Reality Star Dakota Mortensen Edited Out of Vanderpump Villa Amid Domestic Violence Investigation
Dakota Mortensen, known for his role on Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, will reportedly be edited out of the forthcoming third season of Hulu's Vanderpump Villa. This decision follows a domestic violence investigation involving Mortensen and his ex-girlfriend, Taylor Frankie Paul, according to industry reports.
Production Changes and Network Responses
Mortensen had filmed as a guest star for Vanderpump Villa during autumn production, but his storyline will now be redacted entirely. Variety first reported this development, highlighting the show's response to the ongoing legal scrutiny. The Independent has reached out to Disney and Mortensen's representatives for official comment, though no statements have been issued yet.
This editing move comes shortly after ABC's cancellation of Taylor Frankie Paul's upcoming season of The Bachelorette, which was pulled just days before its scheduled release. A Disney Entertainment Television spokesperson explained the decision, citing a newly surfaced video from 2023 that appeared to show Paul attacking Mortensen, leading to an arrest. The spokesperson emphasized that the network's focus is on supporting the family during this difficult time.
Ongoing Police Investigations and Allegations
Authorities have confirmed they are investigating multiple allegations of domestic assault involving Paul and Mortensen. The Draper City Police Department stated that allegations have been made in both directions, with contact made with involved parties on February 24th and 25th, though no charges have been filed to date. A week later, the West Jordan Police Department in Utah began investigating a third domestic violence allegation related to the pair.
Paul and Mortensen have had an on-again, off-again relationship throughout their reality TV careers. In the 2024 premiere of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Paul was arrested for aggravated assault after a physical fight with Mortensen and subsequently placed on probation.
Statements from Representatives and Personal Priorities
Following the cancellation of her Bachelorette season, Paul's representatives released a statement expressing gratitude for ABC's support. They noted that Paul is prioritizing her family's safety and security after years of alleged mental and physical abuse. It remains unclear whether ABC plans to air Paul's season at a later date.
Mortensen's representative told Entertainment Weekly on March 18th that his primary concern is protecting their one-year-old son, Ever. The representative added that Mortensen had anticipated the video might surface but chose not to release it proactively, hoping to maintain a decent co-parenting relationship with Paul despite challenges.
Background and Rise to Fame
Mortensen and Paul rose to prominence on Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, which became Hulu's most-watched unscripted premiere of 2024. The show was commissioned following a viral soft swinging scandal involving a group of influencer mothers who were current or former members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The couple began dating in 2022 and welcomed their son, Ever True Mortensen, in March 2024. They separated that September. Mortensen is set to appear in a YouTube reality competition series produced by Alex Cooper, streaming on April 6th.
Support Resources: The national domestic abuse helpline offers support for women on 0808 2000 247, or visit the Refuge website. A dedicated men's advice line is available on 0808 8010 327. In the US, call the domestic violence hotline on 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Other international helplines can be found via www.befrienders.org.
