove away with Paul against her wishes, before the two got into an altercation that included Mortensen grabbing her head and slamming it into the dashboard, then hitting her knee and elbow with his fist.”

On April 14, prosecutors announced they were not going to file domestic violence charges against Taylor Frankie Paul. According to NBC News, “some of the “misdemeanor offenses” happened more than two years ago and were barred by the statute of limitations.” The DA said the remaining offenses either “did not rise to the level of being considered crimes” or lacked evidence.

Mutual protection orders were granted on April 30, but the judge did not decide who has custody of Ever. A review hearing will take place on June 1, and “a written recommendation about parent time schedules” will be followed in the meantime.

Breaking Down Demi Engemann’s Defamation Suit

In 2024, multiple cast members guest-starred on Vanderpump Villa. Throughout the month of August, MomTok filmed their collaboration in Italy, and it was there that Demi Engemann met Marciano Brunette.

It seemed as if the two hit it off right away. In fact, their chemistry was so palpable to some that rumors of an affair instantly began circulating after promo for the crossover was released.

Engemann vehemently denied the affair rumors from the start, but her denials failed to quiet the noise. Instead, she went on the offensive—calling Marciano a “sexual predator” and accusing him of sexual assault on social media and in interviews. Her account of events on Vanderpump Villa drew a swift and explosive response from Marciano.

Marciano Brunette refutes the allegations, claiming that “they flirted,” “spoke privately,” and “shared a consensual kiss” before parting ways. He has since filed a defamation lawsuit against Demi Engemann and The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives production company. In his complaint, Marciano alleges that after filming, Demi “stayed in contact… for months through calls, FaceTime, texts, invitations, and even location sharing.”

Is the Production Company Also Liable? What Marciano’s Lawsuit Claims

Marciano is also arguing that “Jeff Jenkins Productions LLC… built major storylines around Engemann’s claims, republished her ‘sexual predator’ statements, and aired the allegations in a way designed to maximize impact while cutting [him] out and denying him any meaningful opportunity to respond.”

Brunette’s Bid for Unaired Footage

Marciano has since subpoenaed unaired footage related to Demi’s allegations, along with the production company’s internal communications and editorial decisions. His team is pushing back against a potential summary judgment dismissal, arguing that the full evidentiary record must be reviewed before the judge rules.

Production hopes that Marciano’s defamation lawsuit will be dismissed on summary judgement, but he argues the judge shouldn’t issue a ruling before being able to see all the evidence.

Whether that argument holds may depend on the terms of a ‘binding release’ Marciano reportedly signed—a detail that could significantly complicate his legal standing.

FAQ