**Whitney Leavitt Bids Farewell to Reality TV in Latest PEOPLE Cover Story**
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In this week’s edition of PEOPLE, Whitney Leavitt, a familiar face from *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives*, reflects on her five-season journey on the reality series and shares her perspective on the cultural phenomenon known as MomTok. At 33, Leavitt opens up about her decision to exit the show, stating, “I wouldn’t change a thing.” She believes that the conclusion of her chapter in reality television is well-timed.

Leavitt highlights a transformative phase in her life, transitioning from a stay-at-home mother in Utah with her daughter, Sedona, now six, to a prominent figure in the reality TV landscape. She and her husband, Conner, also welcomed two sons, Liam, four, and Billy, one, during this period. “Becoming a mum makes you question a lot about yourself,” she explains. “I found myself pondering, ‘Who am I? What do I want?’ My cup wasn’t full.”

Throughout her journey, Leavitt discovered a sense of purpose through a community of fellow mothers who shared similar experiences. “We enjoyed getting together, relating to one another, and sharing our lives on TikTok – even in cringey ways,” she recounts. This group eventually evolved into what is now known as MomTok, a collective of young Mormon mothers and influencers, including Leavitt, Taylor Frankie Paul, Mikayla Matthews, and Mayci Neeley, who started creating content together in 2020.
Their rise to fame took a dramatic turn in May 2022 when Paul revealed to fans that she and a select few other MomTok creators had been involved in a controversial “soft swinging” arrangement which led to public scrutiny and ultimately formed the foundation for *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives*. Leavitt recalls, “I don’t think we understood the impact it was going to have. We entered this world, quite frankly, very naïve.” Notably, she and her husband opted not to participate in the arrangement.
During her time on the show, Leavitt gained notoriety as the “villain,” particularly after confrontations with her fellow cast members in the first season. Though she chose to adopt a more subdued presence in subsequent seasons, she has announced that her final season, Season 5, has already been filmed and will soon air. “It’s a huge chapter in my life, but it feels like the right time to move on,” she states, reflecting on her mixed feelings of regret and gratitude.
As she prepares to step away, the conversation around who is responsible for the creation of MomTok continues to spark tension within the community. Leavitt asserts, “It took all of us to contribute to what we have; otherwise, you would just have your own show.” This remark subtly counters Paul’s claims of sole ownership over the concept, suggesting that their dynamic is rooted in mutual experiences rather than individual triumphs.
Despite her accomplishments, which include appearances on *Dancing with the Stars* and a starring role in the Broadway show *Chicago*, Leavitt admits the journey in the public eye is an ongoing learning experience. “I’m not always going to be perfect, and I care about people’s views, but it’s not as overwhelming as it once was,” she reflects on her evolving relationship with public perception.
Leavitt values the friendships she has built through MomTok and sees a future in maintaining those bonds. “I’ve always loved being part of a community, and I’m sure our paths will cross again multiple times,” she affirms, recognising the deep connections formed through their shared experiences in the spotlight.
As she exits the reality TV scene, speculation rises over the future of MomTok without her presence. Leavitt remains optimistic, commenting, “MomTok is always surviving,” affirming the resilience of their collective vision even as she embarks on a new chapter. Her departure from the series marks not only the end of a significant phase in her life but also highlights the transformative power of community and personal growth within the ever-changing world of social media and reality television.
With Whitney Leavitt’s departure, fans will undoubtedly be left reflecting on her impact within the realms of reality TV and the enduring legacy of MomTok itself.
