Layla from “Mormon Wives” Discusses Toxic Co-Parenting Amidst Romance with Ex Mason
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Layla Taylor recently shared her journey of finding love with boyfriend Mason McWhorter, all while managing a challenging coparenting dynamic with her ex-husband.
Prior to the release of season 3 on Hulu on Thursday, November 13, Layla, 24, spoke exclusively to Us Weekly about her feelings on remarriage.
“I’m taking it day by day. Marriage feels daunting right now,” she confessed. “I think it’s due to my past experiences with my ex-husband and that marriage.”
Layla mentioned that she continues to navigate a “toxic coparenting relationship” with ex-husband Clayton Wessel “even to this day.”
“Right now, marriage feels intimidating, but I want to truly know someone well before considering that,” she clarified. “I’m content with where Mason and I are at. If marriage is in our future, we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”
Viewers got a sneak peek of Layla’s new relationship as cameras resumed rolling on the reality series. Some fans might recognize Mason as the brother of Layla’s ex, Chase McWhorter.
“We just laugh about it. I know dating brothers isn’t the most conventional scenario, but sometimes life just hands you lemons,” Layla reflected on their connection. “You have to make lemonade out of it, and it leads to some funny, awkward moments. But we embrace it because it’s part of our reality.”
Layla expressed her gratitude for finding Mason when she did.
“We are still together and things are going wonderfully. I’m genuinely happy,” she exclaimed. “He’s my best friend. Our chemistry is effortless, and I don’t feel the need to be anyone but myself around him.”
After leaving the Mormon church, Layla shared with Us that she and Mason align on their values, noting, “Luckily, he is not active anymore. We share the same beliefs. Although we both have Mormon backgrounds, we are no longer part of the church.”
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, which debuted in September 2024, introduced viewers to a cohort of Mormon mom influencers in Utah. While the drama initially drew viewers in, they remain engaged season after season to follow the cast’s journeys.
In season 3, Layla’s personal life was further explored as she navigated being a Black woman in predominantly white Utah. Off-screen, she is a devoted mother to her sons, Ollie, 4, and Maxwell, 3, whom she prefers to keep off the show.
“My ex and I both agree on keeping them away from this world for their protection. I don’t think showing kids in this context is negative; I admire those who choose to do so. But I personally feel uneasy about who’s consuming the content I share,” she explained to Us. “I can’t control the audience’s actions, and that’s frightening.”
Layla elaborated, “Sometimes I feel like we live in a strange and unsettling world. Some people seem lost, and I want to protect my kids. Their dad and I have consistently agreed on this, which is a positive. But navigating our relationship remains challenging.”
She acknowledged the “bitter feelings from his end” about their situation.
“In tough moments, I remind myself that it will get better with time. I understand what it’s like to have parents who don’t get along,” she continued. “That was my experience growing up, and it had a lasting impact on me. I try to communicate to him daily: ‘I know this is hard and that you may not want to engage with me. However, as parents, we need to work through this for the sake of our kids. I hope we find a better path eventually.’”
Layla approached season 3 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives with optimism.
“I wanted to be more vocal this season. In the first two seasons, there were times I felt unable to express myself in certain situations; I was quite reserved,” she reflected. “My goal this season was to speak my mind, advocate for myself, and be true to who I am as an individual. I believe I successfully showcased that this season, and I’m proud of my growth.”
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is currently available for streaming on Hulu.
