By Elica Semnani, Staff Writer
When Demi Engemann, a cast member of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” (Secret Lives), publicly accused Marciano Brunette, recurring star of “Vanderpump Villa” (Villa), of sexual assault on season three of Secret Lives, she likely did not anticipate the legal battle that would follow.[1] This past winter, Brunette filed a defamation suit against Engemann.[2]
The two met on the second season of Villa, where the Secret Lives cast appeared as guests on vacation. Villa is a reality TV show produced by and starring Lisa Vanderpump, in which her villa staff competes for a cash prize by demonstrating their hospitality skills.[3] Brunette’s meeting with Engemann appeared to have created a genuine connection between the reality stars. [4]
After filming of Villa wrapped, it was revealed in season three of Secret Lives that Engemann and Brunette had maintained communication after Villa ended.[5] The two exchanged texts and FaceTime calls, with one text from Engemann suggesting that Brunette attend a Secret Lives premiere event.[6] Still, Engemann alleged that Brunette sexually assaulted her during her stay at the villa, including a non-consensual kiss and physical contact.[7] Brunette denies these claims.[8] The allegations surfaced publicly when Secret Lives season three began airing.
Season three of Secret Lives expands on this, with Engemann explicitly referring to Brunette on camera as a “sexual predator.”[9] Brunette denies the characterization and contends it constitutes defamation under California law.[10]Brunette’s suit names both Engemann and production company Jeff Jenkins Productions, alleging the company had “reason to believe” Engemann’s claims were false yet broadcast them anyway.[11]
In February 2025, Engemann filed a motion to dismiss.[12] Engemann contends that the suit is retaliatory, filed not for legal redress but to generate publicity for Brunette and to punish her.[13]
Central to Engemann’s motion to dismiss is the participation agreement Brunette signed to appear on Secret Lives. The agreement states that while filming, information “of a personal, private, surprising, embarrassing and/or unfavorable nature” may be revealed. It continues to state that, by signing the agreement, Brunette understood such information “may be embarrassing or of an otherwise unfavorable nature and may expose [him], [his] friends, co-workers and/or family to public ridicule, humiliation, or condemnation.”[14] Brunette’s signature allegedly appears on the filed agreement.
This case reflects a broader and troubling legal trend. The Harvard Civil Rights – Civil Liberties Law Review has observed that over the past five years, there has been an uptick in defamation suits intended to “intimidate and retaliate against survivors.”[15] The article cites the infamous Depp v. Heard case as a pivotal example in shaping society’s perception of defamation trials.[16]
Adding further complexity, the case has drawn public commentary from witnesses. Lisa Vanderpump has publicly stood by Brunette, stating that she has reviewed “all the footage” from Engemann’s season of Villa and remains unconvinced by Engemann’s account.[17] Several of Engemann’s Secret Lives castmates have also doubted her claims.[18] Engemann’s castmates have called into question Engemann’s side, claiming she has changed her version of events multiple times.[19]
While Brunette and Engemann lack the fame of Depp and Heard, the stakes are no less significant. Secret Lives has gained increasing popularity and cultural relevance, having recently been nominated for an Emmy Award.[20] The stars, who first gained fame on TikTok, often attract a young audience. That reach raises pointed questions about the responsibilities of reality television platforms when allegations of misconduct are broadcast to millions. It also raises questions about whether contractual waivers can, or should, shield networks from liability when those allegations are contested.
Season four of “Secret Lives” is now streaming on Hulu. Engemann has since left the show.
[1] https://news.northeastern.edu/2025/12/18/mormon-wives-lawsuit/#:~:text=But%20Season%203%20took%20a,touched%20her%20against%20her%20consent.
[2] Id.
[3] https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27999118/.
[4] https://people.com/marciano-brunette-sues-demi-engemann-for-defamation-following-sexual-predator-claim-11863532.
[5] https://parade.com/tv/secret-lives-of-mormon-wives-lawsuit-marciano-brunette-demi-engemann.
[6] Id.
[7] https://people.com/marciano-brunette-sues-demi-engemann-for-defamation-following-sexual-predator-claim-11863532.
[8] Id.
[9] Id.
[10] Id.
[11] Id.
[12] Id.
[13] Id.
[14] Id.
[15] https://journals.law.harvard.edu/crcl/how-defamation-is-used-to-silence-survivors/.
[16] Id.
[17] https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/lisa-vanderpump-defends-mormon-wives-marciano-from-demis-claims/.
[18] Id.
[19] https://parade.com/tv/secret-lives-of-mormon-wives-lawsuit-marciano-brunette-demi-engemann.
[20] https://www.televisionacademy.com/shows/the-secret-lives-of-mormon-wives.