[Warning: Potentially Triggering Content]
Things behind the scenes of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives appear to be even more troubling than anyone realized, and what initially sounded like a messy reality TV fight has now allegedly spiraled into something far more serious and deeply unsettling.
As we’ve been reporting, production on the Hulu reality series was abruptly halted after a major confrontation between cast members and former couple Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen. But the situation didn’t stop there. Now, new details suggest the fallout has reached the point where authorities have stepped in and both parties have been ordered to undergo psychological evaluations.
Whoa…
Sources with direct knowledge of the situation claimed to TMZ on Monday that the Utah Division of Child and Family Services is involved following several reports made by Dakota. According to insiders, he contacted the agency multiple times alleging Taylor was physically abusive to their young son, Ever, who is about to turn 2. Taylor reportedly denies those allegations, and the lack of immediate action from authorities has allegedly been a source of frustration for Dakota.
The already tense situation reportedly exploded late last month during a heated argument while the two were in Dakota’s car. What started as a dispute allegedly escalated after a drink was spilled on the seat, and on Dakota himself. Sources close to Taylor claimed Dakota became enraged during the altercation and that he turned physical with her. However, Dakota reportedly told cops a very different story, claiming Taylor was the one who became physical.
Related: Dakota Claims He Did WHAT With Taylor The Night Before She Left To Film ‘The Bachelorette’?
As the accusations continued to swirl, the drama began affecting production in a major way. According to some insiders speaking to the news org this week, Dakota disappeared for nearly three weeks (!!!) following the incident, leaving producers scrambling since he plays a significant role in the storyline. That absence alone allegedly forced cameras to stop rolling.
But others connected to the show paint an even darker picture. Those sources say several cast members refused to continue filming at all while allegations of child and spousal abuse were circulating. Producers reportedly wanted to keep things moving, but the cast pushed back, unwilling to proceed while the situation remained unresolved.
With DCFS now investigating the claims tied to Dakota’s reports, both he and Taylor have apparently been ordered to undergo psychological evaluations, TMZ claims. As of Monday evening, it does not sound as those evaluations have yet taken place.
And the timing of all this could not be more complicated, because Taylor is also preparing for a very public next chapter as the newest star of The Bachelorette, with her season scheduled to premiere later this month.
Despite the chaos surrounding them, sources say production on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives may soon resume. What remains unclear is whether Dakota will continue to play the same role in the show moving forward…
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If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Consider calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233, or text START to 88788, or go to https://www.thehotline.org/.
[Image via Taylor Frankie Paul/Instagram/Dakota Mortensen/Instagram]
