Unveiling the Hidden Affairs: Insights into Mormon Wives’ Cheating Scandals
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives focuses on content creators from Utah — yet the hit reality show has showcased numerous cheating scandals.
Upon its release on Hulu in September 2024, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives introduced viewers to Jen Affleck and husband Zac Affleck, Demi Engemann and husband Bret Engemann, Whitney Leavitt and husband Connor Leavitt, Mikayla Matthews and husband Jace Terry, Mayci Neeley and husband Jacob Neely, Jessi Ngatikaura and husband Jordan Ngatikaura, Taylor Frankie Paul and then-partner Dakota Mortensen, along with Layla Taylor.
It didn’t take long for the series to reveal not just MomTok — but also the intricate details of the cast’s personal affairs. From Connor’s struggle with porn addiction to allegations of Dakota’s offscreen infidelity, various cheating scandals came to light.
Season 2 intensified these revelations, particularly when Demi’s interactions with Marciano Brunette sparked rumors that Jessi had an affair with the Vanderpump Villa star. Read on for a summary of every cheating scandal, both on and off the screen:
Connor’s Tinder Account
In the season 1 premiere, Connor and Whitney returned to Utah from Hawaii after Connor admitted to maintaining a secret Tinder account used to solicit explicit images.
“He had a porn addiction for a long time, and overcoming that was incredibly challenging,” Whitney expressed on “The Squeeze” podcast in September 2024. “I was completely unaware of what was happening.”
She added, “Going through something so difficult and emerging stronger has fortified our relationship. It may have sucked at the time, but I’m truly thankful for where we are now.”
Following their efforts to strengthen their marriage, Connor and Whitney, parents to two kids, expanded their family again.
“It takes time and effort. I remember my therapist asking, ‘Before we start, do you want to work this out or not?’ I really had to evaluate if I wanted to rebuild that trust. Even now, things can be triggering, but I just work through it and keep moving forward,” Whitney explained in September 2024.
Dakota’s Past With Jenna
Season 1 highlighted Taylor and Dakota’s tumultuous relationship rooted in his alleged infidelity. Although Dakota denied having any involvement with someone else, Mayci contacted Jenna to discuss her history with Dakota.
As the first season concluded on a cliffhanger, Dakota later admitted to still communicating with Jenna while dating Taylor. Dakota and Taylor, who share a son named Ever, have remained in a rocky on-and-off relationship since this revelation.
Demi’s Interactions With Marciano
Prior to filming season 2, some Mormon Wives stars participated in two episodes of Hulu’s Vanderpump Villa. Marciano expressed interest in Demi, despite her marital status. Demi refuted claims of infidelity with Marciano.
“Nothing happened with Marciano. I hate to sound harsh, but I wasn’t even the slightest bit attracted to him. It’s unfortunate that women can’t simply be friendly and playful without it being misconstrued as openness. I wore my wedding ring the entire time,” she told Us Weekly in May 2025. “I brought up my marriage more than once, yet it seems like we couldn’t just enjoy ourselves, and he couldn’t acknowledge that.”
Bret appeared to respond to Marciano’s insinuations ahead of the season release, sharing a photo of himself with Demi and writing on his Instagram Story, “I’m so proud of this beautiful human. She’s the most amazing woman I will ever know. The nonsense she has faced from disingenuous individuals is astounding. She has handled herself like a graceful lioness among a bunch of yipping hyenas.”
The Blind Submission About Bret Engemann
In season 2, Mayci disclosed to her Mormon Wives castmates about a blind item she received claiming Demi’s husband, Bret, had been unfaithful while Demi was away. This topic was addressed on the show.
“The truth always comes to light. Until there’s proof, I won’t give it any credence,” Demi told Bret, to which he responded, “I need to care less about how things appear.”
While the cameras were off, Demi and Bret’s microphones captured a more intense conversation when they believed filming had concluded.
“Are we on the same page? You must know, deep down, that I would never betray you,” Bret insisted. “It really bothers me. I want to find out who said it because I want to confront them. It infuriates me. You know I didn’t do that.”
Demi questioned Bret’s excessive explanations, stating, “I don’t understand your reaction. Why do we keep discussing this? If I were guilty, wouldn’t I behave in a similar way?”
Marciano’s Affair With Jessi
Vanderpump Villa led Us to speculate that Marciano and Demi would be a central focus in The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. However, viewers were surprised when Marciano appeared in the season 2 finale to inform Layla it wasn’t Demi they should be concerned about.
“We attempted to meet up [to continue the affair],” he revealed. “[Her husband] Jordan is unaware of the full extent of the relationship. It wasn’t just a one-time encounter; it was more involved.”
In season 3, it was unveiled that Jessi and Marciano had been engaged in a two-month emotional affair before Jordan discovered the truth. Jordan subsequently filed for divorce in March 2026.
Dakota’s Confusing Connection With Taylor’s Family Friend
In season 3 of the Hulu show, Taylor learned of rumors regarding Dakota sending sexual messages to her mother Liann May’s unnamed friend. Dakota admitted to texting the friend and even claimed she sent him provocative photos. Taylor attempted to contact the woman, but she declined to appear on the show. Dakota ultimately chose not to participate in the finale, preferring to avoid addressing the fallout from his relationship with Taylor.
