The third season of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives delves into significant marital drama. Star Jessi Ngatikaura’s infidelity with Vanderpump Villa‘s Marciano Brunette is a central storyline. New episodes also include accusations of emotional abuse against Jessi’s husband, Jordan Ngatikaura.
The new season premiered on Hulu on Thursday, November 13. It immediately addressed Marciano’s claims about his encounter with Jessi, 33. Jessi clarified she had an emotional bond with Marciano, 32, which included kissing, before confessing to Jordan, 31.
Jessi told castmates Mikayla Matthews, Mayci Neeley, Taylor Frankie Paul, Layla Taylor, and Miranda McWhorter about separating from Jordan. She cited marital problems and felt "worn down" emotionally by him. The show displayed footage of their past arguments.
Marciano continued to claim he had sexual relations with Jessi. She convinced him to take a polygraph test. Jessi’s answers supported her version of events, though some results were inconclusive.
Jessi remained at odds with Demi Engemann, 30. This occurred after Marciano asserted that Demi influenced the rumors circulating about his relationships.
Demi was absent during the first half of the season due to conflict with most "MomTok" cast members. She returned for the season finale and achieved reconciliation with her peers. Jessi, meanwhile, appeared to be working towards reconciliation with Jordan.
The drama initially began on season two of Lisa Vanderpump’s series Vanderpump Villa. Demi, Jessi, Jen, Layla, and Mikayla were guests on the show in Italy. During their trip, Marciano hinted that his relationship with Demi was more extensive than shown on camera.
Demi, however, denied rumors of being unfaithful to her husband Bret Engemann with Marciano. She stated no attraction to him.
"Nothing happened with Marciano. At the risk of sounding rude, I didn’t feel the slightest attraction toward him," Demi told Us Weekly in May. "It’s frustrating that women cannot be kind, friendly, and even playful with men in this world without it being interpreted as being available."
She added, "I wore my ring the entire time I was there. I mentioned my marriage several times, and they were told we were married women, so it’s a shame we couldn’t just have a good time and that he didn’t respect that."
Marciano later made a surprise appearance on the season two finale of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. There, he revealed an intimate relationship with Jessi when cameras were not recording.
"One thing led to another. Oh, more than just kissing," he told Layla. "As soon as I saw her, she jumped into my arms and wrapped her legs around my waist. I thought we got along well at the Villa, but afterward, she was very direct."
Jessi had previously acknowledged a difficult period with Jordan.
"All relationships have ups and downs. But when you’re on a reality show, everything is scrutinized, and everyone sees and comments," Jessi told Us Weekly in June. "It’s hard for that not to affect your friendships, your relationships, and your family life. It was definitely hard."
She continued, "Now that we’ve finished filming for a while, I’m going to focus on my family, my children, and getting back to stability with all of that. Hopefully, I’ll be in a better mental state next time we film — if it happens."
At the time, Jessi admitted it was not easy discussing her marital issues publicly.
"It was very difficult. I always say that Taylor [Frankie Paul] has been so vulnerable with the public, sharing her relationship and her life," she shared. "I think you’re going to see a lot more of that from me next season. Luckily, I had her as a guide."
Jessi believes her story will resonate. "It was undoubtedly probably the most difficult time of my life filming the next season. I think it’s going to help a lot of people."
She added, "I’m excited to share my story and contribute something to what some women go through. I think it’s going to be a good thing, even if it’s difficult."
Despite both she and Jordan making "mistakes" in the past, Jessi expressed hope for the future.
"We are working on the relationship again. Every day is different," she commented. "Marriage is hard. We continue to have ups and downs — and you will see a lot of that in the third season."
Jessi hopes the new season will be inspiring. "I think, overall, it’s going to inspire people. I hope many people will relate."
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is currently available to stream on Hulu.