"Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" star Demi Engemann is not holding back in her legal battle against "Vanderpump Villa" star Marciano Brunette. With fresh court documents in hand, Demi is pushing to have Marciano's defamation lawsuit dismissed, labeling it a "sham" designed to retaliate against her.
The legal documents, obtained by TMZ, reveal Demi's stance that the lawsuit was filed "solely to gain media attention" and as a punishment for her exercising her First Amendment rights. She claims her allegations about Marciano's misconduct are truthful and that his lawsuit is an attempt to silence her.
"This lawsuit is nothing more than a calculated move to punish me for speaking the truth," Demi asserts in her legal response.
Last year, Demi publicly labeled Marciano as a "sexual predator," accusing him of kissing her without consent – a claim Marciano disputes by calling the encounter consensual. He argues that Demi later reframed it as "sexual misconduct and then as sexual assault" for a storyline boost.
Demi's court papers paint a picture of Marciano as someone with a notorious reputation for predatory behavior. She claims he was not only aware of this image but boasted about it, alleging that Marciano's workplaces had to implement policies to prevent him from pursuing relationships with colleagues.
Marciano's own social media activity adds fuel to the fire. He posted an Instagram reel following the lawsuit, featuring a trending sound about "getting even," suggesting his motivations might not be as pure as he claims.
Demi is determined to have the lawsuit thrown out and is seeking compensation for her attorney fees and costs. The battle between these reality TV stars is far from over, with each side entrenched in their version of events. The court's decision could set a precedent in how similar cases are handled in the future.