Hulu’s 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' boldly uncovers the hidden struggles and personal turmoil behind the seemingly perfect lives of women in a conservative religious community, set against the stunning backdrop of Utah.
Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has become a standout show for its bold exploration of the lives and struggles of women in a conservative religious community. Set against the backdrop of Utah’s picturesque landscape, the series offers a deep dive into the personal lives, secrets, and relationships of Mormon wives who appear outwardly perfect but face inner turmoil.
According to Taylor Frankie Paul, #MomTok started in 2021 when she and three other young mothers in their 20s – Whitney Leavitt, Mayci Neeley, and Mikayla Matthews–began collaborating on TikTok videos centered around dance, beauty, lifestyle, and trending content. Initially a small, tight-knit group, their popularity skyrocketed, and the #MomTok community quickly expanded.
As Paul described, what began as "a group of Mormon moms making TikToks" soon transformed into a social media powerhouse. The growing influence of #MomTok attracted brand partnerships and lucrative deals, providing new financial opportunities for the women. Thanks to their success on TikTok, some group members became the primary breadwinners for their families – showcasing the platform's potential to turn viral content into thriving careers.
In May 2022, Paul announced her divorce in a TikTok lip-sync video, initially portraying it as a straightforward split between two people committed to co-parenting. However, just five days later, controversy erupted when she revealed in a TikTok Live that she and her husband had engaged in "soft swinging," a form of consensual non-monogamy. Paul admitted to crossing the boundaries they had set and hinted that others in her friend group were also involved in partner-swapping and drinking, though she didn’t name names. The claims quickly went viral, sparking widespread speculation and dragging her influencer friends and the broader community of Mormon mom TikTokers into the scandal.
As the series continues to dominate the internet, let’s meet the cast of Hulu’s hit TV show.
Taylor Frankie Paul, widely recognized as the creator of #MomTok, also became the center of its most notorious scandal. In 2022, she made headlines when she announced her divorce from Tate Paul, revealing that the couple had been involved in "soft swinging" with their close circle of friends. She admitted that the divorce stemmed from her breaking the rules of their open relationship.
Paul later introduced her followers to Dakota Mortensen, the man she confessed to having "cheated" with. The couple welcomed a baby boy in 2024, but their relationship faced significant challenges. In February 2023, Paul was arrested on domestic violence charges and faced multiple counts, including aggravated assault, domestic violence in the presence of a child, child abuse, and criminal mischief.
Paul ultimately pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, with the remaining charges dropped as part of a plea agreement. Reflecting on the series covering her life, Paul shared that she was most anxious about reliving certain moments in her tumultuous relationship.
TikTok (@taylorfrankiepaul)
Whitney Leavitt and her husband, Conner Leavitt, are expecting their third child as they prepare for a new chapter in their lives. In the premiere of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, the family relocates to Utah after spending time in Hawaii.
In the first episode, Whitney reveals that their move to Hawaii came in the wake of rumors about her husband using Tinder. Conner had admitted to using the app in a YouTube video the couple shared in 2022. Whitney addresses this scandal further in the YouTube series, offering more insight into their relationship and how they navigated the controversy.
The show also touches on another incident that sparked backlash: Whitney’s decision to film a video of herself dancing next to her newborn son while he was receiving supplemental oxygen for an RSV diagnosis. After receiving criticism, she later removed the video.
TikTok (@whitneyleavitt)
At just 18 years old, Jen Affleck met her now-husband, Zac Affleck, on the Mormon dating app Mutual. Over the years, the couple grew together in their faith. Jen has been open on Instagram about her experiences with premarital sex and drinking—actions typically avoided by practicing Mormons. In January 2019, Zac proposed to Jen in New York City, and the two were married later that same year. Now 25, Jen shares her journey with her followers as part of the MomToker community.
TikTok (@jenniferaffleckk)
Mikayla Matthews and her husband, Jace Terry, are parents to three children. Matthews became a mom as a teenager, an experience that shaped her journey into motherhood. In The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, she struggles with balancing her identity while taking on the role of her family’s sole provider after Jace lost his job.
In addition to her family life, Matthews has been open online about her struggles with an undiagnosed skin condition, sharing her journey with her followers in hopes of finding support and raising awareness.
TikTok (@mikaylamatthews)
Layla Taylor is a recently divorced mother of two sons navigating life on her terms. Reflecting on her divorce, Taylor acknowledges its challenges within her faith. "Divorce isn’t something that’s encouraged in our church. We’re taught to keep our families together—families are forever. It’s not something the church embraces, but I’m an advocate for making yourself happy," she shared with TODAY.com.
Taylor and her ex-husband mutually agreed not to feature their sons on Season 1 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. However, she remains open to the possibility in the future.
TikTok: @laylaleannetaylor
Mayci Neeley and her husband, Jacob Neeley, are raising a blended family with two children and are currently navigating the IVF process as they work to grow their family. A former Division 1 tennis player at Brigham Young University, Mayci transitioned from athletics to entrepreneurship, founding a natal nutrition company called Baby Mama. Her company focuses on providing essential nutrition for mothers during pregnancy and postpartum, reflecting her commitment to maternal health.
TikTok (@maycineeley)
Jessi Ngatikaura is a successful entrepreneur and hairdresser who owns JZ Styles, a thriving hair extension company and hair school. Known for her expertise in the beauty industry, she has built a loyal following both as a stylist and a businesswoman. According to her Hulu bio, Jessi playfully refers to herself as the “grandma of the group,” embracing her role as a guiding figure among her peers.
Jessi’s personal life is just as dynamic as her professional one. After a previous divorce, she found love again with her husband, Jordan Ngatikaura. Together, they’ve created a blended family with three children: Jagger, Peyton, and Jovi. Jessi often shares glimpses of her family life, offering insights into the joys and challenges of blending families while balancing the demands of her career.
TikTok (@_justjessiiii)
Demi Engemann, previously divorced, is now married to Bret Engemann, and together, they have a blended family with three children. Beyond her role as a mother and wife, Demi is also a dedicated advocate for ketamine treatment, a cause she is deeply passionate about, as highlighted in her Hulu bio.
TikTok (@demilucymay)
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is now available to stream exclusively on Hulu. The first season consists of eight episodes, all of which are currently available for viewers to watch.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Disney/Ashley Rose Ramirez
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