[Warning: Potentially Disturbing Content]
Mikayla Matthews has voiced her candid opinions about the reunion episode of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, focusing particularly on Demi Engemann’s controversial comments regarding sexual violence.
After the episode aired last Thursday, viewers expressed dissatisfaction, criticizing Hulu for allegedly rushing the episode and failing to allow cast members to discuss Season 3 topics adequately. Critics also felt that too much focus was placed on DadTok instead of the female cast, who are the central figures of the show. Mikayla has now shared her thoughts on the reunion amidst the backlash.
Related: Marciano Discusses His Defamation Lawsuit Against Demi
The 25-year-old influencer took to TikTok on Tuesday to critique the episode, stating:
“First, filming for 12 hours is problematic. It’s challenging to condense 12 hours of footage into one hour. Second, I don’t need to see Dakota or Chase on my screen for more than two seconds. At least Chase was behind the bar and not a wheel.”
This comment references Chase’s arrest in July on charges including driving under the influence, driving on a suspended license, and possession of a controlled substance. Mikayla is clearly not holding back.
The most concerning aspect for Mikayla was Demi’s remarks. During the episode, Demi accused Vanderpump Villa star Marciano Brunette of inappropriate behavior off-camera during a cameo in Season 2 of his series. Marciano has denied the allegations and filed a defamation lawsuit against her. Demi criticized the women for not believing her, despite Jessi, Mayci, and Mikayla having experienced sexual violence themselves.
Jen Affleck interjected, claiming she was aware of a consensual encounter between Marciano and Demi in Italy, leading to a heated exchange. Demi retorted:
“Jen, you don’t understand because you’ve never been sexually assaulted.”
Jen replied:
“Yes, I have.”
Demi responded insensitively:
“Ok, that’s great. Then have some respect.”
Demi then attempted to involve Mayci, who has also shared her experiences of abuse, in her argument:
“I’m not trying to be insensitive, but Mayci, what if you said you were assaulted by your abuser? Then later, the group questions you. It’s not fair.”
The group quickly intervened, stating that such comparisons were inappropriate. Mikayla, who was sexually abused as a child, found the situation very triggering. She explained:
“I have an issue with Demi using my story and others’ experiences against us, creating guilt for not believing her. It was very triggering for me.”
Mikayla shared that she was emotionally affected by Demi’s casual remarks on the show:
“It was triggering. I was postpartum, which was emotional. I felt disassociated during her comments, but our expressions said it all. It was frustrating.”
She felt it was “insensitive and disrespectful” to victims:
“It’s a slap in the face to victims everywhere. The way she speaks to people, especially victims, is very disrespectful.”
Mikayla wished for more time to discuss her own experiences, feeling her story was overlooked:
“Opening up about traumatic topics is hard, and the reunion should have allowed time for deeper discussion. It was disappointing to have it condensed to a minute.”
With only an hour, much content was cut. Fans and cast hope future episodes will be longer. As for Demi, she has not responded to Mikayla’s criticisms. Amid ongoing legal issues, her online presence has been minimal.
@mikaylamatthews Okay. Here are the thoughts
♬ original sound – Mikayla Matthews
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, resources are available at https://www.rainn.org/resources.
To report child abuse, contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or visit www.childhelp.org.
[Image via Mikayla Matthews/TikTok, Access Hollywood/YouTube]
