The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives stars Mikayla Matthews and Taylor Frankie Paul, who are currently at odds over their friendship status.
On Saturday, May 9, Matthews, 26, shared on her Instagram Stories that she has been trying to distance herself from Paul, 31, due to legal issues. This follows an incident where Paul temporarily lost custody of her 2-year-old son, Ever, after an alleged domestic violence event involving her ex, Dakota Mortensen. Local authorities declined to file charges.
“I feel absolutely terrible for what everyone involved must be experiencing,” Matthews expressed in her statement. “However, it’s not my place to support poor or dangerous behavior from either side, especially when children are involved. That doesn’t mean I don’t care about them or wish for their individual success. It simply means I cannot pretend it’s acceptable for years of destructive behavior to be analyzed online and turned into a ‘choose a side’ contest.”
Matthews emphasized that the only “right side” to be on is that of a child, leading her to establish “healthy” boundaries in her friendships.
“I was there after [Taylor’s] swinging rock bottom, I was there after the [2023] arrest rock bottom,” Matthews explained, noting her support for Paul after Mortensen’s encounters with Jenna, Shinia, and a family friend. “Without needing to be asked, I provided cookies, drinks, meals, and support, even during my own struggles with trauma, betrayal, and health challenges.”
She added, “Every time, the behaviors and patterns continued and were lauded as ‘messy’ and ‘relatable.’ Continuing to support someone who repeatedly states they can’t be a friend, while still expecting loyalty online, would be unfair to my healing and to others involved. You can’t save someone who doesn’t want to help themselves.”
Matthews asserted that having a “moral compass and boundaries” doesn’t make her a “bad or jealous” friend.
Paul responded in a fan’s recap of Matthews’ comments.
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Mikayla Matthews appears to be addressing the drama surrounding one of MomTok’s biggest members. After news broke that production on season 5 of the hit Hulu reality show has been paused following a domestic assault investigation into costar Taylor Frankie Paul, Mikayla seemingly acknowledged the headlines in a […]
“She is someone who was waiting for my downfall, watching it happen, and even kicking me while I was down,” Paul, who has two children with her ex-husband, commented on Saturday. “[My Mormon Wives castmates] always wanted updates on my life; let’s not twist that. She is ‘exhausted of me’ as I tried to endure my struggles in silence.”
Paul continued, “I’m fed up, but I knew she was dealing with her own [health] issues, and I didn’t want to add to it. Clearly, she can’t reciprocate. PS: she can find the exit if she doesn’t wish to film with me. Next.”
In a follow-up Instagram comment, Matthews clarified that she was never “praying for [Paul’s] downfall” and was only trying to be a supportive friend.
“It’s the timing for me. This has been ongoing for months … Happy Mother’s Day weekend to you too @mikayla__matt,” Paul added, acknowledging Matthews’ four children. “Hope you said what you needed.”
Matthews and Paul are both part of the MomTom influencer group, which is featured in Hulu’s Mormon Wives. Production on season 5 was paused in March following Paul’s alleged incident with Mortensen. Us Weekly confirmed last month that filming has resumed, although Paul has not yet appeared on camera.
