Cast of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives responds to Taylor Frankie Paul controversy amid domestic violence investigation and leaked video.
- March 26, 2026
AceShowbiz - The cast of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has publicly responded to the recent controversy involving Taylor Frankie Paul amid a domestic violence investigation.
The turmoil surrounding the Hulu series escalated on Monday, March 16, when production was halted due to an ongoing investigation concerning Taylor and her ex-partner, Dakota Mortensen. This incident marks the second reported domestic violence allegation between the two former partners.
On Thursday, a disturbing video leaked depicting the events prior to Taylor’s 2023 arrest, where she was seen throwing barstools at Dakota while her daughter was present. In response, ABC pulled season 22 of The Bachelorette just three days before its intended premiere on March 22.
A spokesperson for Taylor issued a statement to The Hollywood Reporter expressing gratitude for ABC’s support and emphasizing her focus on protecting her family. The statement revealed that Taylor had endured years of undisclosed physical and mental abuse and threats from her ex. It also highlighted her current efforts to confront her accuser and safeguard herself and her children from further harm.
The statement continued, underlining the plight of many women who suffer silently in abusive relationships with jealous ex-partners. It noted Taylor’s silence stemmed from fear of retaliation and public shaming, and that she is now exploring all available options, seeking support, and preparing to share her story publicly.
ABC could face a financial loss estimated at $30 million if the season never airs, but no official decisions have yet been announced regarding the future of The Bachelorette.
Adding to the complexity, NBC News reported on Wednesday that Taylor is currently under investigation for a third alleged domestic violence incident with Dakota, dating from 2024. Prior to this, on March 20, audio from a March 7 Zoom call involving the cast of Mormon Wives and three Disney executives surfaced. During the call, cast members expressed concerns about continuing the series with Taylor amid the ongoing investigation.
The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that production of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has launched its own investigation into the conflicting claims. Filming remains paused until this inquiry is concluded.
While the show's fate remains uncertain, members of the cast have begun addressing the situation publicly. Among the first to speak was Layla Taylor, who posted on Instagram on March 20, a day after the leaked video became public via TMZ.
Layla Taylor shared, "My personal history as a survivor makes it impossible for me to stay silent. I stand firmly against domestic violence in any form." She also expressed concern for the safety of Taylor’s children, stating she kept them in her thoughts.
On March 22, when a creator suggested on Instagram that one of the Mormon Wives cast members might have leaked the video to TMZ, Layla responded to speculation that she was responsible. She clarified, "I saw the video when tmz posted it. I don't know how I would have even gotten that. Same with Miranda. My intentions with my statement was to share how the situation on both sides is something I don't condone."
As the investigation continues, the cast and production remain in a state of uncertainty. The controversy has not only put the future of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives on hold but has also spotlighted the difficult realities faced by those involved.
At present, no additional comments or official updates have been made by the show's producers or Disney executives regarding the series’ continuation or cancellation.