A reality television star is opening up about the deep-seated personal reasons behind her strained relationship with a co-star, claiming their interactions evoke difficult family history.
Mikayla Matthews, a cast member on the series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, stated that fellow participant Whitney Leavitt continues to provoke a strong emotional response in her. Matthews attributes this reaction to Leavitt’s behavior reminding her of her mother.
“I genuinely just don’t get where her mindset’s at,” Matthews said during a recent podcast interview. “There’s a lot in her that triggers me because it reminds me of my mom.”
The conflict, which began in the show’s first season, appears unresolved as the new season progresses. Matthews expressed skepticism about Leavitt’s previous attempts at accountability, made during her own media appearances following the initial season.
“Coming back, she said she was ready to apologize,” Matthews recounted. “But it was like she didn’t know what she was taking accountability for.” Matthews described a specific instance where Leavitt, when asked if she had anything to say to the other women, reportedly declined, saying they could approach her if they wished.
This pattern has led Matthews to question the sincerity of Leavitt’s motivations. “I think that’s something that I’ve seen with her is that she comes back when it’s convenient for her,” Matthews stated, adding that she has chosen to focus on her own personal growth and maintain her emotional boundaries.
While some other women on the show have been receptive to Leavitt’s return, Matthews has drawn a firm line. She indicated she would remain civil but does not foresee a friendship developing between them.
The rift deepened further due to Leavitt’s involvement with a mutual acquaintance, Mayci Neeley. Matthews said she became “more defensive” when Leavitt shared private text messages from Neeley, who had supported her. Matthews accused Leavitt of ultimately “throwing Mayci under the bus” after the show, validating concerns she had previously voiced to her friend.
The evolving dynamic between the two women continues to be a central storyline in the current season of the series.
