Mikayla Matthews Departs 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' Over Ethical Concerns
Mikayla Matthews announced on Instagram that she is leaving 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,' citing moral objections to the show's content. She said she made the decision over a week ago and that no amount of money would change her stance. Her exit comes amid a feud with co-star Taylor Frankie Paul, and it's unclear whether she will leave during season six or before season seven.
Matthews, who also served as an executive producer on the Hulu series, announced her exit on Instagram after season five premiered. She cited moral objections to the show’s continued platforming of behavior she disagrees with, and confirmed her decision came more than a week prior. Her departure follows a production pause tied to an alleged domestic incident involving co-star Taylor Frankie Paul, which also led ABC to pull Paul’s season of *The Bachelorette*.
Matthews has already filmed for season six, which is in active production, and Hulu has ordered a seventh season. Her exit timing remains unclear—whether she leaves mid-season six or before season seven. Co-stars publicly supported her decision, while her ongoing feud with Paul has escalated online, including as recently as the night before her announcement.
This exit could signal a shift in how reality TV participants weigh personal ethics against financial gain, especially amid heightened scrutiny of domestic violence storylines. Viewers may become more critical of networks that continue to platform controversial cast members, and producers could face pressure to address off-screen behavior more transparently. The show’s audience—largely young women—may see this as a moment to reassess what they tolerate in entertainment, potentially influencing future casting and production decisions across the genre.