You’ve seen the TikToks. You’ve probably scrolled past the "DadTok" dances or the glossy hair tutorials from JZ Styles. But if you’re following the chaos of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, you know that the picture-perfect life Jessi and Jordan Ngatikaura projected online has basically imploded over the last year. Honestly, it’s been a lot to keep up with.
One minute they’re the "fun couple" sharing a flask at a baby shower, and the next, there are allegations of emotional affairs, toxic cycles, and 90-day separations. It’s messy. It’s real. And it’s a far cry from the curated aesthetic of their early influencer days in Utah.
The Scandal That Changed Everything
Let’s be real: reality TV is a meat grinder for marriages. For Jessi and Jordan, the "glass-shattering moment" came when Marciano Brunette, a cast member from Vanderpump Villa, claimed he had a physical affair with Jessi. The internet exploded. People were dissecting every frame of Season 2, looking for clues.
Jessi eventually came clean, but the truth was more nuanced than a simple headline. She admitted to an emotional affair and kissing Marciano twice. She didn't hide from it. "I wish I never had," she told People in late 2025. But here’s the thing—she also dropped a bombshell about what was happening behind closed doors at home.
She described their marriage as "toxic" and alleged that Jordan had been emotionally abusive. That’s a heavy word. Jordan didn't exactly run from the accusation, either. In a surprisingly vulnerable move, he took "full accountability" for the pain he caused, admitting he was "deeply unhealed" and that "hurt people hurt people."
Why the 90-Day Separation Actually Mattered
Most reality TV couples just "break up" for the cameras and get back together for the reunion. Jessi and Jordan did something different. They opted for a 90-day separation with strict ground rules set in therapy.
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It wasn't just a break; it was a test.
- They lived apart to break the cycle of "old patterns."
- They attended individual and couples therapy sessions.
- They navigated the logistics of their blended family—Jagger, Jovi, and Jordan’s daughter Peyton—while being in "limbo."
During the Season 3 finale of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, we saw the outcome. Jordan told Jessi that the time apart made him realize he didn't want a life without her. Jessi, ever the Gemini, was more hesitant. She admitted her biggest fear was falling back into the same "toxic" routines once they moved back in together.
The Current Status: Are They Still Together?
As of January 2026, the short answer is yes. But it’s complicated.
Eagle-eyed fans noticed Jessi changed her last name back to Jessi Draper on Instagram and TikTok recently. She also stopped wearing her wedding ring for a significant chunk of time. Naturally, the rumors started swirling that a divorce was imminent. However, Jessi clarified in a November 2025 interview that they are back together and "working on things."
They aren't pretending it’s easy. They’re just... trying.
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A Timeline of the Ngatikaura Relationship
- February 2020: The couple gets engaged.
- April 2020: Their son, Jagger Zayn, is born (rock and roll name theme, obviously).
- October 2020: They tie the knot in a Utah wedding.
- January 2023: Daughter Jovi arrives, completing their blended family.
- May 2025: The Marciano rumors go public during Season 2.
- September 2024 - Early 2025: The 90-day separation takes place.
- Late 2025: They publicly commit to "continued healing" and reconciliation.
What Most People Get Wrong About Them
A lot of the hate directed at Jessi stems from the idea that she’s "leaving her husband in the wind" now that she’s famous. But if you look at the actual evidence, it’s more about a woman finally setting boundaries after years of a specific religious and cultural pressure to be "perfect."
Jessi left the LDS church in her mid-20s. She’s been vocal about how that "numbness" and the need to look perfect for the community actually contributed to her staying in unhealthy situations for too long. By the time 2026 rolled around, she decided she was done with the facade.
Jordan, to his credit, seems to be doing the work. He’s been open about his past—becoming a father at 18 with his daughter Peyton and feeling "broken" after his first divorce. He’s admitted that those traumas made him controlling. Whether the therapy sticks or not remains to be seen, but the transparency is a far cry from the typical "everything is fine" influencer script.
The Business of Being Jessi
While the marriage has been a rollercoaster, the business side of Jessi’s life—JZ Styles—is an absolute powerhouse. She’s built an empire of hair extensions, a salon in Utah, and a hair academy.
It’s one of the reasons the drama feels so high-stakes. She isn't just a "wife"; she’s the breadwinner and a CEO. Her co-star Demi Engemann even called her out on the show, saying it felt "selfish" that Jessi had this massive financial empire while the marriage was crumbling. But honestly? Having your own money gives you the power to walk away if you need to. That’s a perspective a lot of the Mormon Wives cast might not have.
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How to Navigate High-Conflict Relationships (Lessons from Jessi & Jordan)
Whether you love them or think they’re a disaster, there are some genuine takeaways from their public struggle.
- Own the Ugly Parts: Both Jessi and Jordan stopped blaming "the edit" and started naming their own mistakes—infidelity on one side, emotional toxicity on the other. You can't fix what you won't name.
- Controlled Separations Can Work: Instead of a messy, permanent split, their 90-day "pause" allowed them to see if they actually liked each other without the daily friction.
- Therapy Isn't a Quick Fix: They’ve been in therapy for over a year and still describe their status as "tricky."
- Protect the Kids: They’ve both expressed deep regret about how their children—especially 13-year-old Peyton—might be affected by the show. It’s a reminder that "living your truth" publicly has a very real cost for the people around you.
The Ngatikauras are far from perfect. They might not even be together in another year. But they’ve effectively killed the myth of the "Perfect Mormon Family," and in a world of fake social media filters, that’s actually kind of refreshing.
As Jessi heads into 2026, she says she’s manifesting "balance" and "stepping into her power." Whether that power includes Jordan in the long run is a chapter they’re still writing.
Next Steps for Fans and Critics Alike:
To get a clearer picture of the nuance Jessi talks about, watch the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 3 reunion hosted by Stassi Schroeder. If you're struggling with similar "toxic cycles" in your own life, look into the resources provided by the National Domestic Violence Hotline or seek a licensed therapist who specializes in high-conflict resolution and "unpairing" strategies.