Mikayla Matthews exits 'Mormon Wives' after Taylor Frankie Paul controversy

Mikayla Matthews steps away from 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' amid controversy surrounding Taylor Frankie Paul

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Mikayla Matthews has announced that she is stepping away from the Hulu reality series amid the ongoing controversy surrounding castmate Taylor Frankie Paul.

Matthews said she made the decision after hearing news that upset her and explained that she was not comfortable continuing to be part of a show that, in her view, platforms behaviour she does not agree with. She also referenced her own experiences growing up in a home affected by multiple forms of abuse.

In a statement shared on Instagram, Matthews said continuing to participate in the series and directly profit from the situation felt "wrong and unethical". She added that she believed doing so would be a disservice to children, people working through their own experiences and the millions of viewers watching the show.

Matthews acknowledged that The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has been an important part of her life and helped support her family. She said she remains grateful for the experience and intends to continue sharing her story, discussing her health and advocating for herself and others.

Her announcement comes days after the release of season 5, which featured several confrontations between Matthews and Paul. Matthews had criticised patterns she observed in Paul's dating life, while Paul considered Matthews' comments harsh and judgemental.

The tensions emerged before footage of a domestic incident involving Paul and her former boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, was published. The subsequent controversy has included domestic violence allegations from both sides, mutual restraining orders, a custody dispute and the cancellation of Paul's season of The Bachelorette.

Season 6 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is currently in production, although it remains unclear how Matthews' departure will affect her involvement. Castmates Mayci Neeley and Layla Taylor have publicly supported her decision.