After the death of Bobby Nash (Peter Krause) last season, all of the remaining 9-1-1 characters have since seemed to have plot armor, so I haven’t been worried for their lives this season – even during their most extreme near-death experiences. Last week’s episode saw both Buck (Oliver Stark) and Eddie’s (Ryan Guzman) lives put in danger when an older couple drove them off the road, abducted Buck, and tried to kill both of them when Eddie came to save him. Still, I knew that they would be okay, and I wasn’t truly worried about Buck – that is, not until now.

9-1-1 Season 9, Episode 14, “DIY” is an episode themed around asking for help. Every issue in this episode is caused when the characters try to handle a problem by themselves, and only those who ask for help are able to get to a better place by the end of it. This episode is split between three main storylines: Maddie (Jennifer Love Hewitt) stepping up at the call center after Sue (Debra Christofferson) has a stroke, May (Corinne Massiah) trying to get an elite law internship, and Eddie trying to get Buck to process his feelings about his abduction in the last episode.

‘9-1-1’ Season 9, Episode 13 Shows Buck Struggling With Trauma From His Abduction

Image via ABC

At the start of the episode, Chimney (Kenneth Choi) mentions a dinner that he and Maddie had had the previous Tuesday with Sue, Sue’s husband, and Buck. Eddie realizes that Buck lied about going to therapy during that time, so he finds him privately to talk. Eddie is concerned that Buck hasn’t been to see a therapist since his abduction, but Buck is trying to move past the trauma without properly processing it. The next day, Eddie and Christopher (Gavin McHugh) surprise Buck for dinner with a pizza. Buck doesn’t answer the door, and Chris thinks he’s not home, but Eddie sees that he’s hiding from them. There’s nothing Buck loves more than spending time with Eddie and Christopher, so this shows just how much he’s struggling.

In a new switch-up for 9-1-1, every call this episode is about the same engaged couple (Bayley Corman and Jake Short), who keep getting injured while fixing up their new house. During one of these calls, this couple is paralleled with Buck and Eddie, who use their situation to passive aggressively argue about how Buck should handle his trauma. Later in the episode, Eddie and Chris schedule an official plan with Buck, where they come over for dinner with takeout again. Buck makes macarons and keeps up a positive attitude, and Eddie really believes he’s doing better. He apologizes to Buck and affirms his way of handling things, and Buck apologizes back and assures Eddie that he’s alright. When Eddie says, “I was worried the man I knew didn’t make it out of New Mexico,” though, Buck gets a heartbreaking look on his face.

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‘9-1-1’s New Highest-Rated Episode Ever Proves What Audiences Really Want

The latest episode had Buck and Eddie fans completely crashing out.

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The dinner goes well, but after Eddie and Chris leave, Buck immediately starts to get a panic attack. He runs to his backpack, which has three prescription pill bottles in it, and then he takes a handful of pills from one of the bottles. This could very well be an anti-anxiety medication that Buck’s been prescribed to take as needed, but it seems like 9-1-1 may be setting up an addiction storyline for him. Whether or not Buck was prescribed these pills, he takes more than he likely would’ve been prescribed (and, oddly, without water), and he keeps them a secret. This could spell a dangerous path for Buck going forward, but if 9-1-1 does go down this road with care and nuance, it could be a really important storyline.

Image via ABC

After Sue has a stroke at the call center, Maddie and Josh (Bryan Safi) visit her at the hospital while she’s recovering. In front of Josh, Sue asks Maddie to take over in her role in her absence. Josh is understandably upset about being passed over for the job by his own mentor in favor of his close friend, whom he trained. He impulsively quits his job, and Maddie is left to run the call center without both Sue and Josh. Chimney encourages Maddie to make the most of the situation, so she tries to be a good boss. She has a hard time adjusting to the position, though, and even unfairly takes over one of Linda’s (Chiquita Fuller) calls at one point.

Later, Maddie visits Sue again, and Sue tells Maddie why she chose her over Josh: the job isn’t the right one for him, because he cares too much about being liked by everyone around him, and he doesn’t know how to ask for help. After how Josh handled Claudette’s (Vanessa Estelle Williams) bullying of May in Season 5, this is understandable. Above all, though, this reinforces the episode’s theme of the importance of asking for help. The engaged couple faces problems because they try to do everything themselves, and this leads to their breakup and their house burning down. Because Maddie asks for help, though, she gets the promotion. At the end of the episode, Josh even returns to dispatch, and Maddie apologizes to Linda.

‘9-1-1’ Season 9, Episode 13 Sets Up a New Career Path for May

This episode, May prepares for an interview at a prestigious law firm in her first solo storyline this season. She is hoping to get a law internship for the summer after college, and then to eventually go to law school. This internship is at the law firm of Athena’s (Angela Bassett) college friend, Gabby Vaughn (Tasha Smith). Athena wants to call Gabby for May, but May wants to get the internship on her own terms. When May goes in for the interview, Gabby has to leave to tend to an emergency situation. She looked May up and knows who she is, though, so she invites May to come along. In the car, though, May can’t give Gabby a good reason as to why she wants to practice law. They get to a hospital, where things have escalated due to a police officer’s abuse of power.

After a highway pile-up, an unconscious driver was brought into the hospital. The police officers on the scene showed up to the hospital demanding the blood that the nurse, Ian (Tre McBride), had taken from the driver. The officers have no warrant, but they want to throw their power around and try to find proof of intoxication. May steps in and destroys the blood sample to keep the officers from taking it, but they just arrest her and Ian. Later, Athena bails May out of jail, and it’s clear that she’s learned from her recent storylines with Harry (Elijah M. Cooper). Athena doesn’t understand what May did, but she supports her ability to make her own decisions, especially if May believes in what she’s doing.

What May did was brave, and any member of the 118 extended family would have done something similar. As Gabby later points out, though, that isn’t an effective way for a lawyer to handle things. May acted too impulsively without being mindful of laws or procedures, and she wasn’t able to do anything to help the unconscious driver. Later, Gabby comes over for dinner with Athena, Hen (Aisha Hinds), and May. Gabby and Athena reminisce about college, and then May brings up Gabby’s doubts about her future as a lawyer. May finally admits that she feels lost and doesn’t know what to do with her life, but everyone there encourages her to take the time to figure it out. At the end of the episode, May meets with Ian and expresses her interest in potentially becoming a nurse.

9-1-1 airs Thursday nights at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC.

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Release Date

January 3, 2018

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Showrunner

Tim Minear

Directors

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Bradley Buecker, David Grossman, Brenna Malloy, Gwyneth Horder-Payton, Jann Turner, Jennifer Lynch, Marita Grabiak, Sarah Boyd, John J. Gray, Barbara Brown, Robert M. Williams Jr., Kristen Reidel, Marcus Stokes, Tasha Smith, Millicent Shelton, Juan Carlos Coto, John Gray, Greg Sirota, Alonso Alvarez, James Wong, Kevin Hooks, Varda Bar-Kar, Shauna Duggins, Sharat Raju

Writers

Tim Minear, Andrew Meyers, Brad Falchuk, David Fury, Ryan Murphy, Christopher Monfette, Nadia Abass-Madden, Nicole Barraza Keim, Erica L. Anderson, Matthew Hodgson, Stacey R. Rose, Taylor Wong, Tonya Kong, Adam Penn

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Pros & Cons

• This episode frames everything around the central theme of asking for help, making all of the storylines fit well together.
• This episode gives important character-centered storylines to May, Buck, and Maddie.

• This episode leaves too many major moments for off-screen, like Josh’s choice to return to work, and the build-up to the heartbreaking Buck reveal at the end.

Ciara hit social media with a video of her getting ready for the weekend, but fans think she’s really gearing up to welcome baby Cinco. Roomies, y’all already know the internet stays working overtime. Folks online think the singer might be expecting baby #5, while others are posted up waiting for Russell Wilson to enter the chat and confirm.

RELATED: Not A Baby Anymore! The Internet Loses It Over How Grown Ciara’s Son Future Looks In Viral ‘Boo’ TikTok Challenge (VIDEO)

Ciara’s Weekend Prep Has Fans On Baby Watch

The internet has their eyes on Ciara heavy after she dropped a video on Instagram showing how she plans to pop out this weekend. The ‘Level Up’ songstress flexed her new pixie cut, but fans were too busy focusing on something else. Ciara strutted and served in a grey blazer, bralette top, and a see-through sparkling skirt. Some folks were locked in on how gorgeous she looked, while others swore they peeped a lil’ baby bump. So far, Cici hasn’t addressed the chatter, and Russell Wilson hasn’t said a word either, even though he’s made it clear that he’s down for baby Cinco on numerous occasions.

The Internet Is On High Alert After Ciara’s Video Drops

After The Shade Room reposted Ciara’s video, the comment section was flooded with reactions. Plenty of folks were certain they spotted a bump, while others doubled down, saying Russell Wilson might actually be getting his wish after all.

Instagram user @conceitednasha wrote, “👀i s that a bump !!” 

Instagram user @charlieb.enterprises_ao1 wrote, “Cinco, is that you?! 😍😍😍” 

While Instagram user @pleasantlyplump__ wrote, “She’s Definitely Pregnant 🤰🏾” 

Then Instagram user @bigghennyyy wrote, “Waittttt He Gotttt Her Again 😂🔥❤️” 

Another Instagram user @damnfreeesh wrote, “Y’all see what I see 👀 👏” 

Instagram user @iamxanderhaze wrote, “Another baby means we get another bop. I ain’t mad about it 😂😂” 

Then another Instagram user @flitzpromotionz_ wrote, “Baby loading idc idc.” 

While another Instagram user @fifi_268 wrote, “Baby Cinco baking 😍😍😍” 

Lastly, Instagram user @blaquebarbeez wrote, “Yeah I thought I was bugging but it’s giving pregnancy 😍😍” 

So… When Did Baby Cinco Enter The Chat?

Baby Cinco has stayed a hot topic for a minute now, especially for Russell Wilson. Fans know that Ciara already has a son Future Zahir with rapper Future, and she shares three kids with Russell: Sienna Princess, Win Harrison, and their youngest Amora Princess, who was born in December 2023.

In October 2024, Russ sparked social media chatter by teasing a fifth child after Ciara posted photos in a curve-hugging leather and sheer dress. Russell was clearly loving how she looked and slid into her comment section writing, “I’m ready when you are. We can call him Cinco.”

Here’s What Ciara Previously Said About Having Fifth Child

Ciara has given her husbae props too, joking about his “great campaign” to make baby number five happen. In April 2025, she reacted to Russell’s push for a fifth during an exclusive chat with Access Hollywood, joking that she wanted someone to take his phone. From there, she told fans they need to be on her side more encouraging him to give her a break before she decides to add another mini-me to their family.

“Y’all not gone have some love and sympathy for my ovaries over here, for my uterus. Give me a little […] you know what I’m saying,” Ciara said.

RELATED: Baby Cinco OTW? Ciara & Russell Wilson Share Spicy On-Camera Moment & The Internet Can’t Get Enough (WATCH)

Taylor Frankie Paul is in the middle of a firestorm of controversy and backlash amid the domestic violence allegations against her involving an incident with ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen.

However, a representative for “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star has alleged that the onslaught on continuous statements, photos, video, and documents to media outlets is due to Mortensen’s attempt to smear Paul and “distract” from his own role in the alleged altercation.

Rep For Taylor Frankie Paul Calls Out Dakota Mortensen For ‘Desperate, Destructive Campaign’ Against Her Amid DV Allegations

On Thursday, March 19, a rep for Paul didn’t hold back in addressing her ex-boyfriend, and father of her son, Ever, for the ongoing media leaks regarding the alleged domestic violence incident that occurred between them.

In a statement to Entertainment Weekly, the rep for Paul slammed Mortensen for creating a narrative that absolves him of any wrongdoing. 

“It’s sad to see the latest installment of his never-ending, desperate, attention-seeking, destructive campaign to harm Taylor without any regard for the consequences for their child,” Paul’s rep began. 

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“Releasing an old video, which conveniently omits context, on their son’s birthday is a reprehensible attempt to distract from his own behavior,” the statement said.

The rep continued, stating that Mortensen’s behavior is well-documented and manipulative.

“Thankfully, the public has seen this act before and knows who he is and sadly, many will recognize this pattern of manipulation, both in his actions on the show, and from their own experiences,” the rep added.

2023 Video Of Altercation Between Paul And Mortensen Released Following Recent Allegations

TMZ released the video footage of Paul hitting Mortensen during a 2023 incident, which resulted in Paul’s arrest. She ultimately pled guilty to aggravated assault and received three years’ probation that is set to end this August.

The reality star’s daughter was struck in the head during the incident after she threw a chair at Mortensen and it accidentally hit the young girl. 

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The other charges against Paul, domestic violence in the presence of a child, child abuse, and criminal mischief, were all dropped.

The Reality Star Spoke About The Recent Domestic Violence Allegations In Sit-Down ‘GMA’ Interview

On Wednesday, March 18, Paul sat down for an exclusive interview with “Good Morning America” to address the domestic violence allegations against her, as well as promote the March 22 premiere of “The Bachelorette” that was just announced as canceled.

Speaking with ‘GMA’ co-host Lara Spencer, Paul shared that at the moment things for her feel like “the end of the world.”

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“It’s hard to see past this — I’m not going to lie — in this moment, it’s just so heavy,” Paul said. “When your life is broadcasted out there in these headlines, it’s like the end of the world, that’s what it feels like — I’m not going to lie. I will say I’ve been here before and I got through it, and I’ve shared my story and my light, and I’m hoping I can do that again.”

Paul admitted that things are “heavy” right now despite her being mere days away from her “Bachelorette” debut.

“Honestly, it’s been a heavy time to see the headlines, especially during this time of ‘The Bachelorette’ being released, and it’s supposed to be a really exciting time,” she added, while also stressing that her children come first.

 “I’m a person that will always speak my truth and that’s what I’m known for and so when the time is right, I will be. But right now just trying to be in the present moment and focus on this.”

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Authorities Say Domestic Violence Allegations Were ‘Made In Both Directions’ In Former Couple’s Incident

According to PEOPLE, the Draper City Police Department confirmed to the outlet that an open “domestic assault investigation” exists between Paul and Mortensen. Per the police department’s spokesperson, “allegations have been made in both directions” and “contact was made with involved parties on [Feb] 24th and 25th.” 

Per TMZ, the incident stemmed from a verbal altercation inside Mortensen’s car after Paul reportedly spilled a drink. Inside sources shared that Mortensen became “enraged” and “got physical” with Paul. However, he called the police and told them that she was the one who assaulted him. 

Following the incident, a source close to Paul told TMZ that Mortensen disappeared for weeks and ditched filming, which led to production being put on pause. 

However, sources with “Mormon Wives” said that filming stopped because cast members refused to film amid the domestic violence and child abuse allegations, despite production wanting to continue filming season 5. 

Additionally, due to Mortensen repeatedly calling DCFS on Paul, alleging abuse, both are now required to undergo psychological evaluations. 

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‘Mormon Wives’ Cast Reportedly Want Paul To Get Help, Not Fired

Sources connected to the show said that all of MomTok is on Paul’s side and “rooting for her to work through her issues but feel production and Hulu haven’t done enough to push her in that direction.”

The source also told the outlet that, in addition to the cast wanting Paul to remain on the show, they don’t believe the possibility of her being fired has even been floated.

As of now, there is no word on when filming will resume, but the “Mormon Wives” cast is so frustrated with production that communication has stopped. There were reportedly only a few weeks left of filming for season 5, but currently, there is no update on whether the season will be completed. 

The internet has been looking for Latto for a minute after she seemingly paused on posting on social media, but now Big Mama is BACK! After previously teasing fans with a short clip, she finally dropped some new music along with some MAJOR news.

RELATED: From Cheetah Print Fits To Lowkey Baecations: Inside Latto & 21 Savage’s Relationship Timeline (PHOTOS + VIDEOS) 

Latto Drops MAJOR Bombshell While Releasing NEW Visuals

After much speculation on social media, Latto announced her pregnancy. Yes, Roommates, Big Mama is about to be in full mommy mode, and she let fans know this season of her life is personal — pun intended! The Atlanta raptress confirmed she’s expecting her first child on Friday, March 20, while dropping the music video for her new single, ‘Business & Personal’ on YouTube. She also told fans in an Instagram post that more music is coming as she’s dropping her third album, ‘Big Mama’ on May 28th.

In the video, Latto appears in what looks like a nursery. She sits down and starts working on a painting, then seemingly begins to decorate the space. After that she finally gives fans a glimpse of her growing baby bump as a man gently places his hands on her stomach. The mystery man doesn’t show his face, but fans were quick to drop suggestions on who it might be. From there, Latto leans all the way into her Big Mama era, rapping in her lyrics, “Car seat, got a kid on the way!” 

The Timeline Explodes After Latto’s BIG Announcement

Chile, the internet wasted no time reacting to Latto’s new song and pregnancy announcement. Folks ran straight to the comment section saying they BEEN knew because she’s been laying too low. Meanwhile, others showed love and said her bundle of joy is about to be the cutest baby ever.

Instagram user @realjuliamarie wrote, “now she the big momma fr.” 

Instagram user @fittyshadesofk wrote, “as long as i’m not pregnant 🥳🥳🥳🌝 congrats!!” 

While Instagram user @__yher__ wrote, “When the internet tells you that someone is pregnant YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT 😂” 

Then Instagram user @tharealkaaay wrote, “omg wow … now who’s the bd ?? 👀” 

Another Instagram user @itsquooo wrote, “We already knew, glad she was able to announce it herself though 💚” 

Instagram user @arie.lailonii wrote, “I’m ngl Alyssa you’ve really pmo 🫩 I thought it was big mama no kids ????” 

While another Instagram user @enya.aa wrote, “Imma start believing y’all, y’all haven’t been wrong yet.” 

Then another instagram user @beepyt_ wrote, “It’s scary y’all knew that already but congrats big mama 😍❤️” 

Finally, Instagram user @dailyteatalks_ wrote, “Y’all swore up & down it was a publicity stunt . My girl ain’t been on the gram for a while, she been in the house cooped up pregnant 😢🤰🏽” 

Fans Have Theories About The Mystery Man In Latto’s Video

Fans kept their eyes on Latto’s growing baby bump, but they also had one BIG question — who is the mystery man in her new video? At one point in her ‘Business & Personal’ visual, an unknown man pops up, places his hands on her belly, and shows off a tatted arm. The internet didn’t waste any time trying to identify him, with many saying they put the clues together and believe its none other than 21 Savage. Fans have linked the pair together for a minute now. Back in 2023, folks peeped that she had 21’s real name, “Shéyaa,“ tatted in red ink. Then a clip of 21 surfaced showing him getting his hair braided, and once fans zoomed in, they claimed they spotted a tattoo that read, “Alyssa,” which is Latto’s real name.

The pair kept the rumors going after photos and videos showed them vacationing together in St. Vincent in August 2025. A month later in September, paparazzi caught Latto out in NYC, and when TMZ asked if she ever gets tired of hearing about 21, she made it crystal clear, saying, “Nope! My man, my man, my man!”

Big Mama Reacts To All Of The Love After Confirming Her Pregnancy

Minutes after she dropped her new single, the ‘Georgia Peach’ femcee jumped on an Instagram livestream to chat with fans. She gave a closer look at her baby bump and called folks out for keeping tabs on her, “Y’all some nosey m***** f*****”  As the comments kept rolling in, Latto thanked fans for the love and support and said she was done crying. She said she might be on her way to motherhood, but she’s always going to be a G!

“Thank y’all! I already cried. She continued, “I ain’t doing no more crying, I’m a gangster. I’m a mother first and I’m a gangster right after.”

RELATED: Is It? Some Fans Think Latto Has FUELED Baby Speculation With Her Return To Social Media (VIDEO) 

There appears to be no easing of Brooklyn Beckham‘s growing rift with his famous family.

Since the 27-year-old former chef announced he was cutting ties with parents David and Victoria Beckham, accusing them of controlling and manipulating the narrative of his life, he has stood firm without wavering.

Now, while missing an opportunity of seeing his dad, he has reportedly skipped reuniting with his brother Romeo Beckham. 

Brooklyn Beckham Reportedly Disregards Romeo’s Presence In Los Angeles 

Brooklyn has continued to keep his family at arm’s length, making no visible effort to reconnect, even while being in the same city with them.

Romeo is currently in Los Angeles working on personal projects following a weekend ski trip in Canada with their father. The 21-year-old has been collaborating with designer Justin Saul and was spotted visiting him downtown on Tuesday.

Despite this, Brooklyn chose not to meet up with his younger brother, according to The Daily Mail. Instead, he has remained largely out of sight, staying at a luxury hotel near his Beverly Hills home.

In a twist of fate, Brooklyn also narrowly avoided crossing paths with his father. Both men stayed at the same five-star hotel in Beverly Hills within hours of each other. David checked in late Sunday and left early Monday for a photoshoot in Santa Monica. Later that day, Brooklyn arrived after attending Elton John’s Oscars party.

Insiders Said The Close Encounter Between Father And Son Was Unplanned 

Despite their proximity, sources claim neither father nor son was aware of the other’s presence. According to an insider, David did not know Brooklyn was nearby and was solely focused on work commitments. 

“Far from it being a summit, David was totally in the dark about where Brooklyn was and had no idea that he had just missed him, not just once, but twice,” the individual said, per The Blast.  

Another source suggested Brooklyn was equally unaware that his father had been just yards away while he had breakfast.

However, the missed encounter may have been for the best, as one source claimed a face-to-face meeting could have led to an uncomfortable situation, given the current strain between them.

Cruz Brooklyn Appears To Highlight Family Rift In New Song 

As Brooklyn continues to maintain his distance, Cruz seemingly reflects on the family tension in an unreleased song. 

Per The Blast, during his UK tour, Cruz performed an unreleased track titled “Loneliest Boy,” delivering emotionally charged lyrics that hint at heartbreak and distance within a family dynamic.

“Loneliest boy, mama don’t talk too much / It’s breaking her heart / It shows in the small things that you don’t do,” Cruz sang. 

Elsewhere in the track, the lyrics warned about the protagonist pushing away his friends. While many fans loved the song, others couldn’t help but notice the lyrics seemed to address Brooklyn. 

Brooklyn Beckham Showered With Love From His Parents And Sibling Amid Their Strain 

Despite the tough family time, Victoria and David reminded their eldest son of their love for him. According to The Blast, they celebrated his birthday on March 4 with cute old pictures of him. 

In one photo the former football player shared, he and his fashion designer wife were in a pool, with little Brooklyn in between them. David captioned the post, “27 today. Happy Birthday, Bust. We love you x.”

Victoria echoed the same sentiment, reposting the picture and a snap of playing with Brooklyn as a baby. “Happy 27th birthday, Brooklyn. I love you so much,” she wrote in the caption. 

Before their posts, Cruz had reminisced on fond memories with Brooklyn. The singer posted a throwback photo of them as kids with Romeo, Brooklyn, and Harper. 

Brooklyn Took A Final Step To Remove Reminders Of His Parents 

As emotional reminders from the rest of the brood poured in, Brooklyn still seems adamant on keeping his parents out and removing things that have to do with them. 

Last month, he was spotted without the tattoos he had dedicated to them. As The Blast reported, the anchor tattoo with “DAD” at its center, was replaced with abstract symbols, and the phrase “Love You Bust,” a nickname from his father, was nowhere to be seen. 

Additionally, the former photographer also allegedly concealed his “Mama’s Boy” chest tattoo dedicated to Victoria. 

Taylor Frankie Paul is addressing the fallout after a resurfaced video tied to her past domestic incident began circulating online, reigniting controversy just as her reality TV career was ramping up. With production halted on one show and another already canceled, Taylor Frankie Paul is now facing intense scrutiny from both authorities and the public.

‘Mormon Wives’ Production Paused Amid Taylor Frankie Paul Controversy

Production on the fifth season of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” has been paused following a new alleged domestic incident involving Paul and her ex, Dakota Mortensen.

According to PEOPLE, filming was officially put on hold earlier this week. A spokesperson for the Draper City Police Department confirmed to the magazine that there is an open “domestic assault investigation” involving the former couple. Authorities also noted that “allegations have been made in both directions” and that “contact was made with involved parties on [Feb.] 24th and 25th.”

The ongoing investigation has cast uncertainty over the future of the series and Paul’s involvement moving forward.

Video Footage Of 2023 Domestic Violence Incident Gets Leaked

The situation escalated further when TMZ released video footage tied to Paul’s 2023 arrest stemming from a domestic dispute with Mortensen. Paul, who shares a son, Ever, with Mortensen, previously pled guilty to aggravated assault, and the incident was later featured on “Mormon Wives.”

In the video, Paul is seen throwing metal barstools at Mortensen and striking him during the altercation. Her daughter, Indy, whom she shares with her ex-husband, was just 5 years old at the time and is seen near Mortensen as the chairs are thrown. She can also be heard crying in the footage.

Taylor Frankie Paul’s Team Fires Back At ‘Reprehensible’ Leak

Paul’s camp is pushing back strongly against how the footage was released, telling PEOPLE:

“It’s sad to see the latest installment of his never-ending, desperate, attention-seeking, destructive campaign to harm Taylor without any regard for the consequences for their child. Releasing an old video, which conveniently omits context, on their son’s birthday is a reprehensible attempt to distract from his own behavior. Thankfully, the public has seen this act before and knows who he is and sadly, many will recognize this pattern of manipulation, both in his actions on the show, and from their own experiences.”

The statement frames the video’s release as a calculated move, shifting attention to the timing and intent behind it.

Social Media Erupts With Strong Reactions

Online, reactions have been swift and divided as viewers weigh in on both the video and Paul’s response.

One user wrote, “Context? I see Taylor Paul throwing chairs and hitting her child. Taylor wasn’t defending herself. She should be in jail.”

Another wrote, “Throwing metal bar stools at your ex in front of your young daughter is straight-up domestic violence,” while someone else replied, “So she just… failed to take any responsibility for destroying everything and painted herself the victim.”

Taylor Frankie Paul Calls It A ‘Heavy Time’ While Continuing Public Appearances Amid Fallout

Despite the controversy, Paul has continued to make public appearances. She attended a press event in New York City for her now-canceled season of “The Bachelorette,” where she opened up about how she’s coping.

“I think it’s been really difficult and heavy given, you know, all the headlines and what’s going on,” she told The Hollywood Reporter. “But I would say I am handling it like any normal human would, like struggling, but trying to show up at the same time.”

She echoed similar sentiments during an appearance on “Good Morning America,” again describing the situation as a “heavy time.”

Dakota Mortensen Files For Protective Order

The situation appears to have escalated even further in recent days. According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Mortensen filed for a protective order in Utah on Tuesday, outlining a series of alleged incidents that he claims occurred on February 23 and February 24, 2026.

In the filing, Mortensen said he was at Paul’s home with her and their son, Ever, when an argument between the two intensified. He alleged that during the dispute, Paul choked him, forcing him to physically remove her hands from his neck.

Mortensen also claimed she shoved him into a window and struck him.

Maika Monroe has been making movies since 2012. She’s worked her way up through supporting roles, some absolute stinkers (we’re looking at you Independence Day: Resurgence), and in 2026, she had her biggest role yet as the star of the wildly popular Reminders of Him. Still, horror has always been the sweet spot for Monroe.

Recently, she was the villain in Hulu’s The Hand that Rocks the Cradle reboot, she had viewers weeping in her short film spot for Resident Evil Requiem: Evil Has Always Had a Name video game, and soon, she’ll be starring in Victorian Psycho. Over the last decade plus, Monroe has become a scream queen. These eight films are among her best, and two are in the running for the best horror films of the 21st century.

8

‘Greta’ (2018)

Image via Focus Features

Co-written and directed by Neil Jordan, Greta stars Isabelle Huppert in the titular role, a piano teacher in New York City whose lost bag is returned to her by the lonely Frances (Chloë Grace Moretz). The two women bond and become friends, until Frances discovers that Greta might not be as nice and trustworthy as she first thought. The strange woman turns her sights on Frances and her friend Erica (Monroe) in a creepy game of obsession.

Huppert and Moretz are the stars of Greta, but Maika Monroe has an integral role, especially when it comes to the strength she shows in the shocking third act. It’s a silly, over-the-top movie at times, but the talent of Monroe and others keeps it from falling apart. This isn’t one of her best movies, but it shows what she can overcome with a lacking script.

7

‘Tau’ (2018)

Image Via Netflix

The same year Greta was released, Monroe landed the lead role in the Netflix film Tau. Directed by Federico D’Alessandro and co-starring Ed Skrein and the one and only Gary Oldman, our scream queen plays Julia, a woman kidnapped by Skrein’s Alex, a tech wizard who just so happens to be crazy too. How so? He keeps Julia trapped in his smart house, where an AI bot named Tau (Goldman) uses its unwilling human hosts to develop a more lifelike consciousness.

Tau is held back by an unrealistic plot filled with stereotypes. It’s a flawed film, but it’s Monroe doing what she does best as the woman pushed down by a man who must fight back and overcome if she’s to see another day. Having to spend many scenes acting alongside Goldman’s bodiless voice puts so much on Monroe, and she pulls it off.

6

‘Significant Other’ (2022)

Image via Paramount+

Significant Other, released on Paramount+, is hard to talk about without giving away the twist. Co-written and directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen, Monroe is Ruth, the girlfriend of Harry (Jack Lacy). Together, the struggling couple decides to go camping in the woods. Rather than running into some masked killer with a machete, they discover something more terrifying that will alter not just their lives but everyone’s.

Significant Other isn’t flawless, but it works by not telling you what’s going on. The viewer expects one type of movie and gets another. It’s part relationship drama, part sci-fi thriller, and part horror movie. Monroe carries it as the hero in a screenplay that only has a few characters to rely on. The film succeeds or fails on its lead. With Monroe in that position, this one is worth checking out.

5

‘Villains’ (2019)

Image via Gunpowder & Sky

Significant Other wasn’t the first time Monroe collaborated with Dan Berk and Robert Olsen — the trio actually worked together three years prior on the even better Villains. In the film, she is Jules, a lowly robber and the girlfriend of Bill Skarsgård‘s Mickey. You might think they’re the aforementioned villains of this movie when they break into what they think is an abandoned home, but when they find a tied-up girl in the basement, some much more terrifying antagonists are revealed.

More of a dark comedy than a straight-up horror thriller, the oddball approach might not be what some viewers are looking for, as you could argue that the silliness takes away from the tension of the plot. However, Monroe’s straightforward approach is by far the best part of Villains. She singlehandedly keeps it from floating away.

4

‘The Guest’ (2014)

Image via Picturehouse

2014 was the year of Maika Monroe and horror. We’ll get to the second film she made that year later, but first was The Guest. Directed by Adam Wingard, who also made You’re Next, Blair Witch, and two Godzilla vs Kong movies, Monroe is Anna Peterson, the sister of a man killed in the war in Afghanistan. They are surprised when one day a man named David (Dan Stephens), who says he was best friends with the brother, shows up at the family’s door out of the blue and ingrains himself in their lives. But is David who he says he is?

The Guest is a smart film, and Wingard creates an atmosphere reminiscent of iconic horror movies like Halloween and The Terminator, but Monroe isn’t a rehash of what Jamie Lee Curtis and Linda Hamilton established. Anna is the window into the plot as the character who notices something wrong with David long before anyone else does. If her family is going to survive, it will be because she takes the fight to their unwanted guest.

3

‘Watcher’ (2022)

Image via IFC Midnight

Written and directed by Chloe Okuno, Maika Monroe is the one to watch in Watcher. She stars as Julia, a lonely wife new to Romania. With her husband gone all the time, Julia is often alone. That turns very bad when she notices a man (Karl Glusman) watching her from another building. Creeped out, Julia begins to follow him, convinced that he might be a serial killer on the loose, even though everyone else thinks she’s losing it.

Once again, Monroe is the put-upon woman who is aware when others aren’t. She is easily convincing as the smart character through whom a story can be told. Julia is a sad and quiet woman, but she’s not about to cower from a threat. Watcher‘s third act is absolutely terrifying. If you’ve never seen it, check out what you’ve been missing. It’s Monroe as a true horror scream queen.

2

‘Longlegs’ (2024)

Image via Neon

Longlegs was the talk of the horror community in 2024 thanks to Nicolas Cage‘s wild performance as the titular serial killer in Osgood Perkins‘ masterpiece. In an homage to ’90s thrillers like The Silence of the Lambs, Monroe is a young FBI agent named Lee Harker. She has a special talent no one else in the bureau does and is able to track down the killer, who might just have her lined up to be his next victim.

There is quite a contrast between Cage and Monroe’s energy. As we’re accustomed to, the Academy Award-winning actor is a ball of chaos. Monroe’s character, however, is very subdued — a woman with a highly traumatic past who uses her gifts to help others, even though she can barely help herself. It’s so easy to look at her and see Jodie Foster’s Clarice Starling. And there’s no forgetting the scene when Longlegs and Harker first meet.

1

‘It Follows’ (2014)

Image via RADiUS-TWC

This is where Maika Monroe became an iconic final girl and truly started her scream queen journey. In It Follows, written and directed by David Robert Mitchell, Monroe is Jay, a college student whose life is changed for the worse when she goes on a seemingly innocent date, only to come face to face with an entity attached to her through a sexual transfer. For the entire movie, it slowly stalks its victim. Will Jay and her friends be able to escape?

It Follows feels like a tribute to movies like Halloween and A Nightmare on Elm Street, with a group of friends in the suburbs battling an impossible monster. Mitchell purposely keeps things a bit off-kilter, and Disasterpiece‘s score is unnerving. As the victim of the entity, this is Maika Monroe’s movie. She spends the last two acts screaming and running for her life, but never backing down from a foe no one else can see except for her. Thankfully, a sequel is finally happening with Maika Monroe returning. We can’t wait!