Your understanding of the drama surrounding The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives might deepen after hearing Dakota Mortensen’s recent candid comments. On the June 4 episode of The Viall Files podcast, Dakota, 32, opened up about his current relationship with ex-girlfriend Taylor Frankie Paul. Though the two went through a very public and turbulent breakup, they are now focused on raising their 15-month-old son, Ever. Dakota revealed that things between them are “really fresh right now,” but chose not to elaborate further on their current connection or emotional state beyond coparenting.
Past Trouble Still Echoes In Their Story
If you’ve watched the first season of the Hulu reality show, you already know the pair’s relationship has been anything but smooth. Their time on-screen showed escalating tensions, including an altercation that led to Taylor being charged with aggravated assault in 2023. Not long after that, she experienced a miscarriage. Her pregnancy with Ever followed shortly after. These difficult moments added layers of emotional weight to their already fragile dynamic. Their challenges went far beyond what was captured on television, affecting both their personal lives and public reputations.
Season Two Kicked Off With Painful Revelations
When the second season premiered in May, Taylor offered her own take on how their relationship truly ended. She revealed that shortly after Ever’s birth, they were living together and even considering engagement. “Right after Ever was born, Dakota and I were living together and in bliss with our new baby, and I was even considering engagement,” she shared during the season premiere. “And then I learned that he was lying this entire time.” From that moment, trust eroded quickly, and their on-again, off-again relationship spiraled until it ended for good in late 2024.
Dakota Opens Up About Fear And Uncertainty
On the podcast, Dakota reflected on the emotional rollercoaster he experienced during their time together. He admitted that when they first started dating, he was terrified of how much he liked Taylor. That fear, he said, created distance between them early on. “I was so afraid of how much I liked Taylor and how afraid I was of her,” Dakota explained. He went on to say that he felt unsure about what Taylor really wanted, which made it difficult for him to fully commit. These feelings eventually contributed to what he called “dumb mistakes.”
Infidelity And Lingering Doubts Complicated The Bond
You might recall that during the show, costar Mayci Neeley discovered that Dakota had been unfaithful. That revelation added more pressure to an already strained relationship. Dakota admitted he sensed that Taylor was still involved with another man when they began dating. “She was still talking to the man she had an affair with,” he claimed. “I’m not stupid. I can obviously read those things.” His instincts led him to withhold full emotional commitment, fearing deeper heartbreak. “When I’m all in, I’m all in,” he said, hinting that his guarded approach was a way of protecting himself.
Taylor Struggles With Dating Under The Spotlight
Following their split, Taylor has been hesitant to jump back into dating. While speaking with Variety, she explained how the fame from the show complicates her personal life. “I am very scared to get out there and date. I can’t really even picture it happening for me,” she admitted. Being a public figure, Taylor finds it hard to trust others’ motives. “I don’t know people’s intentions, or if they’re just wanting to date to get on the show,” she added. Her fears are valid, especially when her romantic life has already played out so publicly.
Motherhood Adds Another Layer To Her Dating Life
As a mother of three, Taylor also expressed concern about anyone stepping into a parenting role. “I also have three kids, so who wants to come in and take over that role?” she said honestly. Still, she remains hopeful. Taylor believes in her ability to sense what’s right. “I have a very good intuition,” she said, expressing confidence in knowing when a connection feels genuine. In a moment of levity, she added, “Clearly, that’s why I’m not with my baby daddy.” Her humor, even after everything, shows she’s learning to move forward on her own terms.
An Uncertain Future But A Clearer Path Forward
Although both Dakota and Taylor remain cautious about new relationships, they are taking steps to co-parent Ever peacefully. Their emotional history is filled with ups and downs, but they appear focused on creating a better future for their child. Their story might still be unfolding, but each appears to be finding their own way, even if that path is full of difficult conversations and personal growth.
Do you think Dakota and Taylor will ever find peace beyond coparenting? Let us know in the comments on Facebook.
Via: InTouch
