Reality star Marciano Brunette has filed a lawsuit against Demi Engemann, accusing the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star of defaming him both on social media and on the hit Hulu series.
The suit, filed on Friday, Dec. 5, claims that Engemann used her platform as an influencer and reality TV personality to falsely accuse Brunette of sexual misconduct. According to court documents obtained by PEOPLE, the legal action centers on a consensual kiss the two shared while appearing on Bravo’s Vanderpump Villa. Brunette alleges that Engemann “reframed the obviously consensual interaction as one of sexual misconduct and then as sexual assault” as part of her storyline on Hulu.
Throughout the show’s third season, Engemann reportedly accused Brunette of “unwanted touch.” In a statement to PEOPLE on Nov. 20, Brunette vehemently denied the allegations, calling them “entirely false but profoundly damaging.”
The lawsuit further claims that Brunette and Engemann remained in contact for months through calls, FaceTime, texts, invitations, and even location sharing. It also asserts that Brunette shared FaceTime calls with one of Engemann’s children. The complaint includes screenshots of messages that Brunette says show friendly interactions, including one where Engemann allegedly encouraged him to “come out and do ketamine” while sending him “love and positive vibes.”
“Sexual assault is an incredibly serious matter, and I will not hesitate to pursue legal action against anyone who harms me or attempts to damage my name in pursuit of fame or fortune,” Brunette said in a statement to PEOPLE, thanking supporters for their backing during the process.
The suit also names Jeff Jenkins Productions, the company behind Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, claiming the production company “had reason to believe” Engemann’s allegations were false yet aired them anyway. Brunette alleges that the company built major storylines around her claims, republishing statements calling him a “sexual predator” while denying him a meaningful opportunity to respond.
According to the complaint, Engemann did not label the incident as sexual assault until months later, following an Instagram post by Brunette seemingly referencing the situation. Engemann allegedly claimed he was “uninvited” from a Hulu event because he was a “sexual predator that can’t keep his hands to himself.” The suit also asserts that Engemann suggested Brunette had assaulted others, writing on Instagram that she was “anxious to see how many other women come forward.”
Brunette is seeking unspecified financial damages as well as a narrowly defined injunction to prevent Engemann and Jeff Jenkins Productions from repeating or republishing any statements deemed defamatory by the court.
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