‘Bachelorette’ Contestant Pursues Jessi Draper

The Bachelorette season 22 contestant Brandon Perce has publicly sought a connection with Jessi Draper after both experienced recent relationship challenges. Perce initially appeared on the show while vying for Taylor Frankie Paul’s affection.

Instagram Plea for a Date

On Tuesday, March 31, Brandon Perce posted an Instagram video directly addressing Jessi Draper. “Alright, so this message is for Jessi from the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives now that you are single. I have a friend who is interested. He is a dad. He’s got tattoos, likes to workout. He has a job. Doesn’t like to golf,” he stated in the video.

A Shared Connection

Perce added that his friend “has a history with one of your friends.” He then asked his followers to tag Draper in the comments to ensure she saw the message, saying, “Let’s make it happen.”

Draper's Response and Social Media Interaction

Hours after Perce’s post, Jessi Draper, 33, simply commented “Hi,” prompting Perce to reply, “Oh hey there, I think my friend sent you a DM 👀.” Perce also shared a screenshot on his Instagram Story showing Draper following him on the platform.

Recent Relationship Developments

News of Jessi Draper’s divorce from Jordan Ngatikaura broke on March 19, after five years of marriage. Ngatikaura filed for divorce and a temporary restraining order, which was subsequently denied.

Divorce Details and Betrayal

Draper stated she learned about the divorce filing through a message from TMZ, describing the experience as a “betrayal” because they had agreed to inform their children together before filing. She shared these feelings during a March 25 episode of the “Call Her Daddy” podcast.

Kiss with Costar's Husband

Us Weekly reported that Draper kissed Miranda McWhorter’s estranged husband, Chase McWhorter, at a party, but sources indicated the encounter was “not serious.”

Taylor Frankie Paul's Situation

Taylor Frankie Paul, 31, has also been in the headlines due to a domestic violence incident with her ex, Dakota Mortensen. This led to the halting of production for season 5 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.

Investigation and Released Footage

The Draper City Police Department in Utah confirmed an open “domestic assault investigation” stemming from two incidents in February, with allegations “made in both directions.” TMZ later released footage from 2023 showing Taylor Frankie Paul physically assaulting Dakota Mortensen and throwing chairs, with her daughter heard crying in the background.

Production Halt

Following the release of the footage, Disney Entertainment Television announced they would not move forward with the new season of The Bachelorette and would focus on supporting the family. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.