Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen’s relationship has been thrust into the spotlight with their appearance on the Hulu series “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.” The show, which follows the lives of Paul and seven other influencers from the Mormon MomTok community, has shed light on the couple’s tumultuous journey.
Their story began in May 2022 when Paul announced her divorce from ex-husband Tate Paul on TikTok. Shortly after, she revealed that the couple had been involved in “soft swinging” with other couples in their friend group, which ultimately led to the creation of the reality show.
By July 2022, Paul had introduced Mortensen as her new partner in a TikTok video, captioning it “I will not be sharing this one.” However, their relationship soon faced challenges. In November 2022, Paul shared that she had experienced an ectopic pregnancy with Mortensen’s child, a difficult situation that required medical intervention.
The couple’s troubles escalated in February 2023 when Paul was arrested following a domestic violence incident. Police reports indicated that Paul had thrown metal stools at Mortensen, with one allegedly striking her daughter Indy. Paul was subsequently charged with multiple counts related to domestic violence and child abuse. In August 2023, she entered a plea agreement, resulting in probation and mandatory evaluations.
Despite these setbacks, Paul confirmed in June 2023 that she and Mortensen were still together. Later that summer, she became pregnant with their first child.
“The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” has provided further insight into their relationship dynamics. The show depicts Paul’s reluctance to marry Mortensen, citing trust issues. One episode highlights tensions arising from Paul’s attendance at a Chippendales show in Las Vegas.
A significant storyline involves fellow cast member Mayci Neeley receiving an anonymous tip about Mortensen’s alleged infidelity. The source, believed to be a woman named Jenna who dated Mortensen around the time he began seeing Paul, claimed to have slept with him without knowing he was in a relationship. This revelation led to
confrontations between Paul and Mortensen on the show.
In March 2024, Paul gave birth to their son, Ever True. She expressed positivity about Mortensen’s support during the birth, stating in a confessional, “I’m like, on cloud nine, and this is like the first time I’ve been so confident in us, in a future. I just — I hope that I can trust him.”
However, in a September 2024 appearance on “The Viall Files” podcast, Paul admitted to ongoing insecurities stemming from Mortensen’s past actions, particularly his involvement with Jenna early in their relationship. She revealed that she was still struggling to move past these feelings, saying, “It’s not about Jenna. It’s not. It’s about me feeling insecure and feeling less than and unworthy and not good enough.”
Paul acknowledged that while Mortensen has apologized, she continues to grapple with the emotional impact. She expressed a desire to marry him but emphasized the need for personal growth and therapy to address her insecurities.
Throughout their two-year relationship, Paul and Mortensen have weathered numerous challenges, from legal troubles to trust issues. Their journey, as portrayed on “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” and discussed in public forums, highlights the complexities of modern relationships, especially those lived in the public eye. As they navigate parenthood and their personal struggles, the couple’s story continues to unfold, capturing the attention of viewers and fans alike.