Dakota Mortensen cut from 'Vanderpump Villa' amid Taylor Paul investigation
What's the story
Dakota Mortensen, a cast member of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, will not be featured in the new season of Vanderpump Villa, reported Variety. His storyline will be edited out of Season 3 due to an ongoing domestic violence investigation involving his ex-partner, Taylor Frankie Paul. Hulu has not yet commented on this development. The third season is set to premiere on April 16.
Relationship history
Mortensen and Paul's tumultuous relationship
Mortensen and Paul have had a tumultuous relationship throughout their time on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. In the show's 2024 premiere episode, Paul was arrested for aggravated assault after a physical altercation with Mortensen. Although the incident was part of the show, it was not captured on camera. Subsequently, in March, three days before Paul's season of The Bachelorette premiered, a video of the altercation surfaced online, showing her throwing stools at Mortensen while her child was present.
Show cancellation
Impact on other shows and upcoming projects
In light of the leaked video, ABC decided to pull Season 22 of The Bachelorette. A Disney Entertainment Television spokesperson said, "In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of The Bachelorette at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family." Meanwhile, Mortensen is set to star in a YouTube reality competition series produced by Alex Cooper, premiering on April 6.