The cast of Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives reportedly voiced concerns about Taylor Frankie Paul to Disney executives weeks before ABC decided to pull her season of The Bachelorette. According to NBC News, several stars of the reality series held a 30-minute Zoom call on March 7 with three Disney executives, including Rob Mills, EVP of unscripted and alternative entertainment at Walt Disney Television.
During the call, cast members expressed unease about continuing production amid a new domestic violence dispute between Paul and her ex, Dakota Mortensen. A Draper City Police Department spokesperson confirmed that “allegations have been made in both directions.”
Cast Members Speak Out
The reality stars explained that the situation was both dangerous and emotionally difficult, given their friendship with Paul. “It’s a dangerous situation, it’s a sad situation, and we don’t know how to navigate it, because Taylor is our friend,” one cast member said in audio obtained by NBC News.
They also shared accounts of Paul’s alleged actions, though details remain under investigation. Mills acknowledged the seriousness of the situation but admitted, “I don’t know a lot, nor do I want to know too much.”
Production Paused
Following the March 7 call, reports surfaced on March 16 that production on Season 5 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives had been paused. Cast member Mikayla Matthews later confirmed the decision in an Instagram story, writing: “It was a decision that all us girls came up with and agreed on. We didn’t feel comfortable filming with everything that was happening.”
The pause came just days before a leaked video of a 2023 domestic violence incident involving Paul and Mortensen prompted ABC to pull Paul’s season of The Bachelorette entirely.
Swift Action by Disney
Once the video surfaced on March 20, Disney acted quickly, announcing that Paul’s season would not air. The decision underscored the network’s zero-tolerance approach to controversies involving domestic violence, especially when linked to high-profile reality programming. The move also highlighted the influence of cast members, who had already raised red flags about continuing production under the circumstances.
What’s Next for the Series
While The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives had entered its fifth season, the future of the show remains uncertain. Cast members have emphasized their commitment to safety and accountability, even as they navigate the fallout of the controversy. For viewers, the incident raises broader questions about reality TV, accountability, and the responsibilities networks face when personal issues intersect with public entertainment.
