Jessi Draper is not hiding the fact that she is moving on while navigating a difficult divorce.
The “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” personality turned heads at the 2026 American Music Awards when she arrived alongside “Vanderpump Villa” star Marciano Brunette, months after the pair became part of a major drama on reality television.
While fans immediately questioned the nature of their relationship, Draper made it clear that she is simply enjoying life right now as she adjusts to major personal changes behind the scenes.
Jessi Draper offered a candid update about her love life while speaking with E! News on the AMAs red carpet.
The reality star attended the event with Marciano Brunette, who became closely tied to her storyline during the third season of “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.”
Although the pair sparked speculation after they were seen together, Draper explained that she is not rushing into another serious relationship while her divorce from Jordan Ngatikaura continues.
“I’m single, going through a divorce and dating around, having fun,” Jessi told the outlet. “I have Marciano here tonight, but I’m just casually dating and living life.”
Marciano also spoke positively about their connection, noting how much he has enjoyed spending time with Draper.
“I’m having a lot of fun,” he told E! News, adding, “I’m enjoying it every day. It’s a blessing and I couldn’t be happier.”
Draper Says Public Attention Made Things Difficult At First
Jessi Draper admitted that navigating a connection in front of cameras and online audiences has not always been easy.
The Hulu personality explained that the attention surrounding their relationship initially intensified everything between them, especially after viewers became invested in the storyline unfolding onscreen.
“I mean, I guess we’re all used to the show, but I feel like it’s just part of the job. It’s a side effect of it so you just have to take everything with a grain of salt,” she shared.
The 34-year-old also acknowledged that public reaction was especially heightened in the early stages of their friendship.
“And we knew it would be heightened at the beginning. And now, people are getting used to seeing us together and we’re just having fun,” Draper noted about their dynamic.
Marciano echoed that sentiment and credited their ability to move forward to being honest with one another from the start. “I think the main thing for us is that we had an open line of communication,” he revealed.
“We were honest with each other and we didn’t wanna hold anything back so we could move past it and [move] forward,” Marciano added.
Jessi Draper Opens Up About The Emotional Toll Of Divorce
While Draper appeared upbeat during the awards show, she admitted that her divorce has still been emotionally painful behind closed doors.
The mother of three explained that some days have been incredibly difficult as she continues adjusting to life after the breakdown of her marriage.
“I don’t think you can go through it and have it not be,” the Hulu star shared, further noting, “I have good and bad days. There’s days where I’m bawling, can’t get out of bed, there’s days I can be here and do this but I just know the first year is going be the hardest…”
Despite the emotional ups and downs, Draper said she and Ngatikaura remain focused on successfully co-parenting their children together.
“We co-parent, which is great. We’re just there for our kids. I love my kids more than anything so as long they’re happy, I’m happy,” she said.
Draper Shocked By Jordan Ngatikaura’s Divorce Move
Jessi Draper was reportedly blindsided after her estranged husband, Ngatikaura, officially filed for divorce in Utah following months of public marital drama.
According to The Blast, the social media influencer filed the paperwork in March 2026 after five years of marriage, later saying the decision came with a “heavy heart” and adding that he was “grateful for the shared memories and the lessons.”
The filing came after Draper’s emotional affair scandal involving Brunette played out publicly on “Vanderpump Villa.”
Reports later revealed the pair had gone through therapy, temporary separations, and reconciliation attempts before things collapsed completely.
The situation escalated further when Draper later claimed she felt blindsided, believing they had agreed to tell their children privately about the split before any legal filing became public.
She also alleged Ngatikaura moved quickly on financial paperwork and custody matters before she fully understood how serious the situation had become.
Jessi Draper Claims Jordan Ngatikaura Threatened To ‘Ruin’ Her Life
Following the divorce filing, Draper leveled explosive accusations against Ngatikaura, claiming she suffered “emotional abuse” throughout their marriage.
According to The Blast, the TV personality made the allegations during a March 25 appearance on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, where she said an energy healer helped her realize the relationship had become emotionally abusive.
“It was the first time I said it out loud,” she explained, adding that hearing the words “this is emotional abuse” felt like “the glass had shattered.”
Draper also alleged Ngatikaura blackmailed her with text messages tied to her emotional affair with Brunette, claiming he threatened to “ruin” her life by posting them online whenever he became angry.
She further accused him of attending “orgies” and using escorts during their marriage, while insisting she ended the relationship before he rushed to file for divorce.
