Taylor Frankie Paul Quits 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives'
Taylor Frankie Paul has left The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, stepping away from the Hulu reality series that made her one of the most-watched figures in influencer-driven television. The exit comes after six months of public controversy, a dismissed criminal case, and a wave of co-star departures that preceded her own.
The Incident That Reshaped Everything
In March 2026, a video circulated online showing a physical altercation between Paul and her then-partner, Dakota Mortensen, with a child present during the confrontation. The footage prompted a police investigation and caused production on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives to pause entirely. Mortensen, who had appeared alongside Paul in earlier seasons, was confirmed this month as not returning for Season 6.
Prosecutors reviewed the footage and ultimately declined to file criminal charges, concluding the incidents did not meet the threshold for criminal prosecution. A civil court later issued a 100-foot restraining order requiring both parties to maintain distance from each other for three years. Paul was granted supervised visitation with her son. Around the same period, she announced publicly that she was stepping back from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, writing that it was time to detach herself from Mormonism.
The Bachelorette Cancellation
Before the investigation had concluded, ABC had already named Paul the lead of its upcoming Bachelorette season. The network reversed that decision after the video became public, canceling Season 22 entirely. Paul had been announced earlier than usual as part of a promotional push and had more than 2.5 million Instagram followers and 6 million on TikTok at the time of her selection. The cancellation stood as one of the more sudden reversals in the franchise’s history.
Her Decision to Stay — Then Leave
When Season 5 premiered on September 11, Paul remained part of the show. Hulu confirmed in early September that she would return to film Season 6. Her stated reason for continuing was to tell her story publicly. “The only reason I’m continuing the show is to share my story and hopefully help people,” she wrote. The announcement that she would return immediately set off a chain of departures from her co-stars.
Paul has since reversed that decision. Reports indicate she is no longer planning to participate in production, ending her involvement with a series that she had been central to since its 2024 debut.
Co-Stars Step Away
Mikayla Matthews, 26, announced her exit from Mormon Wives shortly after learning Paul would return. Matthews had agreed to film Season 6 with the understanding that Paul would not be involved. When she learned otherwise, she said she withdrew immediately. “The ONLY reason I’m leaving the show is because I was told a certain person was coming back,” Matthews wrote. “I said great, then I will not be participating, god bless and goodbye, haven’t filmed a day since.” She cited the wellbeing of the children involved and what she described as ethical concerns about profiting from the situation.
Other cast members, including Layla Taylor and Mayci Neely, signaled uncertainty about their own continued participation. Cast members also began mass-unfollowing Paul on social media in July, months before the Season 5 premiere.
Hulu had renewed Mormon Wives for both Seasons 6 and 7 before Season 5 had aired, signaling confidence in the franchise. Whether those seasons proceed with a significantly different cast, and how the show redefines itself without its most prominent figure, will depend on decisions producers have not yet made public.
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