Mikayla Matthews exits The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives as the Hulu reality series moves into season 6. The reality star announced her decision on Instagram on September 14, saying she would not continue with the show “at this moment”.
Matthews, 26, explained that her decision was connected to concerns about behaviour being featured and supported through the series. She said the issue was especially personal because of her experiences growing up in a home affected by abuse.
Her announcement comes as the reality franchise continues filming new episodes and faces major changes within its cast.
Why Mikayla Matthews Is Leaving Mormon Wives
Matthews said she had made her decision more than a week before sharing it publicly.
In her Instagram statement, she explained that she did not feel comfortable remaining involved with a production that, in her view, continues to give attention to behaviour she does not support.
She also connected that position to her own past experiences. According to Matthews, she spent years in an enabling cycle and does not want to return to that environment.
For her, the decision was about personal values rather than financial gain.
Matthews said she did not believe any amount of money was worth compromising the position she had held since first learning about the situations that concerned her.
Matthews Says the Decision Was Personal
The reality star also stressed that she remains grateful for the opportunities the show provided.
She credited The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives with helping her support her family and said the experience had been an important part of her life.
At the same time, she made clear that gratitude for the opportunity did not outweigh her concerns.
Matthews said she plans to continue sharing her personal story, discussing her health journey and advocating for herself and others.
Hulu had not publicly responded to the announcement at the time of the original report.
What Is Happening With ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ Season 6?
Matthews’ departure comes during a period of significant change for the Hulu series.
The show has continued filming season 6 after production was previously disrupted by controversy surrounding cast member Taylor Frankie Paul and her former partner Dakota Mortensen.
A shortened fifth season also arrived on Hulu on September 11, documenting events leading up to the production pause.
Meanwhile, Layla Taylor previously discussed the demanding filming schedule and indicated that the cast was already working on season 6.
With Matthews now stepping away, viewers are likely to have questions about how her absence will affect the show’s upcoming episodes.
Where the ‘Mormon Wives’ Cast Relationships Stand
Matthews’ announcement is not the only major development involving the show’s stars. Several cast members have experienced significant changes in their relationships.
Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen: Split
Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen are no longer together.
The pair share son Ever, who was born in 2024. Their relationship became a major storyline on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, particularly after Paul discussed allegations of infidelity.
Mortensen has denied cheating allegations.
Paul was also scheduled to appear on the 2026 season of The Bachelorette. However, ABC cancelled her season after reports concerning an alleged confrontation involving Paul and Mortensen emerged.
A previous video showing a 2023 physical altercation between the pair also resurfaced.
Whitney Leavitt and Connor Leavitt: Married
Whitney Leavitt and Connor Leavitt remain married.
The couple tied the knot in 2016 and have children together. Their relationship has faced public speculation throughout the reality series, but they have continued their marriage.
In February 2026, the couple renewed their vows to mark their 10th wedding anniversary.
Whitney also announced in May 2026 that she would be leaving The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives while pursuing other opportunities, including her Broadway appearance.
Jen Affleck and Zac Affleck: Married
Jen Affleck and Zac Affleck have been married since 2019.
Their relationship has faced scrutiny since the show’s first season, including disagreements that became part of the series.
Despite the speculation, Jen has continued to defend their marriage and has spoken about the difficulty of dealing with outside opinions.
The couple also announced they were expecting their fourth child in June 2026.
Jessi Draper and Jordan Ngatikaura: Divorcing
Jessi Draper and Jordan Ngatikaura are going through a divorce.
Jordan filed for divorce in March 2026 after five years of marriage. The development followed relationship problems that had already been explored publicly.
Draper previously acknowledged an emotional affair with Marciano Brunette. She and Jordan had briefly indicated they were attempting to repair their relationship before the divorce filing.
Draper later said she was surprised by the filing and believed they had agreed to speak with their children before taking that step.
Mayci Neeley and Jacob Neeley: Married
Mayci Neeley and Jacob Neeley are married and have built a family together.
Neeley met Jacob in 2016 after experiencing the death of her previous boyfriend, Arik Mack, while she was pregnant with their son.
The couple married two years after meeting and later welcomed two daughters.
Their family now includes Hudson, Harlow and Charli.
Demi Engemann and Bret Engemann: Married
Demi Engemann and Bret Engemann remain married after tying the knot in 2021.
Their relationship has been a recurring topic on the reality series, particularly because of storylines involving their intimate life.
The couple also have a blended family. Demi has a daughter from a previous relationship, while Bret has two sons from his earlier marriage.
Mikayla Matthews and Jace Terry: Separated
Matthews’ own relationship has also experienced major changes.
She and Jace Terry married in 2018 and share four children.
During the fourth season of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Matthews revealed that the couple were taking time apart while dealing with difficulties in their relationship.
She also discussed how past trauma and her chronic illness had affected her emotional well-being and intimacy within the marriage.
Her latest decision to leave the show therefore comes after an already complicated period in her personal life.
Layla Taylor and Clayton Wessel: Divorced
Layla Taylor and Clayton Wessel divorced in 2023. They share two sons.
Taylor later began dating Mason McWhorter, but the relationship ended in February 2026.
In June 2026, Taylor publicly came out as bisexual. The reality personality later appeared to confirm a relationship with content creator Kelsie Chesser.
Miranda McWhorter and Chase McWhorter: Divorced
Miranda McWhorter and Chase McWhorter divorced in 2024.
McWhorter previously explained that the split was caused by problems that existed before the controversy surrounding the group’s so-called “soft swinging” scandal.
The former couple continue to co-parent their two children.
What Comes Next for Mikayla Matthews?
For now, Matthews has not indicated that her departure is necessarily permanent.
Her wording suggested that she is stepping away from the show “at this moment”, leaving open the possibility of future developments.
However, her statement makes clear that her decision is rooted in her personal values and her concerns about the behaviour presented through the series.
She also plans to remain active in sharing her own experiences, health journey and advocacy work.
As season 6 continues, viewers will be watching to see how the series addresses Matthews’ absence and what other changes emerge within the Mormon Wives cast.