Kristi Noem moved to end her 34-year marriage to Bryon Noem months before their divorce became public, with court documents revealing that paperwork was prepared in April, shortly after a highly publicised controversy involving her husband's alleged online fetish activity.
The former US Homeland Security secretary officially filed for divorce in Hamlin County, South Dakota, on 28 September, citing 'irreconcilable differences.' However, documents show her lawyer signed the complaint on 6 April and Bryon acknowledged receiving it two days later, indicating the split had been set in motion months earlier.
The court documents do not state that the controversy surrounding Bryon caused the marriage to end.
Kristi Noem Divorce Papers Date Back to April
The timeline surrounding the Kristi Noem divorce stretches back nearly six months before the court case became public.
According to court records, Noem's lawyer signed the divorce complaint on 6 April. Bryon signed and notarised an admission of service on 8 April, acknowledging that he had received the paperwork.
The complaint was officially filed with the Hamlin County court on 28 September.
Noem's attorney, Michael Sabers, confirmed the dissolution proceedings in a statement, saying: '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.'
Fetish Photo Scandal Emerged Days Earlier
The divorce paperwork came shortly after Bryon became the subject of tabloid reports about his alleged private online activities.
On 31 March, the Daily Mail published photographs that appeared to show Bryon wearing women's clothing and using balloons to create exaggerated breasts.
The outlet also reported that Bryon had communicated with adult performers connected to the online 'bimbofication' fetish community, a form of role-play centred on exaggerated femininity and body modification.
The claims were based partly on photographs and purported private communications. Other outlets have not independently verified all of the material reported by the Daily Mail.
At the time, a spokesperson for Kristi said she was 'devastated' by the revelations.
'The family was blindsided by this, and they ask for privacy and prayers at this time,' the spokesperson said.
Bryon did not publicly address all of the allegations surrounding the photographs, although he denied making comments about his wife that could create a national security concern.
Divorce Filing Cites 'Irreconcilable Differences'
Despite the close timing, Kristi's divorce complaint does not publicly identify Bryon's alleged fetish activity as the reason for the split.
Instead, the former South Dakota governor cited 'irreconcilable differences' as grounds for ending their marriage.
The filing also states that Kristi reserves the right to pursue additional or alternative fault-based grounds if the couple cannot reach a settlement.
Under South Dakota law, the proceedings also trigger a temporary restraining order governing matters including the parties' assets and conduct towards one another while the case is pending.
Kristi Noem's Mother Revealed Divorce Plans in July
The marriage breakdown had already surfaced publicly before the court filing.
Kristi's mother, Corinne Arnold, told the Daily Mail in July that her daughter and Bryon were getting divorced, saying the family had known the separation was coming.
Kristi and Bryon met while attending high school in South Dakota and married on 23 May 1992. They have three adult children, Kassidy, Kennedy and Booker, as well as grandchildren.
Bryon worked in farming and sales before establishing a career in insurance. He became South Dakota's first first gentleman when Kristi took office as the state's first female governor in 2019.
Kristi later served as President Donald Trump's Homeland Security secretary before leaving the post in March 2026. She currently serves as special envoy for the Shield of the Americas initiative.
