Layla Taylor, star of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives on Hulu, filed for divorce from her husband, Clayton Wessel, in 2023, when she was just 22–23 years old. They share two young sons together and married when Layla was 19.₁
1. Early Marriage Driven by Pregnancy, Not Emotional Readiness
Layla has candidly shared that she and Clay wed largely because she was pregnant—not because they were fully emotionally equipped or mature enough to build a lasting marriage. She described their union as a rushed decision, undertaken out of societal and familial pressure rather than mutual readiness. “I rushed into that marriage… because it gave me the family I never had,” she reflected.₂
2. Emotional Turmoil and Disconnect
Layla later described the relationship as a “rollercoaster”—emotionally intense, unstable, and unsustainable long term.₃ Layla indicated that the marriage didn’t meet her emotional needs—despite birth of two sons, she didn’t feel fulfilled as a partner.
3. Religious and Cultural Pressure
As a member of the Mormon community, Layla’s upbringing placed heavy emphasis on marriage, family, and the idea that “families are forever.” Divorce is generally discouraged in her faith, making her decision emotionally weighty. Layla explained she felt compelled by her circumstances to prioritize personal happiness over religious expectations, though she knows divorce is rarely celebrated in her cultural context: “I’m an advocate for making yourself happy.”₅
4. No Evidence of Public Scandal or Infidelity
Despite speculation, there is no verified reporting indicating infidelity, crime, or scandal in the relationship. No public accusations emerged. Layla and Clayton’s separation appears rooted in emotional misalignment, youth, and unmet needs rather than dramatic personal failures.
5. Views from Reddit and Social Commentary
Fan discussions on Reddit support the reported themes. As one Redditor put it:
“I think I rushed into that marriage with Clay because it gave me the family I never had.”₆
According to further discussion threads, Layla’s divorce aligns with a broader pattern among MomTok influencers: she married young, early into motherhood, and then realized adulthood required a shift.₇
Final Thoughts
Layla Taylor’s divorce from Clay (Clayton Wessel) reflects a broader story of evolving identity and emotional maturity. Married at just 19, her experience illustrates how early decisions—especially those rooted in crisis rather than mutual growth—can lead to dissolutions when emotional readiness catches up. The split appears thoughtful rather than reactionary, reflecting Layla’s commitment to emotional honesty and personal fulfillment. In admitting she needed happiness over duty, Layla chose to redefine her life—even in communities where divorce is taboo.
Her journey—now shared publicly—resonates with many young women who married early and later realized personal fulfillment is not optional. Until more details emerge directly from Layla or Clay, what’s documented suggests a story defined less by conflict and more by growth, courage, and reclaiming independence.
Brandon is the cheif editor and writer at WorldUnfolds.com. With a passion for storytelling and a keen editorial eye, he crafts engaging content that captivates and enlightens readers worldwide.
