Influencers
Family, followers honor influencer who defended LDS faith online
Hundreds gathered Monday to honor Chandler "Chuck" Hendry, a social media influencer who inspired thousands to attend church and serve missions through his online content. KSL reports that Hendry died unexpectedly last week, shocking his family and followers.
August 15, 2026 at 9:05 PM MT · via KSL · 5 sources
Over 20,000 sign petition demanding Taylor Frankie Paul's 'Bachelorette' season
More than 20,000 people have signed an online petition demanding ABC release Taylor Frankie Paul's filmed season of 'The Bachelorette,' which the network quietly shelved. Paul, star of 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,' cosigned the petition and spoke publicly about her disappointment.
August 15, 2026 at 6:57 AM MT · via The Salt Lake Tribune · 9 sources
Taylor Frankie Paul breaks silence after completing three-year probation
AOL reports that "Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" star Taylor Frankie Paul has broken her silence after completing three years of probation related to a 2023 domestic violence case. Paul posted on social media acknowledging the milestone and expressing gratitude for moving forward. She did not address specifics of the case but thanked supporters. The probation stemmed from charges filed after an altercation with her then-boyfriend; Paul pleaded guilty to reduced charges and was sentenced to probation, community service, and anger management classes.
August 14, 2026 at 4:07 AM MT · via AOL.com · 8 sources
Apologetics magazine challenges Bloomberg reporting on LDS influencer funding
Public Square Magazine published a rebuttal to Bloomberg's reporting on Latter-day Saint influencers, arguing the financial news outlet assembled factual information into a misleading narrative. The magazine contends Bloomberg portrayed ordinary media sponsorships and content partnerships as evidence of covert Church influence campaigns. The piece defends LDS creators' right to disclose their faith while earning income through standard digital media business models, arguing the Bloomberg framing unfairly stigmatizes religious content creators.
August 13, 2026 at 12:05 PM MT · via Public Square Magazine
'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' star Whitney Leavitt returning to Broadway
Whitney Leavitt, a cast member of Hulu's reality series "Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," is returning to Broadway after announcing her departure from the show. The Salt Lake Tribune reports that Leavitt, who has a theater background, will take on a role in an upcoming production, though the specific show and part have not been disclosed.
August 13, 2026 at 11:07 AM MT · via The Salt Lake Tribune · 7 sources
Ballerina Farm appears at Oakley Rodeo with Sarah Glover
Mormon influencer Hannah Neeleman (Ballerina Farm) made an appearance at the Oakley Rodeo alongside performer Sarah Glover, continuing her presence in rural Utah's ranching community events. The rodeo appearance aligns with Neeleman's brand as a rancher and homesteader.
August 12, 2026 at 10:23 AM MT · via Mshale
New Jersey's best dirty soda shops as Mormon trend spreads nationwide
The dirty soda trend that originated in Mormon Utah culture has reached New Jersey, with NJ.com profiling the state's top specialty soda shops. The beverage phenomenon—sodas mixed with cream, fruit syrups, and other additions—has expanded beyond its Latter-day Saint origins into mainstream American culture.
August 12, 2026 at 10:23 AM MT · via NJ.com
The bookstore-slash-skate-shop next to Ballerina Farm
The Paris Review published a feature exploring the cultural landscape around Ballerina Farm, the influential homesteading brand run by Hannah Neeleman in rural Utah. The piece examines a neighboring business that reflects the region's blend of traditional Mormon culture and evolving youth identity.
August 12, 2026 at 9:02 AM MT · via The Paris Review