Reality television personality Taylor Frankie Paul has publicly addressed criticism directed at her amid an escalating dispute with The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives costar Mikayla Matthews, emphasizing professional guidance over social media commentary.
The 31-year-old reality star took to Instagram on Monday, May 11, to defend her position following weeks of public tension with Matthews. "Today, I talked to a trauma specialist and my coach and it's validating to hear from professionals rather than keyboard warriors trying to tell me what to do," Paul wrote via her Instagram Story. "Also to see videos of other specialists speak on my situation just from what they can see from afar."
The statement represents the latest development in an ongoing public dispute between the two Mormon Wives cast members, which has intensified following Paul's recent legal difficulties. The reality star temporarily lost custody of her two-year-old son Ever, whom she shares with ex Dakota Mortensen, following an alleged domestic violence incident in February. Utah police ultimately declined to press charges in the matter.
Paul's legal troubles have had significant professional ramifications. In March, ABC cancelled plans to air her season of The Bachelorette following news of the domestic violence case, while production on Mormon Wives season 5 was temporarily paused. Despite these setbacks, Paul expressed gratitude for those who have supported her during this turbulent period.
"Just another big thank you all for the astounding support," she wrote via Instagram Story later on Monday. "Especially authors, therapists, doctors, specialists, attorneys from all over the nation, alongside neighbors, production, family and friends."
The conflict with Matthews, 26, escalated publicly on May 6 when Matthews responded to social media comments questioning why she had not publicly supported Paul and fellow costar Jessi Draper during their recent personal challenges. When a fan asked why she was addressing the issue, Matthews stated she was "fed up" and defended her position against what she characterized as a "biased double standard."
Matthews elaborated on her stance through an Instagram Story, explaining that she had "tried to stay as removed" as possible from Paul's legal issues with Mortensen, 33. "I have felt absolutely sick to my stomach and horrible for what everyone involved must be feeling and going through," Matthews wrote. "However, it is not my job to enable poor or dangerous behavior from either party, especially when children are involved."
Matthews indicated she had attempted to support Paul during previous crises but concluded that "you cannot save someone who is unwilling to participate in their own rescue."
Paul strongly disputed Matthews' characterization of their relationship, describing her costar as "the epitome of someone that was waiting for my downfall and not only watched it, but clearly kicking me too." She countered Matthews' claims of providing support, stating, "I rarely, if ever, cried to her for help. I'm fed up, but I knew she was going through her own [health] stuff, and I didn't want to make it worse. Clearly she can't do the same."
Paul also addressed reports that Matthews had expressed concerns about filming with her when Hulu resumes production on Mormon Wives season 5, suggesting her costar could "find her way to the door if she doesn't want to film with me."
The dispute intensified on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 10, when Paul posted a pointed message widely interpreted as directed at Matthews. "It's Mother's Day so I'll say whatever I want," Paul wrote via Instagram. "As if it's not already the worst time. I have STILL have 'friends' kicking me while I'm already down and calling it 'setting a boundary' and then BLAMES ME for being upset and responding. That's called shaming and attack while I had a moment to breathe and she knew that."
Paul defended her parenting, stating, "They all know I'm good to my children. I've missed more events, girls nights and opportunities to stay home with my kids more than some could ever say."
Matthews responded to Paul's Mother's Day posts with her own Instagram statement that same day, maintaining her position while acknowledging the complexity of the situation. "Could probably write a book on everything I've had to say on this. Nothing I said denied that she's experienced pain, trauma, or difficult things, there's literally no question about that," Matthews wrote. "Two things can be true. Someone can be hurting and still hurt people around them in the process."
She clarified that her decision to distance herself "was about no longer wanting to publicly participate in or normalize a cycle that was affecting everyone around it, especially where children and repeated violence were involved."
The public feud between the two reality stars has drawn significant attention from fans of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, with supporters of both women weighing in on social media. The dispute raises questions about the future dynamic of the show's cast when production resumes on season 5.
Matthews later denied that she was "praying for [Paul's] downfall," though the tension between the former friends shows no signs of abating as both continue to address the situation through their respective social media platforms.
If you or someone you know are experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.
