The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives kicked off its second season with returning cast member Whitney Leavitt, reigniting discussions about her role within the group. Despite being branded as a reality TV villain, it’s clear from her interactions that Whitney doesn’t truly fit that narrative. A longstanding member of the MomTok community, Whitney’s standing was put to the test throughout the season, especially after her return to Utah, which had stirred speculation about her place in the group dynamic.
As a mother of three who faced the challenges of pregnancy during the show’s filming, Whitney was juggling significant personal issues in addition to the MomTok drama. Yet, she still established herself confidently in season 1 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. Acting as a foil to Taylor Frankie Paul, Whitney skillfully engaged the group while sharing her perspective, redeeming herself in her second season.
Whitney’s Challenging Season 1 Behavior
Presenting a Villainous Image
Although viewers saw a more relatable side of Whitney in the most recent season, her first season had its struggles. After relocating back to Utah from Hawaii, Whitney faced numerous challenges during her debut, as she often found herself on the defensive. The lack of support she felt, particularly from Taylor, exacerbated tensions early on in the season.
Whitney’s behavior oscillated between seeking validation from others and legitimately calling out issues in the group. While not every action was justified, some moments where she appeared self-serving were countered by times she advocated for herself fairly. Although her behavior was not ideal, it was not overtly poor either; it was merely a reflection of someone grappling with complex dynamics.
Whitney’s Villain Label
Bearing the Brunt of Criticism
Considering her opposition to Taylor, the show’s primary figure, Whitney took on a villainous role, though her actions were often misconstrued. While Taylor’s conduct in season 1 was also called into question, Whitney’s differing approach led her to be unfairly categorized as the season’s antagonist. Her articulate manner and confidence solidified this position, yet viewers come to see that Whitney was not the villain she was portrayed as.
Whitney’s Evolving Reputation
Growth Beyond the Villain Image
With significant growth since the filming of season 1, Whitney demonstrated her learning curve in the new season. Despite maintaining some contentious relationships with cast members like Taylor and Mikayla Matthews, Whitney successfully rebuilt bridges with several other women in MomTok. Although group divisions persist, her transformation leads viewers to see that Whitney’s days of being labeled a villain may be behind her, allowing others to step into that role.
All episodes of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives are available for streaming on Hulu.
Source: Whitney Leavitt/Instagram