Kristi Noem's husband Bryon breaks silence on divorce, says he’ll share his side in court
SOUTH DAKOTA, US: Bryon Noem has broken his silence after his wife, former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, filed for divorce following 34 years of marriage.
In a statement through his attorney, Tim Bottum, Bryon said he was saddened by the split but would be prepared to tell his side if the case reaches court.
The divorce was confirmed Monday, September 28, after paperwork citing “irreconcilable differences” was filed in South Dakota. The split follows months of attention around the couple and reports about Bryon’s private online activities.
Bryon Noem says he wants amicable split from Kristi Noem
“Bryon is saddened that the marriage is ending and hopes for a private and amicable resolution,” Bryon's attorney said.
The attorney added, “If court proceedings become necessary, Bryon will welcome the opportunity to truthfully share his perspective. Bryon’s priority is to protect the family and move forward as loving parents and grandparents.”
The divorce papers were drawn up on April 6, six days after a Daily Mail report about Bryon’s online interactions with fetish models.
He accepted service on April 8, but the documents were not filed with the Hamlin County Circuit Court until Monday.
Kristi’s mother, Corrine Arnold, had already revealed in July that her daughter had hired a lawyer and started divorce proceedings.
“I feel bad, sick that they’re getting a divorce, but what else can you do?” Corrine said. “The way that I brought up my kids, I know that they don’t just jump into big decisions. It took a long time for her to figure it out.”
Kristi Noem cites irreconcilable differences in divorce filing
Kristi’s Rapid City law firm, Loos, Sabers & Smith, confirmed the filing and said she would let the legal process speak for itself.
“Kristi Noem has filed for the dissolution of her marriage to Bryon Noem,” the firm said.
The two-page filing lists “irreconcilable differences” but says Kristi could amend the complaint if the couple fails to settle.
Potential grounds listed include adultery, extreme cruelty, willful desertion, willful neglect, habitual intemperance and conviction of a felony. Kristi, 54, has not publicly commented on the split beyond the statement from her lawyers.
Bryon Noem controversy preceded divorce after 34 years
The divorce comes after reports about Bryon’s online activities surfaced in March, shortly after Kristi left her DHS position.
Daily Mail photographs showed Bryon wearing pink shorts and a flesh-colored crop top with exaggerated fake breasts.
The report also described his interactions with women from the “bimbofication” scene and said he had sent at least $25,000 to several models.
One model reportedly identified him after accidentally calling him and hearing a voicemail greeting for Noem Insurance, his business.
A spokesperson for Kristi said she was “devastated” and that the family had been “blindsided.”
President Donald Trump also reacted to the reports, saying, “Wow, well, I feel badly for the family if that's the case, that's too bad.”
By July, Bryon had left the couple’s home in Castlewood, South Dakota, and was living about 20 miles away.
The couple married in 1992 and have three children, Kassidy, 31, Kennedy, 29, and Booker, 23. Their marriage had also faced years of speculation over Kristi’s alleged relationship with longtime adviser Corey Lewandowski.
Both have denied the affair allegations, first reported in September 2023.
During a congressional hearing in March, Kristi declined to say under oath whether she had an affair with Lewandowski.
Bryon was sitting behind her as she was questioned about the deaths of several US citizens killed while protesting ICE.
