Mikayla Matthews has announced that she will be leaving the reality television series Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. The 26-year-old made her decision over a week ago and shared her reasons on Instagram. She stated that continuing to profit from the show's content conflicted with her personal values. Matthews emphasized that no amount of financial gain was worth compromising her moral stance. She expressed gratitude for the opportunities the show provided to support her family. Despite stepping away, she plans to continue advocating for herself and others. Matthews said her decision came after she learned new information that she believed went against her values. She did not identify Taylor Frankie Paul or any other cast member as the specific reason for her exit.
Matthews' departure comes after season five production was paused in March due to domestic violence allegations involving cast member Taylor Frankie Paul and her former partner Dakota Mortensen, according to E! News. The pause occurred while season five was being filmed, months before the five-episode season premiered on Hulu on September 10. According to People, Matthews had previously said the cast collectively chose to stop filming because members felt uncomfortable continuing amid the investigation. Prosecutors later declined to file charges stemming from the 2026 investigation.
Taylor Frankie Paul, one of the show's participants, had previously been involved in a 2023 physical altercation with her former partner Dakota Mortensen. A video of that incident surfaced online and led to the cancellation of another show featuring Taylor. The Washington Post reported that ABC canceled Paul's season of The Bachelorette in March after the video was published online. Paul had pleaded guilty in abeyance to aggravated assault in connection with the 2023 incident and later completed probation.
The situation has drawn significant attention and sparked conversations about the portrayal of relationships in reality television. Cast member Layla Taylor also reflected on her time on the show and how much it meant to her personally. She admitted that she sometimes felt bored when filming was not happening. She noted how convenient events seemed to be when cameras were not rolling. Layla made those comments in August while confirming that filming for season six was underway.
Taylor had previously shared details about her relationship with Dakota and another woman named Jenna. She said Dakota had accused Jenna of starting their romantic involvement. Taylor clarified that the situation was not as Dakota claimed it to be. The storyline involved claims that Dakota had been intimate with Jenna while he and Taylor were together. Dakota has denied cheating.
The show's production has been affected by these events and the broader controversy surrounding it. Other cast members have also faced scrutiny in recent months. Whitney Leavitt, for instance, had to address rumors about her husband's sexuality. She said she didn't need to release a sex tape to prove their relationship was healthy. Leavitt explained that her husband had struggled with a porn addiction during a difficult period in their lives. Leavitt later announced that season five would be her final season of the series.
The series has already been renewed for 20 additional episodes and filming for season six was underway before Matthews announced her departure. Hulu has not publicly commented on Matthews' exit. Matthews had reportedly already filmed some material for season six before deciding to leave. Her Instagram wording that she would not continue with the show "at this moment" left open the possibility that her decision may not be permanent.