Why did Jen Affleck leave The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives?

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Image via YouTube/ @Disney Australia & New Zealand
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Image via YouTube/@DisneyAUNZ

Jen Affleck, a prominent person of Hulu's popular reality series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, surprised fans and followers equally as she took an unexpected decision to move away from the show during her second season. Known for her vocal personality and desire to open her life openly on camera, Jen quickly became one of the most recognizable and trusted artists of the show. However, as the spotlight increased, the pressure increased.

Her sudden departure gave rise to many questions and rumors among the audience. Later, it became clear that Jen's choice to leave the show was driven by a combination of complex personal challenges. These included her marriage, mental health concerns, and intensive investigation, which she faced both online and within her religious community.


Marital tensions played a role

Jen Affleck chose to leave the show after her relationship with Zac Affleck began to suffer. While in the early season, Jen went out with a group of friends to Las Vegas and watched the Chippendales. Zac disapproved of her decision to go to Vegas for the weekend. Jennifer claims that he threatened to leave her after the Las Vegas incident.

Zac was worried about the impression the trip would create among others. They needed to be mindful of their behavior to uphold their image in the traditional and strict Mormon community. Jen realized that her desire to live freely and her obligations to both her husband and her religion were at odds.


Struggles with mental health

Jen opened up about her struggles with mental health. The prenatal depression was taking a toll over her, so she took some time out for herself. She shared on social media that she has temporarily stepped away from work and filming to focus on her goodness.


Religious expectations and community pressure

Another reason Jen stepped away was the pressure she felt from her Mormon community. She was previously part of "MomTok," a social media group of Mormon mothers, but left it due to her husband’s discomfort.

On the show, fellow cast member Jessi Ngatikaura revealed that Jen’s departure from MomTok wasn’t just about online drama — it was about control. Jessi said Zac didn’t want Jen participating, and this wasn’t the first time Jen had to give something up to keep the peace at home.


Protecting her privacy during pregnancy

Jen Affleck also chose to depart from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives because she was carrying a child. Jen experienced a variety of emotional and physical changes during her pregnancy that made filming The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives a struggle. Jen revealed that she was dealing with prenatal depression, an issue that often goes unacknowledged in more traditional settings.


Can she ever go back on the show?

Jen walked away from the show but hasn’t ruled out coming back. She’s discussed with reporters that she and her husband have been seeking help for their relationship and making a conscious effort to communicate better.

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She expressed a desire to use her public image to encourage other women in the same situation. Regardless of whether she joins the show again, Jen feels it’s important to tell her story in the way that suits her best.

Edited by Sarah Nazamuddin Harniswala