Is Mikayla Matthews actually leaving The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives?
Last week, the reality star shared that she was stepping away from the Hulu series following the conclusion of its sixth season, which had just wrapped filming.
Her decision came amid ongoing controversy surrounding co-star Taylor Frankie Paul, who was involved, but not charged in, two separate domestic violence cases involving her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen earlier this year, and the streamer’s apparent decision to allow her to remain on the series.
“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 especially given my own experience growing up in a home with multiple forms of abuse,” Matthews said via a statement on Instagram. “There’s no amount of money worth going against my morals or changing the stance I’ve had since I first saw and heard the things that made me feel this strongly. And for me personally, continuing to directly profit from this behavior feels wrong and unethical. It feels like a disservice to the children, everyone’s healing and the millions of people watching.”
Along with Matthews, castmates Mayci Neeley and Layla Taylor also hinted that they were reconsidering their participation in the hit show.
However, fans were shocked when, days later, Paul also announced that she was stepping away from the series.
The reality star announced on Instagram on Monday, Sept. 21, that she no longer wanted to continue with Mormon Wives. In a lengthy caption, Paul thanked the network that supported her and gave her the chance to return before saying she was relieved to be out.
“I don’t desire to move forward like this. I originally was willing to be removed to let them all continue on with less stress and I’m back to that point,” she said in part.
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Following Paul’s announcement, fans asked Matthews in an Instagram Q&A if she would reconsider her decision—but she was firm in her stance.
“No I will not be coming back. Everyone has to do what’s best for them, and I was the only one who chose to leave the show due to MANY reasons and of course the recent news a couple weeks ago,” she said on her Instagram Story. “I feel like I took my concerns to the right people and went out of my way over and over again to try to address them. There are so many things wrong with this situation. Because of one person’s actions but also because of the way everything was handled after.”
“Those concerns haven’t changed and neither has my decision right now,” she continued. “Don’t know what the future holds, but I think we can collectively agree that a lot of changes need to be made.”
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 5 premiered on Hulu and Disney+ on Sept. 10. The season was limited to five episodes after production was disrupted following the cancellation of Paul’s The Bachelorette season and the domestic violence allegations coming to light.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of domestic violence, help is available 24 hours a day through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.