Jessi Ngatikaura Ends Friendship With Demi Engemann: ‘It’s Over for Good’
There’s no turning back for The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Jessi Ngatikaura when it comes to her former best friend Demi Engemann. What was once a close-knit friendship built behind the scenes of Hulu’s hit show is now completely broken, and according to Jessi, it’s not just a falling out—it’s permanent.
In a recent episode of Page Six’s “Virtual Reali-Tea”, Jessi shared that her friendship with Demi is “done for good.” She didn’t just say it lightly, either. Jessi, 32, admitted that she’s a forgiving person by nature. But this? This crossed the line.
“I will never be friends with her again,” Jessi said firmly.
While she didn’t spill every detail, Jessi hinted that fans will witness the cracks in their friendship during Season 2 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. Still, she couldn’t help but reveal that Demi allegedly attacked both her family and her business, which pushed her past the point of reconciliation.
“It was a slow burn,” Jessi explained. “We were really close, and then… things started coming out. You’ll see the friendship start to fall apart.”
And that fall wasn’t soft.
The Fallout That Changed Everything
According to Jessi, Demi’s behavior turned darker as time went on. Although she didn’t dive deep into specifics, she teased that a particular action from Demi was the final straw. An act so serious, it made it impossible to keep any sort of peace.
Even more, Jessi isn’t the only one hurt by Demi’s actions.
Castmate Layla Taylor, 24, who joined Jessi for the Virtual Reali-Tea interview, agreed with everything Jessi said. She even admitted she ignored some red flags about Demi during Season 1, brushing them off as quirks or personality traits.
“We’d say, ‘She’s passionate,’ or ‘She’s funny,’” Layla recalled. “But now, I realize it was borderline bullying.”
And Jessi didn’t hesitate to back her up. She pointed out how Demi mistreated fellow cast member Whitney Leavitt during a girls’ trip to Park City, Utah. Back then, they didn’t like Whitney, so Demi’s behavior didn’t seem as harsh. But watching it now, they recognize the toxic behavior for what it was.
“She was a bully,” Jessi said bluntly. “We cheered Demi on because we didn’t like Whitney. But when you rewatch it with fresh eyes, you see it differently. And it didn’t stop there. She’s shown that side of her to more people now, including us.”
A New Villain in Town?
Season 2 seems to have a new central antagonist, and all signs point to Demi. With Whitney and Demi now unexpectedly close, Jessi and Layla both raised eyebrows. Their bond seems less about genuine connection and more about having no one else to turn to.
“It’s very convenient,” Jessi said. “They don’t have anyone else.”
While Jessi says she gets along with Whitney these days, she keeps her distance whenever Demi is around. Layla, too, has cut ties after enduring her own difficult moments with Demi.
“She said things that were damaging to my mental health,” Layla shared. “It wasn’t just one thing. It was a buildup. And the last thing she did? I can’t unsee it. I can’t pretend it didn’t happen.”
Layla revealed that when she confronted Demi about the behavior, things escalated quickly.
“She flipped on me. Started name-calling, saying horrible things. I saw her true colors.”
For both Jessi and Layla, the decision to end things with Demi wasn’t easy. But it was necessary. Toxic friendships, especially in the public eye, can take a serious toll—and both women chose peace over drama.
Watch the Drama Unfold in Season 2
The tension, betrayal, and emotional unraveling are all coming to light in the new season of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, now streaming on Hulu. Fans will get a front-row seat to everything Jessi hinted at and more.
Whether you’re Team Jessi, Team Layla, or still not sure what to think, one thing’s for certain: Season 2 is going to deliver some real-life drama that no script could write.
Follow the Cast on Social Media for Live Reactions
Want more behind-the-scenes tea? Follow Jessi Ngatikaura, Demi Engemann, Layla Taylor, and the rest of the cast on Instagram to see how they’re reacting to the drama as it airs. With every episode, there’s a new layer to uncover—and the friendships you thought were strong might not be so unbreakable after all.
Stay tuned, because Mormon Wives just got a whole lot messier.
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