Jen Hatmaker, an HGTV star, revealed how “sexual shame” influenced her marriage to ex-husband Brandon, 53. Speaking candidly on “The Jamie Kern Lima Show,” she explained that beliefs introduced to her in youth had long-lasting effects on her intimate life and marital bond.
Jen Hatmaker Shares How ‘Sexual Shame’ Affected Marriage to Brandon

Key Takeaways:
- Jen Hatmaker revealed how purity culture shaped her views on sex and intimacy.
- She developed “sexual shame” in her youth and carried it into her marriage.
- Hatmaker is 51, and Brandon is 53.
- She discussed her experiences on “The Jamie Kern Lima Show.”
- The story was first published by Usmagazine on October 2, 2025.
A Culture of Shame
Jen Hatmaker, known for her work as an HGTV personality, has opened up about her experiences growing up in a setting where purity culture heavily influenced ideas about sex and intimacy. She explained that these early messages instilled a sense of shame, affecting her perspective on what was acceptable or appropriate within relationships.
Reflecting on Marriage
At 51, Hatmaker now looks back on how this mindset impacted her relationship with her ex-husband, Brandon, who is 53. She admits that the “sexual shame” she carried from her formative years did not simply vanish when she married. Instead, it shaped her understanding of intimacy and created barriers in the marriage that ultimately contributed to their struggles.
Speaking Out on “The Jamie Kern Lima Show”
Hatmaker shared these reflections on a recent episode of “The Jamie Kern Lima Show.” She spoke candidly about the internal battles that arose from trying to reconcile deep-seated beliefs with the realities of marital life. The open conversation revealed the emotional weight of coping with purity-based teachings that, she says, left a powerful mark on her approach to intimacy.
Lasting Implications
By bringing her story to light, Jen Hatmaker draws attention to how youth-centered messages about purity can affect adult relationships. Her interview underscores how beliefs formed during adolescence can resonate for decades, influencing one’s sense of self and, in her case, contributing to a painful chapter in her marriage. Though she reflects on these experiences in hindsight, Hatmaker’s story may encourage broader dialogue on the nuances and repercussions of purity culture in modern relationships.