Reality television star Jessi Draper, featured in The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, has publicly hinted at a potential divorce from her husband, Jordan Ngatikaura, as their marital struggles continue to unfold. The couple’s issues, which include an emotional affair and accusations of emotional abuse, have become central to the show’s latest season.
Prenup Concerns and Financial Uncertainty
Recent episodes reveal that Draper frequently seeks temporary separation from Ngatikaura when tensions escalate. A major point of contention is her decision to revert to her maiden name publicly, which prompted a review of their prenuptial agreement.
A critical flaw was discovered: the agreement lacks proper witness signatures, potentially invalidating it. Draper expressed distress over this revelation, stating, “This information has really rattled me because I just don’t know what that could mean for me, my business, and the security of my family.” This raises serious financial questions for Draper, given her role as the primary income earner in the marriage.
Marriage Under Strain
Despite the rocky path, Draper confirmed in a March interview that she and Ngatikaura are still together, though she admits that divorce remains a possibility. She clarified that her name change was “mainly for my career,” but also acknowledged that she considered the implications for a potential separation: “There was a part of me that was like, ‘Things [with Jordan] are rocky, and if it goes this way, at least people already know me as Draper.’”
Draper previously disclosed that she cheated on Jordan with Marciano Brunette while filming Vanderpump Villa. However, she insists that the affair did not involve physical intimacy.
Repairing the Damage
The couple has been actively working on their marriage, engaging in therapy to address “toxic” and “emotionally abusive” behaviors. Draper frames the affair as a “cry for help,” a desperate attempt to force accountability within their broken relationship.
Ngatikaura has also expressed a desire to reconcile. He stated, “I want to make it work with you… I believe that we both deserve to put what’s happened behind us and try to move forward from it.”
The Future of Their Marriage
Ultimately, Draper has decided to prioritize her own happiness over financial security. She stated, “I still will look into that in the future if I need to. But I felt like I was basing the decision [about whether or not to get divorced] off of that. And I didn’t want to do that.”
Despite the ongoing turmoil, Ngatikaura posted a heartfelt Mother’s Day tribute to Draper, expressing his love and gratitude for her role as a mother.
The couple’s future remains uncertain. While they are currently working on their marriage, the unresolved issues and potential legal complications surrounding their prenuptial agreement suggest that separation or divorce could still be on the horizon.
