“The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” cast member Mikayla Matthews has announced that she is stepping away from the reality series “after hearing some news” she found upsetting, seemingly related to the ongoing scandal surrounding Taylor Frankie Paul.
“I will not be continuing the show at this moment,” she wrote in an Instagram caption. “I’ve said from the beginning of this that I’m not comfortable being a part of something that continues to platform behavior I don’t agree especially given my own experience growing up in a home with multiple forms of abuse. There’s no amount of money worth going against my morals or changing the stance I’ve had since I first saw and heard the things that made me feel this strongly. And for me personally, continuing to directly profit from this behavior feels wrong and unethical. It feels like a disservice to the children, everyone’s healing and the millions of people watching.”
“This show has been a huge part of my life and has helped me provide for my family,” Matthews continued. “I’m so grateful for the experience, and will continue sharing my story, my health and advocating for myself and others. This shouldn’t be ‘relatable’ or entertainment in anyway. Supporting an ADULT doesn’t mean constantly making excuses for toxic behavior while giving unconditional sympathy and grace with zero accountability or change. I was in that enabling cycle for years, and I’m not going to be a part of that again! Love you all.”
Matthews’ post comes days after the release of “Mormon Wives” Season 5, which saw her and Paul get into multiple arguments after Matthews pointed out chaotic patterns in Paul’s dating life, with Paul finding Matthews to be harsh and judgmental. The conflicts depicted took place before TMZ published footage from a domestic incident between Paul and her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen in which Paul threw metal chairs at him. The ensuing scandal has involved domestic violence allegations from both parties, mutual restraining orders and a custody battle, as well as the cancellation of Paul’s “Bachelorette” season. In the months since, Matthews has been vocal online about her continued objections to Paul’s behavior.
Season 6 of “Mormon Wives” is currently in production, though it is unclear whether or how much Matthews will appear in it. Her castmates Mayci Neeley and Layla Taylor both left comments of support on her announcement.