Layla Taylor, the youngest cast member of Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, captivated audiences with her candidness about her personal life, including her divorce from Clayton Wessel. While the show hinted at the troubles in their marriage, the full story behind their split remained largely untold. This article delves into the reasons behind Layla and Clay’s divorce, exploring the toxic dynamics that ultimately led to the end of their three-year union.
A Toxic Foundation Built on a Rushed Marriage
Layla and Clayton’s relationship was fraught with issues from the start. A pregnancy just a year into their dating life pressured the couple into a hasty marriage, despite an already “extremely toxic” dynamic. Layla confessed in an interview with Us Weekly that they felt obligated to their unborn child to try and make their family work. However, this decision only exacerbated their existing problems.
Instead of fostering a stable environment for their growing family, the couple found themselves trapped in a cycle of escalating conflict. Layla admitted that their relationship lacked a solid foundation, and the added stress of parenthood amplified their toxicity. Fighting became more common than happiness, creating an unsustainable situation.
Empty Threats and a Final Breaking Point
Clayton’s repeated threats of divorce, initially used as a scare tactic to control Layla, ultimately backfired. What he intended as manipulation became the catalyst for their separation. When he finally followed through on his threats, Layla, though initially scared, chose not to reconcile. This marked the turning point, signifying her refusal to continue enduring the toxic patterns of their relationship.
Co-Parenting Conflicts and Lingering Jealousy
While legally separated, Layla and Clayton remain connected as co-parents to their two sons, Oliver and Maxwell. However, the post-divorce period has been marked by heightened tension surrounding their children. Layla revealed that Clayton’s jealousy, particularly after discovering her new relationship, further complicated their co-parenting dynamic. She expressed hope for a more amicable future, recognizing the importance of peaceful co-parenting for their children’s well-being.
Social Media Suspicions and Layla’s New Beginnings
Layla suspects Clayton of leaving negative comments on her social media posts, particularly regarding her on-screen portrayal of their relationship and her divorce party. While she can’t definitively confirm his involvement, circumstantial evidence points to him as the source of the hateful messages. Despite the online negativity, Layla remains focused on her future.
She has found new love with a fellow Mormon, whom she connected with through Instagram. While their relationship is still relatively new, Layla is optimistic about its potential. She is open to sharing more about her evolving life, including her new relationship and personal growth, if The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives returns for a second season.
Finding Happiness Beyond Motherhood and Mormon Expectations
At 23, Layla faces societal pressures within the Mormon community to be married. As a divorced mother of two, she feels labeled as “damaged goods.” However, Layla is determined to defy expectations and prioritize her own happiness and her children’s well-being. She is approaching future relationships with caution, recognizing the significant role a potential partner would play in her children’s lives.
Layla’s story resonates with the broader message of empowerment that she and her fellow cast members aim to convey. They encourage women to pursue personal fulfillment beyond motherhood, emphasizing the importance of hobbies, careers, and individual passions. Layla’s journey exemplifies the importance of prioritizing personal happiness and breaking free from toxic relationships, even amidst societal expectations. She is determined to find love again on her own terms, prioritizing personal growth and healthy relationships for herself and her children.
