Why did Monica Garcia and Mike Fowler get divorced? 'RHOSLC' Season 4 star reveals 'real reason' for their split-up
SAL LAKE CITY, UTAH: Monica Garcia, a newbie on Season 4 of 'The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City,' has recently revealed that the "real reason" behind her divorce from ex-husband Mike Fowler was domestic abuse.
Despite speculations among fans suggesting that the divorce occurred due to an alleged affair with her brother-in-law, Jared Taylor, the reality star has debunked such rumors and provided insight into the actual reasons for their separation.
Monica took to Instagram and wrote a lengthy note revealing that she and Mike got divorced because of his domestic violence.
The Bravo show star revealed that Mike was arrested multiple times for getting physical with her, even in front of their daughters. She wrote, "I have received several questions about my divorce. Yes, the affair happened over a decade ago."
Monica clarified, stating, "No, that is not the reason for our divorce." The reality star emphasized that she aimed to raise awareness about domestic violence when she joined 'RHOSLC' and had hoped to address it on the show to provide a clearer understanding of her current life circumstances.
She went on to reveal, "The reason for our divorce was because of domestic violence."
Monica continued, sharing, "My ex was arrested a couple of times for domestic violence against me, in front of our girls and for violations of protective orders."
Addressing other women facing similar challenges, she aimed to provide support and solidarity, saying, "I am with you. I hope you see that you can move on from this horrible situation and begin to give your children a better life away from those circumstances."
She emphasized that there is life after abuse, emphasizing that it wasn't the victim's fault and reassuring them that there are supportive communities ready to help.
Monica further addressed the issue of domestic violence in the caption and provided a hotline for her fans and followers who may be in need.
How many kids do Monica Garcia and Mike Fowler have?
'RHOSLC' Season 4 star Monica Garcia shares three daughters, Jaidyn, 13, West, 7, and Kendall, 6 with her ex-husband, Mike Fowler. The couple was married in 2009 and filed for divorce in 2013.
Monica also has a daughter named Bri, aged 17, whom she shares with her first ex-husband. Mike adopted Bri when she was young. In an episode of 'RHOSLC,' Monica disclosed that she began dating Mike when Bri was 1 and asserted that he had consistently been there for her eldest daughter.
Monica initiated her first divorce filing from Mike in December 2013, citing irreconcilable differences.
However, this divorce filing was dismissed in January 2015. Subsequently, following the latest divorce filing, Mike was mandated to pay $2,636 per month in child support for Monica's four daughters.
Monica Garcia's ex-communicated after her affair with brother-in-law Jared Taylor
Monica Garcia found herself dissatisfied in her marriage when she initiated a romantic involvement with her brother-in-law, Jared Taylor.
The reality star specified that Jared is the husband of her now ex-husband Mike's sister. Jared, a 42-year-old fire chief from Ogden, Utah, became a central figure in Monica's personal life during this period.
In Season 4 of 'RHOSLC,' Monica reflected on her affair and the severe backlash she faced after openly admitting to infidelity in her marriage.
During a shopping trip with Heather Gay, Monica disclosed that she f****d her brother-in-law for a period of 18 months. Additionally, she revealed that she confessed the affair to her church's bishop due to feelings of guilt.
Monica experienced immediate exclusion, being "shunned from everyone and literally unwelcome everywhere," leading to her ex-communication from the church in the aftermath of the cheating scandal.
The reality star characterized the affair as "truly one of the worst experiences of my life." Interestingly, Monica's brother-in-law did not face the same consequences and continued to remain a part of the church community.
Will Monica Garcia return in 'RHOSLC' Season 5?
Monica Garcia's future in 'The Real Housewives Of Sal Lake City' Season 5 appears to be currently unknown.
The reality star made her television debut with Season 4 of the Bravo show in 2023 and unfolded shocking drama in just one installment.
Additionally, the reality star was kicked off the cast trip in Bermuda during the explosive finale, after her co-star Heather Gay exposed her as the person behind the Instagram account 'Reality Von Tease.'
The remaining cast members, including Meredith Marks, Angie Katsanevas, Lisa Barlow, and Whitney Rose, also turned against Monica after discovering that she had been trolling them through the social media page, spreading rumors about them for the past three years.
However, after the finale aired on January 2, 2024, Monica, herself, addressed Season 5 during an Instagram Live.
During the session, a fan asked Monica, "Are you going to be on next season or has that not been decided yet?" The reality star responded, "I have not been asked back yet. I have no idea, so I do not know yet."