The love story of Jamie Perkins and Nikki Thot was once the picture of a modern fairy tale, full of love and excitement. When blonde, blue-eyed Jamie married the dark-skinned model Nikki, the couple seemed like they were the perfect match. Together, they had two beautiful children – but their journey hasn’t been without its challenges.
How Jamie and Nikki Met
Nikki and Jamie’s story began in 2009, when they first connected on the early social media platform MySpace. At the time, 19-year-old Nikki was already a successful South Sudanese-Australian model, signed with one of the biggest agencies in the world, IMG. Jamie, at 25, was just starting out as a cinematographer in the world of music video production.
Their connection grew, and by 2010, they were married. The couple welcomed their first daughter, Ava, in January 2016, followed by their second daughter, Zoe, in March 2018. They also had a dog, Louis, completing their family.
Social Media Fame
Nikki and Jamie quickly built up a strong social media presence, particularly on YouTube, where they documented their family life. What started as a way to share their journey with friends and family turned into an international sensation, with millions of followers tuning in to watch their lives unfold.
Their big breakthrough came when Jamie proposed to Nikki in a grand gesture that would go viral. He created a video that played in Federation Square, Melbourne, where Nikki sat to watch. The video, intended for family, quickly amassed 4.6 million likes. The couple’s wedding video performed even better, garnering eight million likes.
Despite the viral success, Jamie emphasized that the couple’s goal wasn’t about the views or likes but about sharing moments for themselves and their fans. “We’re just having fun,” Jamie said in a 2018 interview with Daily Mail Australia.
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The Ups and Downs of Life
While their social media presence grew, the family was not without their struggles. Nikki’s upbringing was in stark contrast to the public life she later embraced. Growing up in Melbourne with her South Sudanese heritage, Nikki was never made to feel different because of her skin color. However, once she entered the public eye, her appearance and their interracial relationship became frequent topics of conversation.
Despite the scrutiny, Nikki faced the challenges of building her career as a model and YouTuber. She often found herself caught between her desire to be in the public eye and her family’s preference for privacy. “When I first started vlogging, my family avoided the camera,” Nikki said, describing how her father was once shocked to be recognized by her followers while on a train.
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The Divorce and Aftermath
By 2023, the couple, once seemingly inseparable, parted ways. Jamie publicly announced their separation, explaining that they had actually separated in 2019, but the divorce wasn’t finalized until years later. The revelation came after Jamie shared a deeply personal YouTube video, where he spoke about his struggles, including what he described as “abuse,” “violence,” and infidelity during their marriage.
In the video, Jamie opened up about his trauma and mental health challenges following the breakdown of his marriage, revealing he had been living in fear for a long time. He also claimed that Nikki had been unfaithful, citing her secret communications with an ex-boyfriend as one of the reasons for their split.
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Nikki responded to the accusations on her Instagram, expressing disappointment in her ex-husband and calling the claims a slander of her character. She addressed the public drama, stating that she had no contact with Jamie after he posted the video and that she was trying to protect their daughters by keeping things private.
Life Today
Despite the ups and downs, Jamie and Nikki remain focused on their roles as parents. Today, Ava is 6 and Zoe is 8, and both girls are thriving. Jamie continues to work as an influencer and single parent, emphasizing his role as a dad in his social media presence. “I’m just trying to be the best dad I can be,” he says.
Though Nikki and Jamie have gone their separate ways, they continue to support their daughters and navigate their individual journeys. Nikki remains active in the modeling world, while Jamie has embraced his role as a single father, focusing on providing for his daughters and maintaining a positive family dynamic.
A New Chapter for the Family
The road ahead may have been rocky, but Nikki and Jamie’s resilience as parents shines through. They have both experienced growth and are learning to navigate life in new ways, for the sake of their children. Their story is a reminder of the challenges that can come with living in the public eye, but also the importance of family, love, and self-care.
We wish them all the best as they continue on their respective journeys, raising their daughters with love and creating new memories along the way. Here’s to a future full of growth, healing, and happiness for the whole family!