Breaking Down Demi Engemann and Marciano Brunette’s Drama

The drama between Demi Engemann and Vanderpump Villa‘s Marciano Brunette may just be beginning.

Back in August 2024, the cast of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives traveled to Italy for a vacation featured on Vanderpump Villa.

During the getaway, Engemann and Brunette met for the first time. What occurred during the trip between the two, however, remains a matter of debate.

Brunette has claimed he flirted with the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star and even shared a consensual kiss with the Utah resident. Engemann, however, has accused him of sexual assault and claims any physicality between her and Brunette was “unwanted.”

With the drama now becoming a legal matter, Us Weekly is breaking down everything we know so far:

What Is Marciano Brunette’s Lawsuit Against Demi Engemann About?

On December 5, 2025, Brunette filed a lawsuit claiming Engemann falsely described him as a “sexual predator” – allegations, which he claims have damaged his reputation.

“The truth is straightforward. Engemann and Marciano met while filming in Italy. They flirted. They spoke privately. They shared a consensual kiss. They separated,” the documents read. “After filming, Engemann stayed in contact with Marciano for months through calls, FaceTime, texts, invitations and even location sharing. That behavior confirms a continued relationship, not a person reacting to sexual assault.”

Engemann has yet to publicly comment on the suit.

What Has Demi Engemann Claimed About Her Experience With Marciano Brunette?

Engemann first accused Brunette of crossing a line when season 2 of Vanderpump Villa aired in May 2025.

“I did come out with a pretty bold and true statement against Marciano [recently] because at that point it was like, ‘You’re lying about me. Actually, you were the predator.’ So I’m not going to stay quiet — and I stand by that statement,” she exclusively told Us Weekly at the time. “There’s more happening behind the scenes with that that will come to light. I’m sure at this point it’s become a legal matter. There’s not much more I can say on it as of now because I want to preserve the fact that it’s a serious situation. But I stand behind those statements.”

Who Do the ‘Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ Cast Believe? 

During The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives season 3 reunion, Demi’s husband, Bret, seemingly acknowledged some of the cast’s doubts about his wife’s claims.

“The biggest problem I think I have with everybody is the knee-jerk reaction to Demi saying that she was a victim was to not believe her,” he told DadTok in the December 2025 episode. “She wasn’t building a relationship with them and was not flirty at all.”

During the reunion, Demi also teared up when claiming some of her cast members haven’t fully supported her.

Where Does Lisa Vanderpump Stand in the Drama?

Lisa Vanderpump is standing by Brunette after Demi accused him of sexual misconduct on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.

“I categorically know what happened because we have cameras everywhere and I have seen every ounce of the footage,” Vanderpump told Access Hollywood in November 2025. “When the women are doubting her, they have got a very good reason. Any allegations against Marciano, I have the luxury of having all the footage.”

What Has Demi Engemann’s Husband Bret Said?

According to Bret, the drama involving Demi and Brunette has only strengthened his marriage.

“The thing that I always say is that she’s the most magical person that I’ve ever known,” he shared with Entertainment Tonight in December 2025. “I’ve fallen more deeply in love with her through this process — as hard, gut-wrenching and as unfair as it has been. My level of respect and admiration has only increased watching her navigate these things the way that she has.”

Demi has also consistently denied any allegations that she was unfaithful to her husband with Brunette in Italy.