Explaining Demi and Jessi’s Alleged Affairs with Marciano in Mormon Wives
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives explored not only the rumored romance between Marciano Brunette and Demi Engemann, but also unveiled new allegations concerning a supposed affair with Jessi Ngatikaura.
The drama initially unfolded on another Hulu series — Vanderpump Villa — featuring Demi, Jessi, Jen Affleck, Layla Taylor, and Mikayla Matthews as guests in the second season of Lisa Vanderpump’s show.
While in Italy, Marciano hinted that his bond with Demi was deeper than what was shown on screen. The episode showcased a significant conversation between them that concluded with Marciano kissing Demi on the cheek. Nevertheless, Demi dismissed any rumors of infidelity regarding her husband, Bret Engemann.
“Nothing happened with Marciano. Honestly, there wasn’t even a slight attraction to him. It’s unfortunate that women can’t be friendly or playful with men without it being misconstrued as being open. I wore my wedding ring the entire time,” she told Us Weekly in May. “I mentioned my marriage several times, but it was disheartening to feel like we couldn’t enjoy ourselves and that he couldn’t respect that.”
During the season 2 reunion of Vanderpump Villa, aired in May 2025, Marciano remained discreet about his connection with Demi. He suggested that the full story would be revealed on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, surprising Us with a season 2 finale appearance where he disclosed that it was actually Jessi with whom he shared an intimate relationship when the cameras were off. (Jessi is married to Jordan Ngatikaura.)
“One thing led to another. Oh, it was definitely more than [us making out],” he told Layla. “Upon first seeing her, she jumped into my arms and wrapped her legs around my waist. I thought we were alright in the Villa, but then she was incredibly forward.”
Jessi had previously refuted anonymous rumors that she was “publicly” making out with Marciano at TomTom, a spot connected to Vanderpump Rules fans.
Keep scrolling for a timeline breakdown of the alleged affair and further details regarding off-screen conversations:
The Key Players
Vanderpump Villa, which launched on Hulu in April 2024, introduced Us to Marciano, initially labeled as the new Jax Taylor for his tumultuous relationship with ex-girlfriend Hannah Fouch. He maintained a presence in the Bravo universe with a fleeting cameo on Vanderpump Rules, thanks to his friendship with Scheana Shay.
Demi and Jessi were principal cast members during the inaugural season of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, which debuted in September 2024. This Hulu series provided insight into Demi’s marriage to Bret, following her divorce from ex Blake Corbin. Jessi, on the other hand, wed Jordan after a previous marriage.
The Gist
In April 2025, Vanderpump Villa showcased the Mormon Wives visiting Lisa’s Castello Rosato. Upon their introduction, Marciano felt attracted to Demi “not just physically” but emotionally.
“Demi taught me to live with purpose, and the right partner is out there,” Marciano revealed to the cameras after just two days of knowing Demi. “I realized that if I didn’t say goodbye to her, I would regret it.”
Demi, however, appeared not to share the same sentiment. “The most fulfilling marriages involve discussions of, ‘Where do we go from here?’ It’s all about mutual growth,” Demi commented, noting her 16-year age gap with Bret. “We’ve faced considerable growth together, and nothing frightens him away. No one has made me contemplate things like this. It’s beneficial for me.”
Demi confessed that she “almost divorced” her husband “27 times” due to their age disparity, yet expressed pride in their progress. In a separate confessional, Marciano revealed his intention to stay in touch with Demi.
In an exclusive discussion with Us Weekly regarding their current status, he teased in April 2025, “You’ll see that everything was genuine and real. If anything evolves post-filming, you’ll just have to stay tuned.”
Marciano expanded on this during the Vanderpump Villa reunion special.
“Rumors circulated that we hooked up at TomTom. Demi and I shared a strong attraction in the castle that led to something outside of it,” he stated in the May 2025 episode. “It wasn’t solely about Demi. I had interests beyond just her.”
Hannah countered that Marciano was also drawn to Demi’s “best friend,” suggesting viewers keep an eye out for the entire narrative when the new season of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives premiered later that month.
Why It’s a Big Deal
This scenario puts several marriages under scrutiny. Bret seemed to respond to Marciano’s hints before the season launched, sharing a photo with Demi on Instagram, stating, “I’m so proud of this wonderful person. She’s the most incredible woman I will ever know. The amount of nonsense she’s had to endure at the hands of deceitful individuals is astounding. She has carried herself like a graceful lioness amongst yapping hyenas.”
In an interview with Us, Demi provided insights into the rumors surrounding her personal life.
“That [experience] was overwhelming and so much went into that. My husband and I spent ten days in Italy before filming Vanderpump Villa. We had the best time during that,” she disclosed in May 2025. “I was initially hesitant about filming Vanderpump Villa. My husband encouraged me to participate, and we truly had no idea what we were stepping into.”
Demi affirmed that she and Bret are “solid” despite the rumors.
“We’re good. I communicate openly and am honest to a fault. After wrapping up filming at Vanderpump Villa, Bret was the first person I called to discuss everything — the entire situation,” she recounted. “More insights will emerge. A lot happened behind the scenes regarding how I was mistreated and how the situation was handled.”
At the time, Demi expressed feeling unsupported by her co-stars. “Many of the women [from my show] and now Marciano seem to misinterpret things. To me, it feels like a clout strategy, trying to ride the success of the show and confuse audiences. I find it manipulative, and that’s not my style,” she added. “You’ll find I’ve shared very little about events behind closed doors or any information that would conflict with the girls.”
What People Are Saying
The scenario between Demi and Marciano was briefly addressed in season 2 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, including her denial of any misconduct. There were also allegations that Bret had an affair while Demi was away. Although they dismissed the rumors onscreen, a hot mic moment revealed Demi questioning whether Bret’s strong reaction hinted at some truth behind the rumor.
Later in the season, Jessi was questioned about a blind item regarding her and Marciano at TomTom. “If I were foolish enough to do that, I wouldn’t do it publicly,” she responded to her co-stars.
Marciano narrated a different account when conversing with Layla at the season’s end, first addressing Demi.
“When I put myself out there, I was unclear about what was happening since they mentioned, ‘Oh, we have these Mormon swingers [as guests],’” he recounted regarding his initial interaction with Demi. “I didn’t know what to think. This girl Demi is genuinely pretty and stunning, so I wanted to pursue it. Everything started to unfold rapidly. I didn’t fully grasp the boundaries.”
He continued: “It started as a friendly, flirty situation that I misinterpreted. I would be dishonest if I said I didn’t try at some point to kiss her. I developed feelings quickly, trapped in the fantasy that she was available. Would things have played out differently if Bret wasn’t present? I don’t think so.”
As Layla continued to press him about his feelings for Demi, Marciano cryptically suggested that their discussion shouldn’t solely focus on Demi.
“This isn’t just about Demi. It’s a rumor — that wasn’t merely a rumor,” he alluded before detailing how the blind item regarding him and Jessi at TomTom had some truth. “One thing led to another. Oh, it wasn’t just a make-out session.”
Marciano claimed to have had sexual encounters with Jessi — indicating it was more than a one-off experience.
“We have attempted to meet again [for more rendezvous],” he stated. “Jordan is unaware of the extent of our interactions. It wasn’t simply a one-time hookup. This wasn’t a one-night stand.”
What’s Next
The second season of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives wrapped up with a “To Be Continued,” hinting at emerging footage related to the aftermath of Marciano’s claims. While he indicated in a voiceover that the scenario is “far more complex” than others perceive, Jessi’s husband, Jordan, began questioning the narrative.
“This is bound to make headlines. The truth will always come to light,” he stated, accusing the situation of being a result of “Demi’s influence” behind the scenes.
Jessi, on the other hand, seemed to place blame on Demi for circulating misinformation. “He knows this is destroying my family and my life,” she remarked, adding that Demi was “fabricating” details regarding the affair allegations.
In the third season, commencing in November 2025, Jessi acknowledged her involvement in a two-week emotional affair with Marciano during a separation from Jordan. She maintained that they only shared a kiss before she called it off. Following discussions about the emotional abuse she faced within her marriage, Jessi and Jordan sought to reconcile, concluding season 3 on a hopeful note.
Demi, meanwhile, stood firm in her claim that she was “sexually assaulted” by Marciano, a statement he has repeatedly denied. She opted not to elaborate on their off-screen interactions.
