Jen Affleck has opened up about confronting her jealousy of fellow former MomToker Whitney Leavitt, detailing their reconciliation in the new series Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: Orange County. The California-based spinoff offered Affleck the opportunity to sit down with Leavitt and admit that much of their past rift, particularly during Dancing With the Stars Season 34 and Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 5, was fueled by her envy.
During their conversation, Affleck explained to Leavitt that her jealousy wasn't solely focused on Leavitt's success on and off the show, but also on the difference in support she perceived from their respective husbands. Affleck noted that her own husband, Zac, was not as supportive as Leavitt's husband, Conner. These revelations paved the way for the two women to reconcile, a moment Affleck described as "everything" and "so healing."
"Reality TV is hard because when you expose your life and issues to the world, it just makes things harder when the world is involved," Affleck told DECIDER in an interview. She felt that they were often pitted against each other, and she wished that hadn't been the case. Affleck explained that she recognized the need to take accountability for her part in their strained relationship and move forward with a clean slate.
Affleck stated that she and Leavitt are now in a good place and support each other's individual pursuits. Leavitt continues to advance her career in the entertainment industry, while Affleck is preparing to welcome her fourth child amidst a divorce from her husband of seven years. Despite the positive shift in their relationship, Affleck observed that external pressures still attempt to create conflict between them online.
Affleck also shared that reconciling her feelings about her relationship with Leavitt helped her understand the reasons behind her decision to separate from Zac. Her current focus is on maintaining positive relationships and being a supportive mother to her three children, with a fourth on the way. "It's been hard. It sucks. And I think it's gonna suck for a while, but just trying my best to focus on the positive and focus on this baby," Affleck said, emphasizing her commitment to her children during this challenging time.
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: Orange County is currently available for streaming on Hulu.