Jessi Draper, Marciano Brunette Go Public at AMAs

Jessi Draper, 34, and Marciano Brunette, 33, made their red carpet debut as a couple at the 2026 American Music Awards on Monday, May 25, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Nevada—weeks after Draper’s highly public split from Jordan Ngatikaura and months of talk

When the lights hit, Jessi Draper didn’t just arrive at the American Music Awards—she stepped into the spotlight with Marciano Brunette by her side.

The Vanderpump Villa star, 33, joined Draper, 34, for their red carpet debut as a couple at the 2026 American Music Awards. The ceremony took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Nevada on Monday, May 25. For the evening. the two wore coordinated black ensembles: Draper stunned in a black gown with white ruffles at the bottom. while Brunette wore a black sports coat and slacks.

As they posed for photos, Brunette held the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star close. At one point, he gave Draper a peck on the head.

Their appearance together lands after a relationship that played out against the backdrop of Vanderpump Villa and Mormon Wives. Draper and Brunette met when the cast of Mormon Wives traveled to Italy to film for Vanderpump Villa season 2 in 2024. Brunette works as a server on the Lisa Vanderpump-led reality series, which aired in April 2025.

At the time of the trip and filming, Draper was married to Jordan Ngatikaura. The two formed a close bond while she was abroad. Draper initially downplayed their connection, but later admitted she had an emotional affair with Brunette.

Draper said they’d been dealing with the affair for about six months behind closed doors—something that nobody knew. On “The Viall Files” podcast in November 2025. she claimed the situation worsened over those months. and that Brunette was “blackmailing” her. Draper also described threats to send her texts to Marciano “out to the world.” She added that. whenever she did something he didn’t agree with. he had TikTok drafts that he suggested he would post.

The storyline only grew more complicated as Draper’s marriage to Ngatikaura ended earlier this year. They split after five years of marriage. They share two children: son Jagger, 6, and daughter Jovi, 3.

In a March statement. Ngatikaura said: “This has not been an easy decision and it comes with a heavy heart. ” adding that he was “grateful for the shared memories and the lessons.” He continued. “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.”.

Even before their AMAs entrance. Brunette had addressed where things stood between him and Draper—and what he thought might come next. In exclusive comments shared with Us Weekly at The time of coverage about Jessi and Jordan’s marriage. Brunette. 33. said. “Jordan is a good person that cares about his family.” Those comments were tied to the fact that Brunette described himself as having an emotional affair with Draper during her marriage to Ngatikaura.

Draper, too, has spoken about the fallout from their relationship. Two months after renewed romance speculation. she reflected on what it meant to have an affair “on-camera.” In an interview with Vulture published in May. Draper said: “Having an affair on-camera definitely shook up my life a little bit.” She added. “But I hope to inspire. and learn from my mistakes. and hopefully let people know that everyone does make mistakes and it’s OK.”.

Now, with their coordinated looks and public closeness on the AMAs red carpet, Draper and Brunette are no longer keeping their relationship at the edge of the frame. On May 25, the two stepped into it—together.

Jessi Draper Marciano Brunette 2026 American Music Awards AMAs 2026 Vanderpump Villa Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Jordan Ngatikaura red carpet debut MGM Grand Garden Arena Lisa Vanderpump