Kristi Noem has filed for divorce from Bryon Noem in South Dakota. Her lawyer said she will reserve further comment for the courts. The filing renews attention to media reports alleging Bryon Noem's involvement in a private role-playing fetish and long-running tabloid rumors about Noem's association with former aide Corey Lewandowski. Both topics have generated public scrutiny, though sensational claims remain largely reported allegations rather than legally established facts.
Kristi Noem Files for Divorce as Past Controversies Resurface — Lawyer Says She'll Defer to Courts
Elizabeth Frantz / REUTERS
Kristi Noem has filed for the dissolution of her marriage to Bryon Noem in South Dakota, according to a statement from her legal team that suggests she will limit public comment as the matter proceeds through the courts.
Bryon has been publicly supportive of Noem, despite her own allegations of cheating. / Evelyn Hockstein / REUTERS
In a statement obtained by the Daily Beast, Noem's attorney Michael Sabers said:
The secret life of Bryon Noem was first made public by the Daily Mail. / Daily Mail
"Kristi Noem has filed for the dissolution of her marriage to Bryon Noem. She has great faith in the South Dakota judicial system and will reserve any further comments for the legal process."
Background
The Noems were married in 1992, when Kristi Noem was a 20-year-old college student. The couple are parents to three adult children. Kristi Noem is 54 and Bryon Noem is 56.
Bryon Noem, 56, with his wife Kristi, 54, in 2023. / Facebook
Recent Media Reports and Allegations
The short public filing has reignited media attention on controversies that have surrounded both spouses in recent years. Multiple news outlets and tabloids have reported that Bryon Noem engaged in a private role-playing practice described as "bimbofication," in which he allegedly adopted an exaggeratedly sexualized persona and used large prosthetic breasts and form-fitting clothing. Those reports — most prominently published by the Daily Mail — say he communicated online with adult performers while adopting that persona. These details are reported allegations and have not been independently verified in court.
Corey Lewandowski was sitting next to Kristi Noem while she met with Guyana’spresident, Irfaan Ali. / U.S. Embassy in Guyana
Separately, Kristi Noem has long faced persistent tabloid rumors of a personal relationship with former aide Corey Lewandowski. Lewandowski, a married father of four who briefly served as Donald Trump's 2016 campaign manager, has denied an affair. Still, media coverage has repeatedly noted their frequent public sightings together.
Markwayne Mullin replaced Kristi Noem in March. / Evelyn Hockstein / REUTERS
Political Fallout and Public Scrutiny
Reporting on the situation has suggested that the rumors and public travel involving Noem and Lewandowski drew attention from political observers in Washington and within conservative circles. Some accounts have connected the coverage to conversations about Noem's political standing; however, public officials and spokespeople cited in those reports have offered differing explanations, and no governmental finding has substantiated claims that the relationship directly affected official appointments.
In a contentious congressional hearing referenced in press coverage, Noem forcefully rejected tabloid reporting about her personal life and criticized the tone of the questioning. She said she had refuted the rumors for years and objected to what she called partisan attacks on conservative women.
What We Know and What's Reported
To summarize: Noem has filed for divorce and said she will let the legal process play out. Media outlets have published allegations about both Bryon Noem's private behavior and Kristi Noem's relationship with Corey Lewandowski; the latter has denied any affair. Because many of the more sensational claims stem from tabloid reporting, readers should note the distinction between reported allegations and confirmed facts as the legal process and further reporting continue.
Help us improve.
