Mormon ‘Swinging’ Scandal: Influencers At The Center Of New Controversy

Posted: September 10, 2024

Two years ago, the online Mormon influencers community known as “MomTok” was rocked by a scandal that revealed the complexities of their private lives. The drama began when prominent MomToker Taylor Frankie Paul announced her divorce, citing a “soft swinging” arrangement with her now ex-husband, Tate Paul. This arrangement allowed couples to engage in intimate activities with others, as long as both partners were present and no one went “all the way.” Paul admitted to breaking these rules, confessing to infidelity, which sparked speculation about other influencers in her circle.

This scandal is now the focus of Hulu’s docuseries “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” which follows eight women, including Paul, as they navigate the fallout from the public revelation. The show explores how the incident strained friendships and tested the influencers’ reputations. Despite initial tensions, many of the women, including Jessi Ngatikaura, 32, believe the scandal ultimately strengthened their bonds. Ngatikaura described the group as having grown closer, stating, “We went through hard times, but now we’re all stronger because of it.”

Paul, who has 4.1 million TikTok followers, continued to share her journey through divorce, co-parenting, and mental health struggles with her audience, despite the public scrutiny. After her divorce, she introduced her new boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, who she admitted was the man she had cheated with. The couple has since married and welcomed a child earlier this year. However, Paul’s behavior, including an arrest for assault and domestic violence, has further complicated her public image. She has since expressed regret for her past actions, attributing them to depression and poor decision-making during a tumultuous period in her life.

The other MomTok influencers featured in the series, including Mikayla Matthews, Whitney Leavitt, and Layla Taylor, reflect on the challenges of being online personalities while navigating personal crises. Leavitt opens up about her husband’s infidelity and a controversial video she posted while her child was hospitalized. The show offers a glimpse into their real lives, revealing the struggles they face as both influencers and women trying to balance their faith, friendships, and family dynamics.

The docuseries aims to showcase more than just the scandal. As Matthews notes, the show highlights their personal growth and the realities of being young Mormon women in the public eye.