Mikayla Matthews, a prominent figure from the reality TV series *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives*, announced her departure from the show in a candid post on social media. The decision comes amidst ongoing tensions and controversies surrounding the show’s cast, particularly involving her co-star Taylor Frankie Paul.
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On 15 September, Matthews took to her Instagram Stories to share insights into her decision. “The ONLY reason I’m leaving the show is because I was told a certain person was coming back,” she explained, referring to Paul. Matthews indicated that she had made it clear to the show’s producers before the commencement of season six that she would not participate if Paul returned. She cited ethical concerns, particularly regarding the involvement of children in potentially harmful situations.
The reality television star further expressed her distress over what she described as unethical behaviour on the show, referencing an infamous incident where Paul was filmed throwing a chair at her ex-partner, Dakota Mortensen, while children were present. Matthews noted that she had signed on for the sixth season under the impression that this individual would not be returning. Once it became clear that Paul was invited back, Matthews decided to step away from filming altogether.
In her Instagram post, Matthews stated, “I said great, then I will not be participating, god bless and goodbye,” adding that she has not filmed any segments since making her decision. However, she confirmed that she would still fulfil her contractual obligations by participating in confessionals related to episodes that had already been recorded. “I ‘keep talking about it’ because it’s still affecting me. It’s my livelihood and I’m extremely bothered by it,” she added, highlighting the broader implications of her exit for the production team and financial losses associated with the show’s disruption.
An insider close to Paul has suggested that she remains focused on moving forward, indicating that her return to the show might facilitate that process. However, there has been no official comment from Paul or her representatives regarding Matthews’s departure. Hulu has also declined to comment on the matter.
This announcement follows Matthews’s public declaration to leave the series on 14 September, shortly after the release of the show’s fifth season. In her initial post, Matthews conveyed that her decision stemmed from a recent revelation that caused her discomfort with the show’s direction, particularly concerning its portrayal of behaviours she cannot endorse due to her own history with abuse.
The recent season of *Mormon Wives* had been mired in controversy, particularly linked to a domestic violence investigation involving Paul and Mortensen. Following reports of the investigation, production was halted in March, yet the cast later completed the season with additional confessionals for the five-episode run.
Matthews has had a turbulent relationship with Paul in recent months, claiming earlier this year that her co-star had been “weaponizing and manipulating” followers to maintain her influence. This fractious dynamic further complicated the atmosphere surrounding the show’s filming.
In her concluding remarks on social media, Matthews acknowledged the significant role *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives* has played in her life, stating that the programme had been instrumental in supporting her family. Nonetheless, she reaffirmed her commitment to her principles, stating there was no monetary value that could justify compromising her morals.
As Matthews steps away from the spotlight, she leaves behind a series that has sparked widespread discussion about ethics and responsibility in reality television. The complexities of her experiences resonate with broader conversations on the impact of such programmes, especially those involving children and sensitive subject matter.
For those experiencing domestic violence, resources are available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-7233 or at thehotline.org, offering toll-free and confidential support 24/7 in over 170 languages.