In the latest revelations from the reality TV world, Secret Lives of Mormon Wives cast member Layla Taylor has openly criticized the choice of partner in costar Jessi Ngatikaura's recent affair, calling the man involved 'yucky' and wishing Jessi had selected someone more appealing. Taylor, 24, shared her unfiltered thoughts in an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, highlighting the emotional turmoil behind Ngatikaura's brief entanglement during a vulnerable period in her marriage. The comments come as season 3 of the Hulu series premiered on November 13, bringing renewed attention to the interpersonal dramas among the Utah-based group of women navigating faith, family, and fidelity.
The affair in question involved Ngatikaura, 33, and Marciano Brunette, a cast member from Bravo's Vanderpump Rules spinoff Vanderpump Villa. According to Taylor, Ngatikaura's involvement with Brunette stemmed from a moment of weakness rather than deep attraction. 'I do not know [how he got involved with Jessi] because I think that man is yucky,' Taylor told Us Weekly. 'There’s a lot of men we could have chosen for her — there’s just a lot of options out there.'
Taylor emphasized that Ngatikaura was grappling with significant personal challenges at the time. 'Jessi always told us it’s not [about] who it was. She was in the wrong place and wrong time. Honestly, it could have been anybody. I think that she was just in a really emotional state,' Taylor explained. She added a pointed jab at Brunette's appeal, saying, 'I wish it was someone more attractive and less gross but we can’t win them all — and maybe someone that doesn’t have to take Viagra or Cialis or whatever he took.'
Ngatikaura herself provided more context about the two-week emotional affair in her own interview with Us Weekly ahead of the season 3 premiere. She described confiding in Brunette about the strains in her marriage to husband Jordan Ngatikaura, whom she has since separated from. 'I wouldn’t say I was in love with him. It only lasted about two weeks so it was quick. But I will say I confided in him a lot,' Ngatikaura said. She noted that she had kept her marital issues private from most people, despite her family and friends noticing problems.
The connection with Brunette, according to Ngatikaura, filled a void left by her husband's behavior. 'The dynamic with Jordan that I had had in my marriage, I hadn’t really talked to anyone about it,' she recounted. 'Jordan would put me down a lot. Marciano told me how pretty and cool and fun I was. I felt like there was a connection there because he was giving me something I was lacking. But I wouldn’t say I was in love with him.'
The affair came to light when Jordan Ngatikaura discovered it by going through his wife's phone, prompting an immediate end to the relationship. 'Jordan found out when he went through my phone and put an end to it. But it was a blessing in disguise because it needed to end,' Jessi Ngatikaura told Us Weekly. She expressed relief that it didn't drag on, stating, 'I did not want to carry this on for months or years. I didn’t know how to get out of it.'
Taylor, who believes Ngatikaura's account, downplayed the physical extent of the involvement. 'I don’t think anything more happened than a kiss. At this point she’s already facing the repercussions of cheating so why would she lie about another detail? She would just tell the full truth at that point,' Taylor said. This perspective contrasts with earlier rumors from season 2, which initially swirled around another cast member, Demi Engemann, and Brunette during filming of Vanderpump Villa.
Season 2 of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, which premiered earlier this year, first ignited infidelity speculation when Engemann was accused of getting too close to Brunette while married to Bret Engemann. Engemann denied any unfaithfulness, and Brunette later shifted the narrative by claiming a separate involvement with Ngatikaura. The series, which follows a group of Mormon women in Utah as they balance religious expectations with modern lifestyles, has captivated audiences with its exploration of taboo topics like swinging and extramarital affairs.
Reflecting on Ngatikaura's separation from Jordan, Taylor highlighted signs of deeper issues in their relationship that had gone unnoticed by friends. 'I feel like Jordan has always said things very abruptly. But Jessi always dismissed it. We’ve always brushed it off but now that we know the full context of what was happening in their marriage, I’m like, ‘Oh, it wasn’t just comments. This is emotional abuse,'' Taylor told Us Weekly. She described the situation as heartbreaking, adding, 'It’s a really hard situation because seeing one of your friends get treated poorly is heartbreaking. I love Jessi and I think Jessi deserves the absolute world. When she loves people, she loves really hard. That’s also why it’s hard for her in her marriage right now. I just want Jessi to be happy.'
The broader context of the show includes ongoing questions about the cast's relationships. A related Us Weekly article details the timeline of Jessi and Jordan Ngatikaura's relationship following the affair reveal, noting their separation. Another piece checks the status of various couples from the series, with some still together and others having broken up amid the on-screen revelations.
Beyond the drama, Taylor discussed her personal growth throughout the series. In seasons 1 and 2, she felt more reserved, particularly in tense group situations. 'I just wanted to be more vocal in season 3. I feel like season 1 and season 2, the audience could definitely see that there’s times that I couldn’t speak up when I was in certain situations. I was definitely a lot more reserved,' she said. Heading into the third season, Taylor aimed to be more authentic: 'My goal going into season 3 was to say what’s on my mind, stand up for myself more and just be more authentic to who I am as a person. I feel like I definitely portrayed that really well this season, which I’m proud of myself for.'
The premiere of season 3 on November 13 has already sparked discussions among fans, with episodes streaming exclusively on Hulu. The series continues to delve into the complexities of life within the Mormon community, including pressures around marriage and personal fulfillment. Ngatikaura's story, in particular, underscores the emotional vulnerabilities that can lead to such indiscretions, as she navigates the aftermath of her separation.
While Taylor's candid remarks about Brunette have added a layer of humor to the scandal, they also reflect the tight-knit support system among the cast. Her defense of Ngatikaura emphasizes themes of empathy and recovery that resonate throughout the season. As the women confront these personal reckonings on camera, viewers are left pondering the real-world impacts of airing such intimate struggles.
Looking ahead, the future of Ngatikaura's personal life remains uncertain, but her castmates like Taylor continue to rally around her. The ongoing seasons of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives promise more insights into how these women reconcile their faith with their evolving identities. For now, the focus remains on healing and honesty, as the group moves forward from the revelations that have both strained and strengthened their bonds.
The entertainment value of these disclosures has not gone unnoticed, with the show's popularity surging on Hulu. Related coverage from Us Weekly, including relationship timelines and couple status updates, provides fans with a roadmap through the shifting dynamics. As season 3 unfolds, it will be interesting to see how Ngatikaura's journey influences the narrative and whether more details emerge about the events that rocked her marriage.