Mayci Neeley won’t be in New York City with the rest of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives cast for press this week while she takes a small mental health break.
Newsweek reached out to Neeley via email for comment.
Why It Matters
Several women on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives have stepped back from the demands of being on reality television to protect their mental health.
During Season 2, Jen Affleck took a break from filming after finding out she was pregnant because she was dealing with prenatal depression. Her absence got mixed reactions from cast members, and she decided to return for Season 3, which will premiere on Thursday.
What to Know
On Monday, Neeley posted on her Instagram story that she had some downtime and would be taking questions from her followers. One person asked why Neeley wasn’t in New York with the rest of the cast.
Neeley responded, saying that she was very sad not to be there, but summarized her decision not to go as “travel logistics and protecting my mental health.” She added that she’s been struggling and hasn’t stopped working.
The 30-year-old gave birth in July and said on Instagram that she only had a 2-week postpartum break before she had to return to work. After months of going nonstop, she said it’s “catching up” with her.
“My body and brain was telling me to stay back and I decided to listen,” Neeley said. “I needed to put me first this time.”
Neeley also embarked on a nationwide book tour to celebrate the release of her memoir, Told You So. In the book, Neely opens up about becoming a mom at only 20 years old and the loss of her son’s father, who died in a car accident. She also discusses her Mormon upbringing and being in an abusive relationship.
Her book was released on October 7, and Neeley has had events across the country over the last few weeks to help promote it.
Neeley was also asked how she manages to be a mom and an author. She posted on Instagram that she honestly didn’t know how she did it, but that she was exhausted and a little bit burned out. She praised her husband, Jacob Neeley, for his support and said that none of it would have been possible without him.
Along with her 3-month-old daughter, Charli, the Neelys have two other children: a daughter named Harlow and a son, Hudson.
While Neeley is staying home, several of her castmates from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives are in New York to celebrate the new season, which is dropping on Thursday. Some members of DadTok, including Jordan Ngatikaura and Dakota Mortensen, are also in New York.
What Happens Next
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 3 will be released on Thursday. This season is expected to expose rifts between the women over a rumored affair between Jessi Ngatikaura and Vanderpump Villa’s Marciano Brunette.