Mormon mom's raw memoir exposes faith, trauma, and a fight for healing

Macyi Neeley, a member of #MomTok and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has released a memoir detailing her struggles with sexual assault, an unplanned pregnancy, and the sudden death of her college boyfriend. Her book, Told You So, opens with the devastating moment she learned of his passing while carrying their child. Now, she speaks openly about her journey—one shaped by faith, trauma, and a determination to raise her own children differently.

Neeley grew up in a devout Mormon household, where certain topics were left unexplained. This lack of openness only deepened her curiosity, particularly during her college years. There, she faced a sexual assault that left her feeling isolated and unsupported. When she turned to her bishop for help, she says she was met with dismissal and blame rather than understanding.

Her memoir recounts the emotional weight of an unplanned pregnancy, compounded by the sudden death of her boyfriend. The loss came at a time when she was already navigating the complexities of faith, motherhood, and personal trauma. Despite these challenges, Neeley says she has since found a way to reconcile her beliefs with her experiences—taking what resonates with her from her faith while leaving behind what doesn't.

Now a mother herself, Neeley is determined to educate her children more openly about sex and relationships, drawing from both her own upbringing and the hard lessons she's learned. She also believes shows like The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives are slowly shifting public perceptions of Mormon culture. Her hope is that her story will reach others who have faced similar struggles, offering them a sense of connection and validation.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has not responded directly to Neeley's book or her allegations. Instead, representatives have reiterated general policies on reporting abuse without addressing her specific claims.

Neeley's memoir, Told You So, is now available, sharing her experiences with honesty and raw emotion. She continues to advocate for more open conversations within her faith and beyond. For her, the journey has been about finding a personal relationship with God—one that doesn't demand perfection, only authenticity.