Layla Taylor is speaking candidly about where she stands with her The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives costar Taylor Frankie Paul—and her answer is direct.
Ahead of the Season 5 premiere on September 10, Taylor told PEOPLE that there is currently no friendship between her and Paul. The comments arrive as the show returns to Hulu with an abbreviated five-episode season following a production pause earlier this year amid legal developments involving Paul.
“I’ll let my other castmates speak for their relationship with her, but I think for me and Taylor there’s not really a friendship there right now,” Taylor said. “But I wish her well, and I hope that life works out. But for me, personally, with her, yeah, no friendship there.”
The statement offers insight into how the cast dynamic has shifted during a turbulent period for the franchise. Here is what viewers should know about Layla Taylor, Taylor Frankie Paul, and the context surrounding Season 5.
What Did Layla Taylor Say About Taylor Frankie Paul?
Layla Taylor’s comments about her relationship with Taylor Frankie Paul were made during an interview ahead of the Season 5 premiere.
Key points from her statement:
- Taylor stated there is “not really a friendship there right now” between her and Paul
- She expressed well wishes for Paul, saying she hopes “life works out”
- She indicated that other castmates could speak for their own relationships with Paul
- She described her relationship with Paul as having been “pretty surface level” in the past
In a separate interview, Taylor elaborated on the nature of their relationship, saying: “When we were around each other, it was always fun. There was good times for sure, but I feel like me and her never had really too much depth to our relationship and I don’t think that’s a bad thing. I just think that Taylor has so much going on in her world and it’s hard for her to, you know, see others.”
Important context: These statements represent Layla Taylor’s personal characterization of her relationship with Paul. They are not official statements from Hulu, the show’s producers, or any legal authority.
Who Is Layla Taylor?
Layla Taylor is a cast member on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, the Hulu reality series that follows a group of Mormon mom influencers in Utah.
Her role on the show:
Taylor is part of the core cast that has appeared throughout the series’ run. She has been featured alongside Taylor Frankie Paul, Whitney Leavitt, Jen Affleck, Jessi Draper, Mayci Neeley, Mikayla Matthews, and Miranda Hope.
Reality TV background:
Taylor is a content creator and influencer within the MomTok community—the group of Utah-based Mormon moms whose social media presence inspired the series.
Relevance to Season 5:
Taylor is confirmed to appear in Season 5. She has also been confirmed for the show’s upcoming additional episodes, which Hulu has ordered.
Previous statements:
Following the domestic violence allegations involving Paul and Dakota Mortensen, Taylor posted a statement to her Instagram Stories condemning domestic violence. She wrote: “My personal history as a survivor makes it impossible for me to stay silent. I stand firmly against domestic violence in any form. I am keeping her children in my thoughts, hoping for their safety above all else.”
Who Is Taylor Frankie Paul?
Taylor Frankie Paul is the central figure of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and a prominent social media influencer.
Her role on the show:
Paul is often described as the founder of #MomTok and has been the show’s most prominent cast member since its premiere in 2024. The series originated from a “soft-swinging” scandal involving Paul that gained widespread attention on social media in 2022.
Reality TV background:
Paul was positioned to become the lead of The Bachelorette Season 22, a crossover event between ABC and Hulu. The season was filmed but was ultimately pulled from ABC’s schedule following the resurfacing of a 2023 video showing a physical altercation between Paul and her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen.
Her importance to the franchise:
Paul has been the driving narrative force behind much of the show’s drama, including her tumultuous relationship with Mortensen and her attempts to move forward.
Current relevance to Season 5:
Paul appears in Season 5, though reports indicate her presence is limited compared to previous seasons. The season documents the breakdown of her relationship with Mortensen and the events leading up to the production pause.
Why Layla Taylor and Taylor Frankie Paul’s Relationship Matters
Viewers have been interested in the relationship between Taylor and Paul because of how it reflects the broader cast dynamics during a challenging period for the show.
Connection through Mormon Wives:
Both women are members of the core MomTok group featured on the series. Their interactions have been part of the show’s narrative since its beginning.
Cast dynamics:
Multiple sources confirmed that several cast members refused to work with Paul, leading to the season’s premature end. This context is essential for understanding Taylor’s comments.
Why Taylor’s comments are attracting attention:
Taylor’s statement provides a rare on-the-record confirmation of how at least one cast member views her current relationship with Paul—information that viewers have been speculating about based on social media activity and reports.
Distinguishing types of information:
- What Layla said: That there is “no friendship” between her and Paul currently
- What the show depicts: Season 5 shows the cast navigating the aftermath of the production pause and the events surrounding Paul and Mortensen’s legal situation
- What viewers speculate about: Fan theories about cast conflicts and relationships that have not been publicly confirmed
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 5
Season 5 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives premiered on Thursday, September 10, 2026, on Hulu.
Key details:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Premiere date | September 10, 2026 |
| Platform | Hulu (US), Disney+ (international) |
| Episode count | 5 episodes (shorter than usual) |
| Release format | All episodes available at once |
| Cast | Taylor Frankie Paul, Whitney Leavitt, Jen Affleck, Jessi Draper, Layla Taylor, Mayci Neeley, Mikayla Matthews, Miranda Hope |
Why Season 5 is shorter:
Production was paused in March 2026 following domestic violence investigations involving Paul and Mortensen. Multiple sources confirmed that several cast members refused to work with Paul, leading to the abbreviated season.
Major storylines:
The season addresses the breakdown of Paul and Mortensen’s relationship, including the events that led to the production pause. The cast—minus Paul for portions—returned to film confessional interviews after the two-month hiatus.
Future episodes:
Hulu has renewed the franchise for 20 additional episodes, which the cast is currently filming. These will likely be split into seasons 6 and 7.
Taylor Frankie Paul’s Legal and Personal Situation
Coverage of Taylor Frankie Paul’s legal situation requires careful attention to distinguish between allegations, official statements, and verified findings.
Background:
In February 2026, reports surfaced of a domestic dispute involving Paul and Dakota Mortensen. The Draper City Police Department and West Jordan Police Department opened investigations.
Mutual allegations:
Mortensen accused Paul of physical abuse during a February 2026 incident, alleging she choked and struck him. Paul stated that Mortensen drove away with her against her will and claimed he slammed her head against the truck dashboard.
Prior incident:
Paul was arrested in February 2023 following an altercation with Mortensen in which she threw metal chairs at him. She was charged with aggravated assault, domestic violence in the presence of a child, child abuse with injury, and criminal mischief. She entered into a plea in abeyance to aggravated assault, and her probation concluded in 2026.
Resurfaced video:
In March 2026, a video from the 2023 incident was published by TMZ, showing Paul physically attacking Mortensen. This led ABC to pull The Bachelorette Season 22 from its schedule.
Charging decision:
In April 2026, the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office announced it would not file charges against Paul for the February 2026 incident.
Current status:
Paul and Mortensen remain involved in an ongoing custody battle over their 2-year-old son, Ever.
Paul’s public statements:
Paul has defended her decision to share her experiences on social media, writing: “I’ll continue sharing on social media showing how ugly healing can truly be. Making and editing videos is my way of processing just like people who like to write into a journal.”
Mortensen’s statement:
Dakota Mortensen issued a statement saying: “I regret not stepping away from the difficult cycle sooner. I’m not perfect, and I take accountability for my part. I’m sincerely sorry to those I’ve hurt. At the same time, I don’t agree with how this situation has been portrayed publicly. It does not reflect the full context of what occurred.”
Important note: The legal situation remains complex. The district attorney declined to file charges against Paul, but the custody dispute continues.
How the Legal Situation Has Affected Mormon Wives
The legal developments involving Paul and Mortensen had significant effects on the production of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
Production pause:
Filming on Season 5 was paused in March 2026 following the domestic violence investigations.
Shortened season:
Season 5 was reduced to five episodes—approximately half of the show’s usual slate—due to the production pause.
Cast participation:
Multiple sources confirmed that several cast members refused to work with Paul, contributing to the season’s abbreviated format.
Bachelorette cancellation:
ABC pulled The Bachelorette Season 22, which was filmed with Paul as the lead, from its schedule days before it was set to premiere.
Season 5 content:
The season addresses the aftermath of the production pause, with the cast returning to film confessionals without Paul. A message before the first episode reads: “In May 2026, the Secret Lives cast returned to finish filming interviews following a 2-month production pause … without Taylor.”
What Other Mormon Wives Cast Members Have Said
Several cast members have made public statements about the situation.
Miranda Hope:
Hope joined Taylor in posting a statement condemning domestic violence following the allegations.
Jessi Draper:
In Season 5, Draper expressed concern about the escalating situation, saying, “One of them is going to end up dead or in jail.”
Mayci Neeley:
Neeley described Season 5 as “dark” and said she “had a feeling of dread like a storm cloud was hanging over us” even before the legal drama.
Whitney Leavitt:
Leavitt, who previously announced that Season 5 would be her last as a full-time cast member, appears in the season.
Important note: These statements represent individual cast members’ perspectives and should not be characterized as unified cast positions.
What Season 5 Shows About the Cast Dynamic
Season 5 offers viewers a look at how the cast navigated the production pause and the events surrounding it.
Friendship changes:
The season documents shifts in cast relationships, with some members expressing concerns about Paul’s situation and others focusing on their own personal challenges.
Trust and conflict:
The dynamics between cast members are shaped by the production pause and the decisions made during that time.
Group dynamics:
At the end of the season, the women—minus Paul and Leavitt—address how their friend group is “in shambles,” and the season concludes with a “To Be Continued” message.
Important disclaimer: Reality TV episodes are edited productions and may not show every conversation or event that occurred. What viewers see on screen represents a curated version of events shaped by production decisions.
Layla Taylor and Taylor Frankie Paul: What We Know
Confirmed/Reported
- Layla Taylor stated there is “no friendship” between her and Taylor Frankie Paul
- Both are cast members on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives
- Season 5 premiered September 10, 2026, on Hulu
- Taylor Frankie Paul appears in Season 5, though in a limited capacity
- Layla Taylor appears in Season 5
- Production was paused in March 2026 amid domestic violence investigations
- The Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office declined to file charges against Paul
Not Confirmed
- Private conversations between Taylor and Paul
- Specific reasons for the breakdown of their relationship
- Personal motives or intentions
- Future status of their friendship
- Unverified rumors circulating on social media
- Fan theories about cast conflicts
Could Their Relationship Change?
The future of any relationship between Layla Taylor and Taylor Frankie Paul is a private matter that neither party is obligated to discuss publicly.
Reality TV relationships can evolve over time, as cast members navigate changing circumstances, personal growth, and new production schedules. However, predicting whether a reconciliation or further distance will occur would be speculation.
What is clear is that Taylor’s comments reflect her current position. Whether that changes in the future remains to be seen—and it is not something that can be known based on publicly available information.
What Fans Should Know About Mormon Wives Season 5
For viewers interested in Season 5, here is a practical guide to the essential details.
Season 5 premiere:
The season premiered on Thursday, September 10, 2026. All five episodes were released simultaneously on Hulu.
Cast:
The Season 5 cast includes Taylor Frankie Paul, Whitney Leavitt, Jen Affleck, Jessi Draper, Layla Taylor, Mayci Neeley, Mikayla Matthews, and Miranda Hope.
Streaming platform:
The show is available on Hulu in the United States and on Disney+ internationally. For Hulu on Disney+ bundle subscribers, the show is accessible through both platforms.
Episode structure:
Season 5 consists of five episodes—a shorter season than previous installments.
Taylor Frankie Paul’s involvement:
Paul appears in the season, though reports indicate her presence is limited compared to past seasons.
Layla Taylor’s involvement:
Taylor is a featured cast member in Season 5.
Major storylines:
The season addresses the aftermath of Paul’s relationship with Dakota Mortensen, the production pause, and the cast’s efforts to move forward. It also reveals details about Paul’s engagement to Doug Mason from The Bachelorette.
Future of the franchise:
Hulu has renewed the show for 20 additional episodes, which the cast is currently filming. These will likely be split into seasons 6 and 7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Layla Taylor say about Taylor Frankie Paul?
Layla Taylor said there is “not really a friendship there right now” between her and Taylor Frankie Paul. She added that she wishes Paul well and hopes “life works out.”
Are Layla Taylor and Taylor Frankie Paul friends?
According to Layla Taylor’s own statement, there is currently no friendship between them. She characterized their past relationship as “pretty surface level.”
Who is Layla Taylor on Mormon Wives?
Layla Taylor is a cast member on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. She is a content creator within the MomTok community and has appeared throughout the series’ run.
Who is Taylor Frankie Paul?
Taylor Frankie Paul is the central figure of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and a prominent social media influencer. She was set to lead The Bachelorette Season 22 before it was cancelled.
Is Taylor Frankie Paul in Mormon Wives Season 5?
Yes. Taylor Frankie Paul appears in Season 5, though reports indicate her presence is more limited than in previous seasons.
Is Layla Taylor in Season 5?
Yes. Layla Taylor is confirmed as a cast member in Season 5 and is also involved in the show’s upcoming additional episodes.
When did Mormon Wives Season 5 premiere?
Season 5 premiered on Thursday, September 10, 2026, with all five episodes released simultaneously on Hulu.
Where can you watch The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives?
The show is available on Hulu in the United States and on Disney+ internationally. Hulu on Disney+ bundle subscribers can access it through both platforms.
What is Taylor Frankie Paul’s current legal situation?
The Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office declined to file charges against Paul for the February 2026 incident with Dakota Mortensen. Paul and Mortensen remain involved in an ongoing custody dispute over their son.
What happened between Layla Taylor and Taylor Frankie Paul?
Layla Taylor has not detailed a specific incident. She has stated that there is currently no friendship between them and described their relationship as having been “surface level.” She posted a statement condemning domestic violence following allegations involving Paul.
Are Layla Taylor and Taylor Frankie Paul still filming together?
Layla Taylor is filming upcoming episodes of the show. It is unclear whether Taylor Frankie Paul will be involved in future episodes, as Hulu has not confirmed her participation in the additional 20 episodes ordered.
Will there be another season of Mormon Wives?
Yes. Hulu has renewed the franchise for 20 additional episodes, which will likely be split into seasons 6 and 7. The cast is currently filming.
Conclusion
Layla Taylor’s statement that there is “no friendship” between her and Taylor Frankie Paul offers a clear indication of where at least one cast member stands amid a challenging period for The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
The comments arrive as Season 5 premieres with a shortened five-episode run, following a production pause prompted by legal developments involving Paul and Dakota Mortensen. The season documents the cast navigating these events and the impact on their relationships.