Reality Star's Social Media Shift Sparks Fan Speculation
Jessi Ngatikaura, a prominent figure on the reality series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, has set the rumour mill into overdrive with a series of personal changes. This comes as the show's highly anticipated third season launches on Hulu and Disney Plus, delivering its signature blend of personal turmoil and explosive revelations.
Kiss and Tell: The Crossover Controversy
The drama ignited when reports surfaced alleging an affair between Ngatikaura and Marciano Brunette, a star from Vanderpump Villa. According to sources, the pair were spotted in a compromising situation in Los Angeles. This incident occurred a mere month after they filmed a notorious crossover episode together, blurring the lines between their respective shows.
Fuel was added to the fire when Marciano, during a conversation with fellow reality personality Taylor Frankie Paul, strongly hinted that he and Jessi had been intimate. This public suggestion sent fans of the show into a frenzy, scrutinising every move the cast members made.
A Name Change and a Vulnerable Confession
Amidst the swirling gossip, observant fans noticed a significant personal detail. Prior to the season three premiere, Jessi switched her surname on her Instagram and TikTok profiles, reverting to her maiden name, Draper. This move was immediately picked up by online communities, with Reddit users leading the charge in speculation about its meaning.
One user, Canteloupe_mango, theorised, "I wondered if she's using Draper because Ngatikaura is hard for people to pronounce... I could be totally wrong. She does seem the most producer-y of all the girls though. Seems like she would go to any length to 'do it for the show'."
In a candid interview with Good Morning America, Jessi opened up about the challenges she and her husband, Jordan, faced during the filming of the new season. She described it as a "raw, vulnerable" period for their relationship. She further elaborated on the difficulty of exposing her private life to the cameras, though she found solace in her castmates, stating, "these girls are my best friends so opening up to them, it wasn't difficult."
Are Jordan and Jessi Working Through It?
Jessi and Jordan, who tied the knot in 2020 and are parents to five-year-old son Jagger and two-year-old daughter Jovi, appear to be attempting to navigate the turbulence. Despite the intense speculation fuelled by Jessi's social media activity and the fact she has been seen without her wedding ring, there is no concrete evidence of a permanent split.
Jordan himself has posted content that suggests a united front. In early November, he shared footage of himself with Jessi at the World Series Baseball Championships. Furthermore, an October post featured a family photo captioned "my favourite people," indicating ongoing family ties.
On the podcast The Viall Files, Jessi offered a glimpse into the current state of their marriage, revealing, "We're working through things and we're trying our best, but things are a little tricky right now." This admission confirms the couple is in a difficult phase but actively trying to resolve their issues.
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, with all its new drama, is now available for streaming on Hulu and Disney Plus.