Jessi Ngatikaura, a familiar face known for her supportive demeanor on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, isn’t shying away from the fallout of her past affair. Season three confronts the bombshell revealed at the end of season two: Ngatikaura admitted to an extramarital relationship with Vanderpump Rules star Marciano Brunette. Now, viewers witness the ripple effect, both on her marriage and within the group dynamic.
Season three sees Ngatikaura grapple with the consequences of her actions while simultaneously navigating allegations against her husband, Jordan, for emotional abuse. In a candid interview with SheKnows, Ngatikaura speaks openly about the complexities of their situation. While she readily accepts responsibility for the affair, she doesn’t shy away from laying bare the toxic environment that contributed to it.
Ngatikaura acknowledges that Jordan struggles with his identity in a marriage where she holds the primary financial and childcare responsibilities. The traditional Mormon values he was raised with expected him to be the breadwinner and head of the household, creating an imbalance that fostered resentment and emotional disconnect. She states frankly: “I think that happened to Jordan, where I was doing all of these things, and he was just kind of like, ‘Well, am I just along for the ride?’ That definitely took a toll on both of us.”
The weight of juggling work, parenting, filming, and managing household responsibilities undoubtedly pressured Ngatikaura. Yet, she stresses that her choices were her own: “There is no excuse for what I did,” she insists. “I don’t want to blame Jordan because it was my own actions, but I do think his actions definitely contributed to my mindset that led to the affair.”
Facing public judgment for her indiscretion hasn’t been easy. Ngatikaura admits to receiving hateful comments and grappling with the label of “bad mom,” a consequence she finds particularly painful. However, she chooses empathy over defensiveness, reasoning that many commentators are projecting their own experiences or seeking attention.
Despite the pain inflicted by both Jordan’s behavior and her actions, Ngatikaura maintains a commitment to family and healing. She recognizes the importance of modeling vulnerability and accountability for her young children. While acknowledging the potential awkwardness of revealing her past choices to them, she hopes to show them that everyone makes mistakes and learns from them.
Ngatikaura’s journey is less about seeking absolution and more about forging a path towards honesty and resilience. By owning her choices and striving for transparency, she aims to demonstrate how even amidst difficult circumstances, growth and self-awareness are possible. The coming season will likely explore the complex dynamics of their marriage further as they navigate public scrutiny and strive for individual healing while simultaneously building a healthier family unit.
