"Mormon Wives" star Mikayla Matthews is taking a break.
Matthews announced her departure in a Sept. 14 Instagram post, writing that she grew uncomfortable with "being a part of something that continues to platform behavior" she doesn't agree with, especially since she grew up in a home with "multiple forms of abuse."
The Hulu star said she made the decision "over a week ago" after hearing "some news." Matthews did not elaborate on what she learned or identify the behavior she was referring to. USA TODAY has reached out to representatives for "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" for comment.
"There’s no amount of money worth going against my morals or changing the stance I’ve had since I first saw and heard the things that made me feel this strongly,"
Matthews said. "And for me personally, continuing to directly profit from this behavior feels wrong and unethical."
She added: "It feels like a disservice to the children, everyone’s healing and the millions of people watching."
Matthews' message comes just days after the show's fifth season premiered on Hulu, and months after fellow costar Whitney Leavittconfirmed that Season 5 would be her last.
A main cast member of the reality show for five seasons, Matthews acknowledged the "huge" impact the show has had on her and her ability to provide for her family.
"I’m so grateful for the experience, and will continue sharing my story, my health and advocating for myself and others ❤️ this shouldn’t be 'relatable” or entertainment in anyway,'" Matthews said. "Supporting an ADULT doesn’t mean constantly making excuses for toxic behavior while giving unconditional sympathy and grace with zero accountability or change."
Matthews concluded: "I was in that enabling cycle for years, and I’m not going to be a part of that again!🫶🏼 love you all."
Contributing: Melina Khan, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mikayla Matthews steps back from ‘Mormon Wives,’ cites ‘unethical’ behavior
