Legal Battles Emerge for Stars of ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’
The spotlight has intensified on the cast of the reality television series ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,’ as legal troubles surface for two of its prominent figures. Jordan Ngatikaura, estranged husband of series star Jessi Draper, has initiated legal proceedings by filing a temporary restraining order against her. Court documents obtained reveal that Ngatikaura lodged the application on March 20th, with Draper reportedly opposing the order on the same day. Neither Ngatikaura, Draper, nor the streaming platform Hulu immediately provided comment when approached.
This development follows closely on the heels of claims that Ngatikaura has also filed for divorce from Draper, bringing their nearly six-year marriage to an end. The couple reportedly separated approximately a year ago, after having tied the knot in 2020.
Ngatikaura issued a statement expressing the difficulty of his decision. “This has not been an easy decision and it comes with a heavy heart,” he stated. “I’m grateful for the shared memories and the lessons. While our paths are now moving in different directions, my priority remains my children and ensuring they feel loved, supported, and protected through this transition. I am committed to handling this next chapter with kindness and respect.”
His comments echo sentiments shared in November, when Draper herself spoke to the media about experiencing “emotional abuse” from her husband. At that time, she indicated they were undergoing a 90-day separation period that included therapy. Ngatikaura acknowledged his role in the marital difficulties, stating, “I take full accountability for the pain I caused Jessi during our marriage.”
Another Star Faces Controversy as Bachelorette Season is Pulled
The personal turmoil within the ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ cast extends to another co-star, Taylor Frankie Paul, who has recently found herself embroiled in significant controversy. Her planned season of The Bachelorette has been abruptly cancelled by ABC.
A source close to the situation revealed the impact of this decision. “All of the men were on the call with Warner Bros. except for the winner. The lawyers told them all their contracts will be in place for a year.” This indicates a substantial financial and emotional investment by the prospective contestants that will now be left unfulfilled.
ABC’s decision to pull the premiere of The Bachelorette came after the release of a 2023 video by TMZ. The footage showed Frankie, 31, in a heated altercation with her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, 33, during which she was seen throwing chairs. Crucially, the incident occurred in the presence of her child.
This video is reportedly connected to an incident that led to Frankie’s arrest in 2023 for alleged domestic violence following an altercation with Mortensen. Mortensen is the father of Frankie’s two-year-old son, Ever. Frankie also has two other children: an eight-year-old daughter, Indy, and a five-year-old son, Ocean, from her previous marriage to Tate Paul.
A spokesperson for Disney Entertainment Television issued a statement regarding the cancellation: “In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of The Bachelorette at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family.”
The unfolding events surrounding both Jessi Draper and Taylor Frankie Paul have cast a shadow over the reality series, highlighting the complex personal lives of its cast members and the significant repercussions that can arise from public scrutiny and legal disputes. The production of reality television often brings personal challenges into the public eye, and these recent developments underscore the intense pressure and potential fallout experienced by those involved.
