Whitney Leavitt Speaks Out Again About Viral NICU TikTok Filmed During Son’s RSV Battle

Whitney Leavitt is once again talking about the viral video that caused major backlash during the early days of her fame.

The “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star recently sat down for a new interview with Ziwe, released on February 17. During the conversation, the reality star addressed the controversial TikTok she filmed in December 2021 while her newborn son was in the hospital.

At the time, Leavitt had just welcomed her second child, Liam, with her husband Conner. Soon after his birth, Liam was diagnosed with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), a common but serious illness that mostly affects babies. He was treated in the NICU while doctors monitored his condition.

While staying in the hospital, Leavitt recorded herself doing a short dance next to her baby’s crib. Text over the video explained that her newborn had RSV. Many viewers felt the video looked too cheerful for such a serious moment. The clip quickly went viral, and the backlash was strong.

During her sit-down interview, Ziwe brought up claims made on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. In one episode, cast member Demi Engemann said Leavitt admitted she posted the video “for likes and clout.”

After watching the clip, Ziwe asked Leavitt directly about it. Leavitt responded honestly.

“I definitely did not do that for clout,” she said. “I definitely wanted sympathy.”

She explained that she had just given birth and was staying in a small hospital room. She said she felt overwhelmed and emotional at the time. According to Leavitt, the video was not meant to chase fame, but to share what she was going through.

The video has since been deleted.

In an earlier interview with PEOPLE, Leavitt also spoke about how serious the online reaction became. She shared that some messages were extremely harsh. She said people even sent threats to her and her family. The interview can be read at PEOPLE.

Leavitt has discussed the incident more than once over the years. She has said she understands why some people were upset. However, she also explained that Liam’s health was improving when she filmed the video.

The reality star, who has since appeared on “Dancing with the Stars” and made her Broadway debut in “Chicago”, says the experience was one of the hardest moments of her early public life.

Now, years later, she says she wants to clear the air and move forward.