Jessi Draper Claims Jordan Ngatikaura Agreed to Tell Kids About Their Divorce Together Before He ‘Blindsided’ Her with Filing

Jessi Draper, known for her role in “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” has recently spoken candidly about her divorce from Jordan Ngatikaura, which was filed on March 19, following five years of marriage. In an episode of the podcast “Call Her Daddy,” aired on March 25, Draper expressed her feelings of frustration and betrayal regarding the circumstances that led to the dissolution of her marriage.

The couple shares two children, Jagger, aged five, and Jovi, aged three. Draper revealed that upon learning of the divorce filing—reported by TMZ—she felt completely blindsided, particularly because the couple had previously agreed to inform their children about the separation together. This agreement included Jordan’s 13-year-old daughter, Peyton, from a previous relationship, making the situation even more complex. Draper remarked, “My heart sank because we agreed to tell our children together before filing, and we haven’t done that.”

Draper disclosed that not only was she blindsided by the filing, but she also found herself inundated with paperwork concerning asset division, which Jordan had managed without her input. She voiced her concerns during the podcast, stating, “I have no idea what he put in there.” She further indicated that she had communicated with Jordan after the filing, insisting that they would manage their co-parenting arrangements through a third party, given his history of emotional abuse.

Jessi has previously discussed feeling emotionally abused during their marriage, and she reiterated these claims during her podcast appearance. She explained that, following a November intervention where they had agreed to a 90-day separation and sought couples therapy, Jordan had allegedly tried to control the situation further. “He has a history of being emotionally abusive. So I was like, I’m not gonna get into this,” Jessi added. In response to her estranged husband’s behaviour, she remarked, “Do not talk to me anymore.”

During her conversations with her children, Jessi learned that Jordan had assumed a more prominent role at home while she stayed in a hotel. She described existing tensions between them, noting moments of hostility. Jessi shared an example of a recent interaction: “I was talking to Jagger, my son, and Jordan was kind of snapping at him. And I was like, ‘Jordan, don’t do that,’ and he goes, ‘Don’t talk to me.'” Despite the ongoing difficulties, Jessi remains optimistic about their children’s adaptability given their young ages.

With the separation looming, Jessi expressed her intention to pursue a 50/50 custody arrangement. She underscored her commitment to her children’s well-being, emphasising, “I’ve provided for those kids their whole lives. They want their mum. They know who their mum is.” However, she identified that as her career has progressed, she has faced significant challenges, including Jordan’s attempts to “mum shame” her, particularly regarding traditional gender roles.

Addressing her affair during season three of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” Jessi expressed deep regret and acknowledged that she would eventually have to explain that chapter of her life to her children. She stated clearly, “I should not have done what I did. I regret it so much.” She added that the ramifications of her actions, combined with Jordan’s response, created an enduring sense of trauma. Draper reflected, “Even after we got back together and went through therapy, like the person you love the most should never put you in a situation where you feel like you’re walking on eggshells.”

Turning to the future, Jessi shared her belief in transparency with her children about her past mistakes. She anticipates criticism from Jordan but maintains that honesty is crucial in her parenting approach. “I don’t want my daughter to ever be treated the way I’ve been treated,” she declared. Jessi is determined to teach her children valuable lessons derived from her experiences, affirming, “It’s okay to talk about this because we’re on reality TV. We can’t really hide from it. We have to be open.”

As Jessi navigates the complexities of divorce and motherhood, her story highlights the challenges many modern families face in the wake of a separation. Through her honesty, she seeks to empower both her children and herself, underscoring the importance of communication and resilience in overcoming difficult circumstances.