“There's a prejudice that all Mormons have to live the same way and lead their lives the same way.”
What's so hot about a show about a Mormon mom, a TikTok star, and scandalous sex acts? Pretty hot!
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives The series, which launched on Hulu on Friday, takes an in-depth look into the lives of current and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), exploring controversies such as alcoholism, out-of-wedlock pregnancy, male striptease and partner swapping.
The drama begins with Taylor Frankie Paul, an influencer who brought together Mormon mothers on TikTok and sparked the “MomTok” trend. Many of the members share videos that give a glimpse into their lives, and Paul boasts millions of followers through lucrative sponsorship deals. In 2022, Paul made headlines when she announced her divorce for violating the terms of her open marriage. She also revealed that she had been involved in “soft swinging,” including partner swapping, with her ex-husband within her Utah community.
The show focuses on the fallout from Paul's confession, particularly his subsequent pregnancy with boyfriend Dakota Mortensen, whom he began dating while still married. CNN Reported.
Check out the official trailer here:
What's really going on behind the Mormon swing controversy?
By the end of the Hulu series' eight episodes, it becomes clear that while most of the group's members were not in swinger relationships, many of them were battling rumors to the contrary. The series also reveals ongoing trust issues within the group, leading to the demise of some friendships.
when time When asked to comment further on the swinging rumours, Paul, who has 4.1 million TikTok followers, was cautious about revealing too much to avoid identifying those involved, but did make it clear that he was not the only one implicated in the rumours.
“A lot of people have blamed me, as if I was the only one who instigated and participated. I don't know how that's possible,” Paul said. “It wasn't just me. This was a group thing. We all made our own decision. We're all adults.”
Paul says there's a prejudice that Mormons all live the same and have to lead their lives the same way. She adds that the point of their show is that there are so many different ways to live a Mormon life. “It's a spectrum.”
#MomTok star redefines family roles with big brand deal
While many Mormons are considered traditional housewives, some #MomTok influencers are taking unconventional steps as the primary breadwinners for their families, thanks to brand deals and huge social media followings that make them key contributors to their families' incomes.
In the series, #MomTok star Macy Neely, who boasts 1.3 million TikTok followers, hosts a launch party for a new line of prenatal vitamins called “BabyMama,” designed for expectant mothers.
The women hope that Mormon audiences will relate to the show and feel empowered. time“Our goal is to help people who feel alienated from the church, such as those who think they don't belong because of their drinking, understand us and realize they have value. We hope the show inspires them and boosts their self-esteem.”
Answer from the LDS
While the LDS did not directly address “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” it appeared to reference the show in a statement on its website the day the trailer was released last month.
“LDS, like other prominent global religious groups, is often the focus of the entertainment industry. While some portrayals are fair and accurate, others rely on stereotypes and egregious misrepresentations, are crude, and impact the real lives of believers,” the statement said.
“We understand that there is a strong interest in the Church in some parts of the media, but we regret that the portrayals are often sensational and inaccurate and do not fairly and fully reflect the lives of our members and the sacred faith they cherish.”
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