The reality series “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” is making waves on Hulu, featuring eight influential LDS mothers from TikTok. This program highlights the experiences of these Utah-based creators, who are part of the #MomTok community, sharing insights on modern motherhood while navigating various challenges, including a high-profile swinging scandal.
Among the participants are Taylor Frankie Paul, Demi Engemann, Jen Affleck, Jessi Ngatikaura, Layla Taylor, Mayci Neeley, Mikayla Matthews, and Whitney Leavitt. The show unveils the aftermath of the scandal regarding Taylor and her ex-husband, Tate Paul, who had engaged in “soft swinging,” a practice involving non-committal partner swapping without full sexual engagement. Taylor’s TikTok live announcement of their divorce and the terms of their arrangement sparked significant controversy, with her insinuating that many involved in the Mormon TikTok scene had participated.
The series kicks off several months after the scandal, as Taylor seeks to reconnect with her peers amid the fallout of her domestic violence arrest in early 2023. A notable conflict is brewing between Taylor and Whitney Leavitt, who returned from a brief move to Hawaii while harboring a secret. The tension escalates as both women vie for influence in the #MomTok community, creating rival factions among the cast.
Critics within the LDS community are expressing their discontent with the series, arguing it misrepresents their faith. Jessi, one of the cast members, stated that despite the backlash, the show focuses on women’s empowerment within their culture, despite its imperfections.
Taylor’s legal troubles came to a head with her February 2023 arrest for domestic violence after an incident with her boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen. An altercation that reportedly involved her throwing a metal chair led to her being charged, with one of her children nearby. She later pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and has since been sharing her journey towards sobriety on social media.