When Jamie Perkins, a blonde cinematographer with blue eyes, and Nikki Thot, a dark-skinned South Sudanese-Australian model, first met, their love story seemed like a modern fairy tale. Together, they built a life full of adventure, social media fame, and beautiful children. But after years of sharing their lives online, their relationship took an unexpected turn, leading to a divorce that surprised many.
How Did Jamie and Nikki Meet?
Nikki and Jamie’s paths crossed back in 2009 on MySpace, a platform that feels nostalgic now. At the time, Nikki was already a rising star in the modeling world, signed by one of the biggest agencies, IMG, and making a name for herself in New York. Jamie, on the other hand, was a 25-year-old cinematographer stepping into the music video production scene.
By 2010, just a year after meeting, they were married. In January 2016, they welcomed their first daughter, Ava, and in March 2018, their second daughter, Zoe, joined the family. The couple also had a dog, Louis, adding even more joy to their growing family.
Together, they became influencers, quickly gaining a significant social media presence and even starting a YouTube channel to document their lives. Their followers grew into millions, and they gained recognition for sharing family moments with their audience.
The Viral Proposal
One of their most memorable moments came when Jamie proposed to Nikki in a grand, viral way. Inspired by the proposal videos they’d both seen online, Jamie decided to take things to the next level. He created a proposal video that played on the large screens in Federation Square, Melbourne, and captured Nikki’s reaction. The video quickly gained attention, racking up 4.6 million likes. It was this proposal that sparked their journey into vlogging, which resonated with thousands of fans worldwide.
Their wedding video garnered even more attention, with 8 million likes, but Jamie emphasized that it was never about the views. “We’re just having fun, and it’ll be great to look back in 10-20 years and see what we were doing,” Jamie shared in an interview.
Nikki’s Background and Family Dynamics
Unlike their daughters, Nikki’s childhood was much quieter and less public. Born in Khartoum, Sudan, Nikki moved to Australia with her family when she was just four years old. Growing up in Melbourne, Nikki faced some challenges due to her South Sudanese heritage but largely felt accepted in her community.
“I never really got bullied for my skin,” she said in an interview. “The only time I was made to feel different was from my own people because I’m darker than my mum.”
Her parents expected her to pursue a stable career like medicine or law, but Nikki followed her own path, choosing modeling and vlogging. This decision caused some tension with her family, who preferred privacy, especially her father, who was initially resistant to the spotlight. Nikki recalls a funny moment when her dad, who always kept a low profile, was recognized by fans while riding the train.
As Nikki’s public career grew, so did the conversations about her skin color. Both she and Jamie often found themselves facing judgment and criticism about their interracial relationship and the way they raised their children. Nikki’s beauty and family vlogs attracted a range of comments—while many on the family channel celebrated diversity, the beauty channel attracted more negative, harsh feedback.
The Breakup and Divorce
By 2023, Nikki and Jamie’s once-idyllic relationship faced serious challenges. In a YouTube video, Jamie opened up about the difficulties he’d faced in his marriage, revealing that the couple had actually separated in 2019 but only finalized their divorce four years later. He spoke candidly about the abuse, infidelity, and personal struggles he endured during their time together, even sharing how he had been diagnosed with PTSD, depression, and severe anxiety post-split.
“The reason Nikki and I broke up was I discovered she had been unfaithful,” Jamie explained. “She had been secretly keeping in contact with her ex-boyfriend, and I had been warned about him.”
Nikki responded on Instagram, expressing disappointment and calling out her ex-husband for attempting to slander her. She denied the allegations and explained that she had hoped to keep things private for the sake of their daughters.
Today, Jamie continues to work as an influencer, describing himself as a YouTuber, car lover, and single father. “I’m just trying to be the best dad I can be,” he says, focusing on raising his daughters Ava and Zoe.
Moving Forward
Despite the turmoil in their personal lives, Jamie and Nikki’s primary focus remains their daughters. The two girls, now 6 and 8, continue to be the center of their worlds. While their parents’ relationship may have changed, their love for their children has never wavered.
As they move forward separately, both Jamie and Nikki are navigating their own paths. Jamie continues to share his life with followers, while Nikki, though no longer married to Jamie, remains a fixture in the influencer world. The family has faced its share of challenges, but one thing remains clear: their dedication to their daughters and their desire to create happy, lasting memories will always be a priority.
Their story, though filled with ups and downs, is one of resilience and growth. As they embrace new chapters in their lives, we wish them all the best in their continued journey, with brighter days ahead for both Nikki, Jamie, and their two beautiful children.
Sophia Reynolds is a dedicated journalist and a key contributor to Storyoftheday24.com. With a passion for uncovering compelling stories, Sophia Reynolds delivers insightful, well-researched news across various categories. Known for breaking down complex topics into engaging and accessible content, Sophia Reynolds has built a reputation for accuracy and reliability. With years of experience in the media industry, Sophia Reynolds remains committed to providing readers with timely and trustworthy news, making them a respected voice in modern journalism.
