Overview
- Brunette filed a federal defamation suit on Dec. 5 in Utah against Engemann and Jeff Jenkins Productions, alleging false sexual assault claims and assertions that he was a “sexual predator.”
- He alleges the pair exchanged a consensual kiss in August 2024 and cites extensive post-trip messages through March 2025 as evidence there was no non-consensual encounter.
- The complaint claims producers amplified Engemann’s accusations for storyline impact and denied Brunette a meaningful chance to respond, and it seeks damages for alleged lost work and harassment.
- Engemann has publicly said she was sexually assaulted and inappropriately touched without consent, reiterated that stance in a Dec. 4 interview, and has not commented on the lawsuit while denying infidelity.
- Lisa Vanderpump says she reviewed available footage and supports skepticism of Engemann’s account, as Brunette continues defending himself in interviews and on social media following the suit.