Shivangi Sinha
Hulu’s ‘Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ has not shied away from controversy, and the second season was no exception. One of the more notable additions to the cast was Miranda Hope, a former close friend of Taylor Frankie Paul. The two had a falling out following the infamous soft-swinging scandal that rocked the MomTok community in 2022. Miranda joined the show with the intention of reconnecting with and possibly mending old friendships. The series also revealed that her ex-husband, Chase McWhorter, had played a more central role in the scandal than previously known, and he publicly shared his views on the incident. Both of them have opened up about the collapse of their marriage and addressed whether the events of the scandal contributed to their split.
Miranda and Chase Ended Their Marriage After Seven Years
Miranda Hope and Chase McWhorter’s story began in 2016, shortly after the former graduated from high school. Chase had just returned from his LDS mission, and, though two years older, the pair quickly formed a strong connection. By 2017, they were married and began building a life together in Utah. Their family grew with the birth of their son, Brooks Wesley McWhorter, in 2020, followed by their daughter, Cohen Roo McWhorter, in October 2021. From the outside, their relationship appeared stable and happy. However, in 2022, everything shifted when Taylor Frankie Paul posted a viral TikTok video claiming that a “soft-swinging” culture existed within their social circle. She alleged that multiple couples, including those close to her, had participated in the arrangement. This revelation sparked widespread speculation and intense scrutiny of all the members.
Taylor claimed that the husband of one of her close friends had approached her at the gym and asked her out, prompting speculation that she was referring to Chase . At the time, both Chase and his then-wife Miranda firmly denied being involved in any form of “soft-swinging” or inappropriate behavior. However, in 2024, Miranda took to TikTok to announce that her marriage of seven years was coming to an end. That August, she opened up further in an interview, clarifying that while the swinging scandal had certainly added tension, it was not the sole reason for their separation. She explained that their relationship had been facing issues for quite some time and that the real root of their split was the fact that they had married too young and too quickly. She emphasized that the decision to part ways was about recognizing their long-term incompatibility rather than reacting to public speculation or controversy.
Miranda and Chase Have Opened Up About the Swinging Scandal
Chase McWhorter, who had long denied any involvement in the so-called “soft-swinging” scandal, finally broke his silence in a 2024 interview. During the conversation, he admitted that he had, in fact, attended several of the gatherings in question. According to Chase, these parties became more common during the COVID-19 pandemic, when a group of couples would regularly meet, drink heavily, and sometimes engage in impulsive behavior. He revealed that games like “spin the bottle” were frequently played and acknowledged that both he and Miranda had participated in some of those activities. However, he was quick to clarify that nothing was ever formally arranged in advance, and the mood and actions of the group were spontaneous and alcohol-fueled. Chase added that when Taylor Frankie Paul eventually went public with her version of events, the way she framed the situation created a different, more sensationalized narrative.
During the season, Miranda opened up further about what had happened during the now-infamous gatherings. She claimed that the extent of her involvement was limited to playing games and exchanging a few kisses with others, and added that she had not participated beyond those moments. She admitted to initially denying any involvement because she felt ashamed and wasn’t ready to take accountability for her actions at the time. However, Taylor offered a different version of the events. She publicly contradicted Miranda’s statements, suggesting that there was more to the story than what was being admitted and implied that the situation was far more complex.
Miranda and Chase Are on Good Terms With Each Other
Miranda Hope and Chase McWhorter have maintained an amicable relationship following their separation and continue to co-parent their two children with mutual respect. Both have emphasized that their interactions remain pleasant and cordial, mainly because their decision to part ways was mutual and free of lingering resentment. They have expressed a shared commitment to prioritizing their children’s well-being, focusing on creating a safe and stable environment for Brooks and Cohen.
Professionally, both Miranda and Chase have embraced content creation in their post-marriage lives. Miranda has built a strong presence online, collaborating with various brands and fellow MomTok influencers. Chase, on the other hand, has taken a different path. He now hosts the ‘OnlyDads Podcast,’ where he shares his perspective as a father navigating life after divorce. He also seems very happy in his relationship with Kate Racker. In interviews, he’s spoken openly about his departure from the LDS Church and how he’s exploring new beliefs and values outside of the faith he was raised in.
Read More: Taylor and Dakota: Is the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Duo Still Together?
