Kristi Noem, a prominent figure who previously served as Governor of South Dakota before leading the Department of Homeland Security, filed for divorce from her husband, Bryon Noem, on Monday, initiating proceedings in Hamlin County Court in their home state of South Dakota. The petition marks the formal end of a marriage that commenced in 1992.
"If court proceedings become necessary, Bryon will welcome the opportunity to truthfully share his perspective." Tim Bottum, Attorney for Bryon Noem
Within hours of the filing, Bryon Noem's legal representative, attorney Tim Bottum, released a three-part statement addressing the development. Bottum conveyed his client's emotional state, stating, "Bryon is saddened that the marriage is ending and hopes for a private and amicable resolution." The statement then outlined Bryon Noem's readiness should the divorce not be settled privately. "If court proceedings become necessary, Bryon will welcome the opportunity to truthfully share his perspective," Bottum affirmed. Concluding the statement, Bottum emphasized Bryon’s focus on his family: "Bryon’s priority is to protect the family and move forward as loving parents and grandparents." The couple shares three adult children: daughters Kassidy, 31, and Kennedy, 29, both of whom have children, and son Booker, 23. Bryon Noem is 56 years old, while Kristi Noem is 54.
The divorce filing follows a period of public scrutiny that began approximately six months prior with an exposé published by the British outlet Daily Mail. The report detailed allegations concerning Bryon Noem's personal life, including claims of an "infatuation with sex workers and OnlyFans models." The Daily Mail also published photographs it asserted depicted Bryon Noem posing "seductively in oversized prosthetic breasts" and linked him to an online fetish community referred to as "bimbofication." The publication further reported on financial transactions, alleging that Bryon Noem sent approximately $25,000 via Cash App and PayPal to one woman he reportedly met within this community. A second woman, identified by the pseudonym "Barbie Doll" and working in the sex trade, reportedly provided the Daily Mail with receipts dating back to January 2023, showing over $30,000 in payments from an account allegedly connected to Bryon Noem.
In response to The New York Post's inquiries regarding the Daily Mail's story, a spokesperson for Kristi Noem stated she was "devastated." The spokesperson added, "The family was blindsided by this, and they ask for privacy and prayers at the time."
Separately, Kristi Noem's career took a significant turn in March when President Donald Trump removed her from her leadership role at the Department of Homeland Security. This decision came after a congressional hearing where lawmakers questioned her about alleged "sexual relations" with Corey Lewandowski. Lewandowski, who served as a special government employee at the department, is married and has four children. He is also a former Trump campaign adviser. Kristi Noem did not directly answer the questions about the alleged relationship during the hearing. Rumors of a romantic involvement between Noem and Lewandowski have persisted for an extended period, with The New York Post reporting that the two were seen biking together along the shores of Lake Minnetonka in Minnesota as recently as last month.
Bryon Noem's attorney, Tim Bottum, did not specify whether the divorce proceedings would ultimately require a courtroom resolution. His statement primarily conveyed Bryon Noem's preparedness to engage in court proceedings if such steps become necessary to resolve the dissolution of the marriage. The emphasis remains on achieving a private and amicable resolution while protecting the family's interests.
