Mormon Wives Star Jessi Draper Regrets On-Camera Affair That Led to Divorce

Jessi Draper’s on-camera romance from reality TV spilled into her real marriage and ended in divorce, a move she now describes as a huge mistake.

"Having an affair on-camera definitely shook up my life a little bit," she told Vulture. "But I hope to inspire, and learn from my mistakes, and hopefully let people know that everyone does make mistakes, and it’s okay."

Draper disclosed an emotional affair with Vanderpump Villa star Marciano Brunette while filming The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. The relationship involved romantic feelings and physical contact such as kissing, but no full sexual relations. The matter surfaced on the show, and the fallout played a role in her divorce.

Draper called the affair her biggest regret. "I definitely would change having an affair," she told the outlet. "I definitely wouldn’t want to do that again, especially publicly. Definitely a huge mistake."

"I have a hard time crying and showing emotion," she added. "I’ve been a little better at it recently, but I feel like it’s really hard to do that and be vulnerable on-camera. Sometimes people don’t understand that the emotion runs deeper than what’s shown."

Jordan Ngatikaura filed for divorce from Draper on March 19. The couple, married nearly six years, share two sons: Jagger, 5, and Jovi, 3. Draper cited irreconcilable differences for ending the marriage. Ngatikaura blamed her affair with the Vanderpump Villa star in his filing.

Draper later appeared on the Call Her Daddy podcast and accused Ngatikaura of contacting an escort service and attending sex parties. She described the gatherings as orgies. "I don't know what other kind of parties you would pay for," she said. "Like, you just go to a party, you know? So, that's what I have to believe."

"I've actually never asked him about this," Draper continued. "I've just heard about it. But the funny thing is I heard through my sister who heard from someone who was there, and now it's also being reported. So, I'm like, clearly there's some truth to it."