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The relationship between Jessi Draper and Jordan Ngatikaura, prominently featured on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, has transitioned from a whirlwind romance to one of the show’s most dramatic sagas. Since their marriage in 2020, the couple has navigated a shared life and family, yet public challenges have arisen. Their union faced significant hurdles, including an emotional affair, a publicly documented 90-day separation, and ongoing therapy sessions. As of 2026, their relationship appears to be at a critical juncture. Here’s the latest on the couple’s current status.
Jessi Draper and Jordan Ngatikaura tied the knot in 2020 and welcomed a child together
Jordan Ngatikaura, widely recognized as Jessi Draper’s husband and a familiar face on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, is a businessman and former rugby player hailing from Utah. Outside of the show, Jordan has generally kept a low profile, but the public scrutiny of his marriage has intensified as their personal struggles unfolded on-screen.
While the couple has largely kept the early days of their romance under wraps, fans of SLOWM are aware that they wed in October 2020, just a month after Jordan’s proposal. Their family grew with the birth of their son, Jagger Zayn, on April 20, 2020, followed by their daughter, Jovi, on January 13, 2023. Jordan also has an older daughter from a previous relationship.
Affair rumors surrounding Jessi Draper and Vanderpump Villa star Marciano Brunette in 2024
The rumors of an affair involving Jessi Draper and Marciano Brunette became one of the most talked-about plotlines on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, spanning multiple seasons. Speculation arose when the duo was spotted together during and after the filming of Vanderpump Villa. Allegations suggested they were involved while Jessi was still married, which she initially denied, including reports of her being seen kissing Brunette.
By the third season, Jessi admitted to an emotional affair with Brunette, which included kissing, during a time when she and Jordan were privately separated. She has consistently stated that the relationship did not progress beyond that, despite Brunette’s claims to the contrary. The situation was further muddled by differing accounts and the involvement of their co-stars.
In November 2025, Jessi opened up to People about her “glass-breaking moment” with Jordan in season 3. She also mentioned the alleged “emotional abuse” in their marriage.
“As soon as it started happening, I was like, ‘Oh, this isn’t super normal,’ but also, you’re kind of used to it. It starts off slow,” she said. “It’s not like one big dramatic thing happens. It’s little behaviors over time, and then all of a sudden you look back, and you’re too deep in it, and you can’t do much about it.”
Jessi Draper and Jordan Ngatikaura attended couples therapy and continued this path into 2026
In Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 4, Jessi Draper and Jordan Ngatikaura worked through their marital issues in couples therapy.
“We’ve been doing that for about a year now since the separation happened, and it’s helped a lot,” Jessi told People in March 2026. “It’s taught us both a lot about how we are as individuals and how we are in a relationship, and it’s just kind of still a work in progress.”
“I just wanted to share that because I know marriage is hard, relationships are hard, and it’s normal to struggle,” she continued. “Even in a good relationship, you’re gonna have ups and downs. So, I just think it’s good to show people that it’s worth fighting for, it’s worth working through, and it’s something that’s always a work in progress.”
Previously, Jordan also revealed his own path with therapy.
“Over the past year, I’ve been in consistent therapy and doing the hard work to understand the impact of my actions and to grow into a healthier, safer, and more self-aware person,” he told People. “My focus now is on continued healing, being the best father and husband I can be, and making sure that the patterns of my past never repeat. I have deep remorse for the hurt I caused and so much respect for Jessi’s strength in continuing to fight for our marriage and family.”
Jordan Ngatikaura filed for divorce on March 19, 2026
In late 2025, divorce rumors surrounding Jessi Draper and Jordan Ngatikaura intensified. Jessi also dropped “Ngatikaura” from her name on social media.
In March 2026, Jordan filed for divorce.
“This has not been an easy decision, and it comes with a heavy heart,” he said in a statement to People.
“I’m grateful for the shared memories and the lessons,” he continued. “While our paths are now moving in different directions, my priority remains my children and ensuring they feel loved, supported, and protected through this transition. I am committed to handling this next chapter with kindness and respect.”
Jordan Ngatikaura filed a restraining order against Jessi Draper on March 20, 2026
According to The U.S. Sun, Jordan Ngatikaura filed for a restraining order against Jessi Draper on March 20, 2026. She filed her opposition to the order on the same day.
It’s unclear why Jordan wants the restraining order. Rumors suggest Jordan doesn’t want Jessi to publicly speak out about their marriage and divorce.