Mikayla Matthews, a star of the Hulu reality series "Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," has announced her departure from the show, citing a "toxic and unethical" environment. Matthews, 26, stated in an Instagram post on Monday that she "will not be continuing the show at this moment," a decision she made after learning information that led to her discomfort.
While not naming a specific cast member, Matthews' statement alluded to the reported involvement of co-star Taylor Frankie Paul in the upcoming sixth season as a primary reason for her exit. "I've said from the beginning of this that I'm not comfortable being a part of something that continues to platform behavior I don't agree [with], especially given my own experience growing up in a home with multiple forms of abuse," Matthews wrote. She added that "no amount of money" was worth compromising her morals, stating that it felt "wrong and unethical" to profit from behavior she opposes, which she believes is a "disservice to the children, everyone's healing and the millions of people watching."
Matthews acknowledged that the series had "helped me provide for my family," but maintained that she could not continue while "toxic behaviour" was being amplified. She criticized enabling cycles that offer sympathy and grace without accountability.
The series, currently filming its sixth season, has seen other cast members depart. Whitney Leavitt also left after season five to pursue an acting career, and Demi Engemann was removed after season four but is slated to appear on another upcoming Hulu series. Matthews was reportedly filmed with castmates in Europe, suggesting she may still appear in some episodes of the upcoming season. Hulu has also confirmed a seventh season, though filming has not yet begun.
The fifth season of "Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" recently concluded and prominently featured Taylor Frankie Paul. Her storyline included reconciling with her on-again, off-again partner Dakota Mortensen, who had a girlfriend at the time, while also being engaged to Doug Mason and dating Ben Lambert. Paul's own reality television appearances have been met with controversy, including her season of "The Bachelorette" being pulled from ABC's schedule prior to its premiere due to a resurfaced video depicting a domestic dispute with Mortensen in 2023. Paul has also accused Mortensen of domestic violence, which he denies. The pair have been involved in a custody battle over their son, Ever, which resulted in a judge lifting mandatory supervision for Paul's parenting time in June.
Despite a court order prohibiting disparaging remarks about each other, Paul has continued to engage in public disputes with her "Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" castmates, including Matthews, on social media. Paul addressed these conflicts in an Instagram post, stating her intention to continue the show to "share my story and hopefully help people," and expressing a desire to focus on a "bigger purpose."