The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: Cast Reactions to Controversy Over Show’s Trailer and Title
The new Hulu series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has stirred up quite a buzz, sparking controversy even before its official release. With a storyline featuring Mormon TikTok influencers, a scandalous sex story, and a connection to Ben Affleck, there’s plenty to discuss. Premiering on Friday, the show delves into the lives of current and former members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), embroiled in sensational drama involving alcohol, unwed pregnancies, male strip shows, and partner-swapping.
At the heart of this tale is Taylor Frankie Paul, a social media influencer credited with creating “MomTok,” a community of Mormon mothers sharing their lives on TikTok. With millions of followers, these women have turned their everyday moments into profitable sponsorships. In 2022, Paul shocked her audience when she revealed her divorce and disclosed that she had broken the rules of her open marriage. Even more scandalous was her admission of “soft swinging” — a practice where couples trade partners within their social circles.
The show heavily revolves around the aftermath of Paul’s revelations, including her subsequent relationship with boyfriend Dakota Mortensen, which began while she was still married. Reflecting on her decisions, Paul told “I don’t regret where I am right now… But do I wish I had gone about things differently? Absolutely.”
The series also explores tensions between Paul and fellow influencer Whitney Leavitt, who some suggest is vying for Paul’s “MomTok” crown. Their rivalry, alongside attempts to rebuild friendships and sustain their influencer careers, forms a major part of the season’s drama.
Unsurprisingly, the LDS Church has not commented directly on the show but hinted at its disapproval through a statement on its website. The Church acknowledged how entertainment media can sometimes misrepresent faith communities, noting, “Some portrayals… resort to stereotypes or gross misrepresentations… that have real-life consequences for people of faith.”
Cast members have taken the early backlash in stride. Jennifer Affleck, a distant cousin of Ben Affleck, said, “It’s probably good that we’ve gotten a little bit of backlash early so we can prepare for when the real stuff comes out.” Meanwhile, cast member Jessi Ngatikaura expressed hope that viewers will look beyond the trailer and title, describing the show as “empowering” and a truthful portrayal of women’s struggles.
As controversy swirls, one thing is clear: The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is set to be a provocative and conversation-sparking series, with each episode likely to fuel further debates.
