Mikayla Matthews Announces She Will Not Return to Hulu's "Secret Lives of Mormon Wives"
The former cast member said she will not film the series again, citing ethical concerns over alleged abusive behavior featured on the show.
Mikayla Matthews confirmed on Monday that she will not participate in further filming of Hulu's documentary series "Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" at this time. She said the decision was made after learning new information and expressed that she could not continue to profit from content that she believes normalizes abusive conduct. Matthews, who grew up in a home she described as abusive, said continuing on the show would be "wrong and unethical" and a disservice to viewers.
The series has faced controversy after police investigations into domestic assault allegations involving cast member Taylor Frankie Paul and her on-and-off boyfriend Dakota Mortensen. The investigation delayed production of season five, and both parties have filed temporary restraining orders against each other. Production reportedly resumed in May, but several cast members, including Matthews, have voiced uncertainty about remaining on the program.
"This shouldn’t be ‘relatable’ or entertainment in any way," Matthews wrote, adding that supporting an adult does not mean excusing toxic behavior without accountability.
Matthews' departure follows earlier news that original castmate Whitney Leavitt also left the series. The show’s future involvement of remaining cast members remains unclear.