Jessi Draper, known for her role in *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives*, has shared her experiences regarding the end of her marriage to Jordan Ngatikaura in a recent appearance on the podcast *Call Her Daddy*. This revelation comes shortly after confirmation that Ngatikaura filed for divorce on March 19, a matter that Draper described during the episode that aired on March 25.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Jessi-Ngatikaura-Jordan-Ngatikaura-Secret-Lives-Mormon-Wives-031926-d8ba74f7dd414f1e90a8836fb8c8f9a7.jpg)
In her discussion with host Alex Cooper, Draper candidly spoke about the emotional struggles she faced during her marriage. She described a pivotal moment when she realised she had been enduring “emotional abuse.” This revelation reportedly emerged during a session with her energy healer, who asked her a simple but profound question: “Are you safe?” Draper recounted that as she spoke, it became clear to her that she needed to leave the relationship, stating, “Jessi, this is emotional abuse. It didn’t click to me until in that moment.”
Reflecting on her past justifications for her husband’s behaviour, Draper admitted that she had often dismissed the issues as merely part of “Jordan’s personality” or as the typical difficulties of marriage. However, the moment she was able to articulate her struggles to someone outside the marriage was enlightening. She recalled that when she later confided in friends and family, they were surprised at her situation, affirming, “This isn’t normal.” Draper described this moment as akin to a “glass shattering,” allowing her to see her circumstances more clearly.
In a previous conversation with PEOPLE, Draper had mentioned that she had experienced emotional abuse during their time together. The couple had temporarily separated, engaging in therapy as part of their attempts to salvage their relationship. Ngatikaura had also publicly acknowledged his responsibility for the pain he caused Draper during their marriage.
During her podcast interview, Draper expressed her shock at how she learned about the divorce filing, stating that she first found out via a report from TMZ. She revealed that her lawyer informed her of a clause Ngatikaura tried to include in the divorce papers, aimed at preventing her from discussing him publicly on the podcast. Draper stated, “He was definitely trying to get ahead of something, which is ironic because I’m the one who ended it.”
Further allegations emerged during the podcast, with Draper claiming that Ngatikaura had “hacked” her social media account while they were separated. She went on to assert that he attempted to blackmail her regarding her past relationship with *Vanderpump Villa* star Marciano Brunette. Draper detailed instances where Ngatikaura threatened to release messages related to the affair, particularly when tensions escalated between them. She expressed her fear over the potential fallout of these revelations becoming public.
The couple, who married in October 2020, share two children: a five-year-old son named Jagger and a three-year-old daughter named Jovi. Ngatikaura also has an older daughter from a previous relationship. Following the divorce filing, he issued a statement expressing that it had not been an easy decision and emphasising his commitment to prioritising their children’s well-being. He asked for privacy as the family navigated this tough transition, alluding to the emotional complexity of their separation.
In a recent episode of *Call Her Daddy*, Draper addressed the ongoing consequences of their strained relationship, revealing that the pair had been engaged in therapy sessions aimed at addressing their marital difficulties. She noted that the journey had provided valuable insights into both their individual behaviours and their relationship as a whole, describing it as “a work in progress.”
Interestingly, the divorce filing Times closely with the release of the fourth season of *Mormon Wives*, where viewers witnessed the couple’s struggles, including intense arguments and Draper’s decision to revert to using her maiden name. There were also indications that Draper was spending nights away from home, which had not gone unnoticed by fans and cast members alike. The season uncovered further complexities in their relationship, including a prenup issue that left Draper in tears over the potential financial implications of divorce.
As the couple embarks on this new chapter of their lives, it remains to be seen how their experiences will unfold in the public eye and to what extent they will continue to share their journey with their audience. Draper’s candidness about emotional abuse and the challenges of marital life has resonated with many, opening up a broader conversation about the nature of relationships and personal struggles.