As “The Secret Life of a Mormon Wife” gears up for its second season, Layla Taylor, who gained attention for her divorce party in the first season, faces a new wave of criticism. In a candid chat, she discussed the backlash the show received from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and expressed her feelings of “strong pressure” related to the portrayals of life on screen. Taylor anticipates that this second season could bring “more hatred” and scrutiny.
“I think so far, the feedback has been pretty positive,” the 24-year-old shared. “In season one, I kept to myself a bit more. I felt there wasn’t as much for people to comment on. But I know the other cast members faced some heat after it aired.”
She believes the response will evolve in this new season, as cast members become more vocal. After watching the first season, some in the church seemed to have cooled down regarding their initial concerns, although Taylor recalled a significant backlash stemming from the show’s title.
“I think their fears have toned down since the premiere,” Taylor remarked about the LDS church’s reaction. “Initially, there was a lot of worry when the title was announced. But after seeing the show, I think they began to understand it better.”
Taylor clarified, “The intention wasn’t to portray the LDS church negatively. I think there are fears that we will draw people away. That’s not our goal; we just wanted to share our journeys within the faith.” This theme of navigating the confines of their faith was a topic throughout the first season, and the upcoming season will show how past actions affect the cast.
In a related note, Zach, Jen Affleck’s husband, discussed the backlash he received after speaking about his struggles with church members over the past year. He admitted to feeling embarrassed and noted that they’ve had awkward encounters at church.
“After my poor behavior in season one, I anticipated some backlash,” he confessed. “I’ve received messages saying things like, ‘You deserve to die.'” He added that having a good relationship with God should be the priority, regardless of public opinion.
Taylor also shared her thoughts on the pressures of reality TV. “There’s this notion that if you don’t share everything, you’re hiding something,” she explained. “I constantly hear comments about my appearance or my kids. I keep them private because I want to shield them from unnecessary scrutiny.”
Despite the challenges of sharing her life publicly, Taylor noted that she’s learning not to seek everyone’s approval. “It’s hard to gain everyone’s affection,” she stated. “But I’ve realized that if people don’t appreciate me for who I am, then it’s okay. It’s been a journey of self-acceptance.”
Reflecting on her life experiences, she said, “I’m still figuring things out. I got married young, really quickly transitioned into motherhood. It’s been a lot, but I’m learning to embrace myself more at my core.”
The second season of “The Secret Life of a Mormon Wife” is streaming now on Hulu.
