The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' Jessi Ngatikaura and husband Jordan are in the middle of a rumour storm, after four years of marriage. The pair share three kids Jagger, 5, and Jovi, 2, as well as Jordan’s daughter Peyton, 12, from a previous relationship. Are the couple now getting a divorce?
The drama came from another reality star claiming that he and Jessi began an affair, after she and her costars appeared on his show. Vanderpump Villa’s Marciano Brunette claimed he and Jessi had an onscreen romance, telling another Mormon Wives' cast member: 'One thing led to another.' But while she's neither confirming or denying this (she's said there's 'so much more' to the story), Jessi has come out in defence of her marriage.
'I will say that reality TV is hard on any relationship — whether it’s a friendship or a marriage,' Jessi told The Viall Files podcast on 20 May. 'We’re working through things and we’re trying our best, but things are a little tricky right now.' A notable point was she wasn't wearing her wedding ring during this.
'Relationships are hard and they’re nuanced,' Jessi went on. 'There’s so much more that I’m excited to share because I think people will be able to relate to my story and I think it may help people.'
One of the more telling parts of the interview came when the host asked her if she thought Jordan was a good role model to their daughters.
'I think that there’s been a lot that’s happened. I think that he and I are both willing to work on things and change. But maybe he should be asked that question because that might wake him up. But no, I think there’s a lot of things that have needed to change.'
Meanwhile, Viall, the host, suggested he'd 'heard some things' about Jordan he was 'really disappointed' to learn. 'I hope they’re not true. Clearly, you can’t tell me,' he said. 'But your answer is revealing. I’d love the opportunity to talk with him about some of the things I have heard if they end up being true because it’s really quite sad and disappointing.'
Still, the pair seem to be committed to each other. Jordan shared a heartfelt message on Instagram earlier this month, saying: 'Happy Mother’s Day to the heart of our family. There are so many things I admire about Jessi, but the way you love and mother our kids is something I’m endlessly grateful for. Your strength, your softness, and the way you show up for them every single day is nothing short of beautiful. You were made to be their mom and they are so lucky to have you. Through all of life’s ups and downs, I still choose you. I still love you every single day.'
Seasons one and two of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives are available to stream on Disney+