Leading up to its release on Friday, Sept. 6, Hulu’s reality television show “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” faced controversy among the public and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
According to the trailer, the show follows eight mothers who rose to fame as the creators of TikTok community #MomTok. The group was previously entangled in a “soft swinging” scandal in 2022. During a TikTok live stream that same year, star Taylor Frankie Paul defined soft swinging as switching sexual partners without “going all the way.”
The use of the term “Mormon” in the title provoked reactions by commenters on social media and YouTube to the show’s depiction of the Church’s teachings and practices.
“We were raised to be these housewives for the men, serving their every desire,” star Taylor Frankie Paul said in the trailer.
Star Mikayla Matthews added there are many rules members of the Church must follow.
“We’re trying to change the stigma of gender roles in the Mormon culture,” star Mayci Neeley said in the trailer.
Two days after Hulu released the official trailer on Aug. 14, the Church of Jesus Christ published a statement, commenting on the manner in which the Church is often portrayed in media. While this was published amidst the current “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” controversy, the statement did not explicitly mention the show.
“Some portrayals (of the Church) are fair and accurate, but others resort to stereotypes or gross misrepresentations that are in poor taste and have real-life consequences for people of faith,” the Church said in the statement. “We understand the fascination some in the media have with the Church, but regret that portrayals often rely on sensationalism and inaccuracies that do not fairly and fully reflect the lives of our Church members or the sacred beliefs that they hold dear.”
The Church also encouraged readers to turn to reliable sources and listen to those who are happily guided by the Church’s teachings and principles.
“Millions of Church members around the world are deeply dedicated to family, fidelity, service and the gospel of Jesus Christ,” the Church said in the statement. “The true story of our faith is best seen in the countless lives of those who strive daily to follow our Savior Jesus Christ.”
Hulu and the stars of the show experienced backlash in the YouTube comment section for the trailer. Some claimed the trailer is disgusting and offensive.
“I left the Mormon church years ago, but still have great memories and respect for the Church,” commenter @jeffwolfe5116 said. “All of my family are active members, and I believe that this kind of TV show is truly trash and disgusting and disrespectful to devout believers.”
Commenter @sabrinarichards8229 said this trailer does not accurately depict the Church's teachings.
“They do not deserve to call themselves ‘Mormon Wives,’” Richards said. “LDS wives are women who are kind, loving, respectful and devote their lives to serving others. These women are not them. I’m appalled that they say that they are.”
Commenter @sorellaoliver noted the picture of the stars was taken in front of the Provo Utah Temple before it closed for renovation.
“I do not appreciate or understand why you would take a pictures/videos in front of a Temple that you do not practice the principles or teachings,” she said. “Your actions and life choices would not allow you to obtain a recommend to enter. Very disappointing.”
Commenter @noahfillmore7441 said no religious beliefs should be portrayed poorly, regardless of the religion.
The mothers have also received hateful comments from the public through their social media accounts.
“Wish they titled it differently,” commenter @saylor_mira said under a TikTok of Paul’s on July 29. “Feels like the nickname ‘Mormon’ is just a cash grab now for any streaming service.”
Other negativity towards the show regarded the prior scandal the show is based on.
“None of you are the victim here,” commenter @tykuhl23 said under one of Paul’s Instagram posts. “Everyone in this show has cheated on their spouse, gotten divorced, been arrested or hurt those around them, but for some reason you girls want us to glorify you and your actions by watching a show about the secrets that have been kept, the people that have been hurt, and the misinterpretation of the LDS community?”
Some of the mothers responded to the hate and said these commenters shouldn’t judge the show or its stars before watching.
“To make broad sweeping judgments on our character and intentions without first seeing the show, is absolutely unfair,” star Demi Engemann said in a comment on one of her own TikToks.
Star Jessi Ngatikaura also defended the show in a recent TikTok.
“The most un-Christlike behavior is coming from people who claim it the most,” Ngatikaura said. “I understand being upset about the name, but I’m asking you to watch the show first before online bullying people you don’t know anything about. That behavior is making the religion look worse than we ever could.”
Commenter @camchristian365, under one of Paul’s Instagram posts, said while the trailer first angered him, he understood where these mothers were coming from and why they may have wanted the fame.
“For all of its strengths, the LDS Church lacks a strong female presence, especially in leadership, in doctrine, and in cultural practice. Where are the women?” he said. “Perhaps these ‘Mormon Wives’ are rebelling against the extreme Mormon prototype which is: frumpy, quiet church mouse, whose husband — when it comes to power and authority and influence—is the ‘meat and potatoes’ and she’s just the side salad.”
Some commenters who said they are members of the Church even expressed their excitement to watch the show under a recent TikTok made by Paul.
“I’m a member and I’m excited because it shows how people may not agree with the Church anymore but they still find growth and we can all love each other no matter what,” commenter @lalahappyliving said.
All eight episodes of the show were released Sept. 6.