Jessi Draper Says She Got Plastic Surgery Because Her Appearance Was the ‘Only Thing’ She ‘Could Control’

Jessi Draper, the star of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” has opened up about her experiences with cosmetic surgery during a recent episode of the podcast “Call Her Daddy.” Draper, who is 33 years old, revealed that her decision to undergo various procedures followed the breakdown of two marriages. She described these interventions as a “coping mechanism” for the emotional turmoil she experienced.

In her interview, which aired on March 25, Draper candidly discussed the challenges she faced in her marriages to Zach Gish and Jordan Ngatikaura. She explained that the negative treatment she received in those relationships made her feel as though altering her appearance was one of the few aspects of her life she could control. “I had two husbands who treated me so badly that [my appearance] was the only thing that I could control,” she shared, suggesting that her self-esteem had taken a considerable hit.

Draper admitted to feeling “blinded” by issues of self-confidence. In a prior Instagram video, she explicitly expressed her regret over her recent lower and upper blepharoplasty. “I really wish I would have asked more questions. I wish I wouldn’t have done it. I wish I would have said no,” she stated, reflecting on the decisions that led to her cosmetic modifications.

In the wake of her recent surgeries, Draper reported encountering significant criticism on social media. She explained to PEOPLE magazine that the negative feedback had affected her deeply. “That kinda shook me,” she noted, concluding that she would refrain from future procedures and would likely keep any potential treatments private to avoid further backlash.

Jessi Draper’s revelations come amidst a turbulent period in her personal life. Last week, Jordan Ngatikaura filed for divorce and also sought a restraining order against her. Draper publicly opposed the restraining order immediately after it was filed. In her conversation with Alex Cooper on “Call Her Daddy,” she claimed to have learned of her husband’s divorce filing through the media, despite a previous agreement that they would handle it together. The couple has two young children, a son named Jagger, aged five, and a daughter named Jovi, aged three.

Reflecting on their relationship, Draper indicated that she was aware a divorce was on the horizon, but expressed feeling blindsided by Ngatikaura’s decision to file without prior discussion. She revealed that during their time together, she felt subjected to ongoing criticism regarding her parenting and household management. Draper claimed that Ngatikaura pressured her to adopt more traditional gender roles and even suggested that she should engage in daily Pilates.

Ngatikaura has yet to comment publicly on Draper’s allegations. In a previous statement to PEOPLE, he acknowledged the pain he caused her during their marriage and expressed a willingness to take responsibility for his actions. Despite their turbulent history, Draper maintained that they were committed to therapeutic interventions in an effort to resolve their issues, a process which had been ongoing since their separation.

Meanwhile, the wider context surrounding Draper involves a series of controversies linked to her co-stars on “Mormon Wives.” Recently, Taylor Frankie Paul faced significant legal trouble following a violent incident and an open investigation regarding domestic assault, which has added further complexity to the show’s narrative.

As this situation continues to evolve, Draper finds herself navigating personal turmoil, public scrutiny, and the aftermath of her decisions regarding her body and relationships. Amidst these challenges, she has expressed a desire to focus on therapy and healing, both for herself and her family.

While situations like Draper’s may draw attention, they also highlight the broader societal pressures individuals face regarding appearance and relationships. The ongoing dialogue about mental health in connection to self-image and personal experiences remains a significant topic in today’s culture, particularly within the realm of celebrity. Draper’s story serves as a reminder of the complex intersections between these issues, illustrating the personal struggles that often lie beneath the surface.