The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ Mikayla Matthews is addressing the show’s reported production pause.
Filming on season 5 halted recently following an alleged domestic dispute involving Taylor Frankie Paul and her ex, Dakota Mortensen, multiple outlets reported earlier this week.
On Wednesday, March 18, a fan asked Mikayla, 26, via her Instagram Stories whether production was “actually on pause??”
Mikayla responded, “It was a decision that all of us girls came up with and agreed on. We didn’t feel comfortable filming with everything that was happening.”
The Draper City Police Department in Utah confirmed to Us Weekly on Monday, March 16, that a “domestic assault investigation” was ongoing regarding an incident involving Taylor, 31, and Dakota, 33, last month. The police department said that “allegations have been made in both directions.”
Taylor and Dakota’s up-and-down relationship has been a focal point on Hulu’s Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, which premiered in September 2024 and recently launched its fourth season.
Taylor and Dakota share a son, Ever, 2. The Bachelorette star also shares daughter Ocean, 8, and son Indy, 5, with ex-husband Tate Paul.
Taylor addressed the season 5 production pause during an interview on ABC’s Good Morning America on Wednesday.
“I don’t call the shots with production … as far as I know it was [paused], but I don’t know for how long,” she said.
Asked about her future on the show, the TikTok influencer said it was “hard to see” beyond the turmoil in her life right now.
“When your life is broadcasted out there in these headlines, it’s like the end of the world. That’s what it feels like, I’m not going to lie,” she said. “But I will say, I’ve been here before and I got through it and shared my story … so I’m hoping that I can do that again.”
Taylor’s season of The Bachelorette is set to premiere on Sunday, March 22. The reality television star said the recent news about her and Dakota had somewhat overshadowed her latest starring role.
“Honestly, it’s been a heavy time to see the headlines, especially during this time of The Bachelorette being released,” she said. “It’s supposed to be a really exciting time. I’m a person that will always speak my truth, that’s what I’m known for, and so when the time is right, I will be. But right now, just trying to be in the present moment and focus on this. My kids do come first … it’s been stressful, to be honest.”
A representative for Dakota told Entertainment Weekly on Wednesday, “His number one priority here is protecting [their son], Ever,” adding that “he knew there was a possibility” that news of the alleged domestic dispute could “come out, but he was not going to be the one to proactively do that because he has always wanted a decent relationship with Taylor. It’s been really hard to achieve that, but he wants to coparent well.”
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