The reality series “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” is now available on Hulu, featuring the lives of eight LDS mom influencers. The show highlights the engaging yet controversial world of #MomTok, a community of Mormon influencers, primarily from Utah, who share insights about modern motherhood through TikTok. These influencers, including Taylor Frankie Paul, Demi Engemann, and others, navigate the aftermath of a swinging scandal that recently went viral.
In May 2022, Taylor Frankie Paul made headlines when she announced her divorce from her husband, Tate Paul, during a live TikTok broadcast. The revelation didn’t stop there; she confessed that they had been “soft swinging,” which involves consensual partner swapping without full sexual involvement. Taylor suggested that the situation involved multiple couples within the Mormon TikTok community, fueling a wave of speculation and accusations online.
The term “soft swinging” refers to a practice where couples engage in sexual activities with others but do not fully exchange partners. Taylor explained that she and Tate opened their relationship, but she later broke the terms of their agreement, leading to the divorce. On the show, while Taylor acknowledges her experiences, the other women assert that they have not participated in swinging or non-monogamous relationships.
The series kicks off several months after the scandal, showcasing Taylor’s attempts to mend her relationships with the other women shortly before her arrest in February 2023 for domestic violence. Whitney Leavitt, another cast member, had relocated to Hawaii to escape the backlash but returned to Utah, igniting a competitive dynamic between her and Taylor for leadership within the #MomTok community. Whitney emphasized the need to refocus the group’s direction in the show, leading to a divide between supporters of both women.
Critics within the LDS community have voiced concerns about the show’s portrayal of their faith, with some claiming it fails to accurately reflect their values. Jessi, one of the influencers featured, responded to the backlash by expressing hope that viewers would see the series as empowering for women navigating their faith.
In a dramatic twist, Taylor’s legal troubles surfaced when she was arrested following a domestic dispute that involved her boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen. Footage from the incident revealed that during an altercation, Taylor threw a metal chair, reportedly injuring her boyfriend and frightening her child. She later pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and has been sharing her journey toward sobriety on social media.