Jamie Perkins and Nikki Thot’s relationship began in 2009 through MySpace, when Jamie, a 25-year-old Australian cinematographer, connected with Nikki, a 19-year-old South Sudanese-Australian model. Their bond quickly deepened, and they married about a year later.

Their love story took on a very public life thanks to social media. Jamie’s proposal video—filmed at Federation Square—went viral, and their wedding video also racked up millions of views. They launched a YouTube channel where they documented their family life: parenting, culture, and daily moments. According to Jamie, they didn’t start vlogging for fame—it was just a way to preserve memories.

Although the public saw a happy, viral family, their private life faced real challenges. Nikki grew up with a modest, private family in Australia, and her rise in the spotlight created tension between her personal values and public image. Meanwhile, as their social media presence grew, the couple faced criticism: Nikki endured harsh comments on her beauty channel, and Jamie was occasionally met with suspicion (even from strangers) about his relationship to their biracial daughters.

In August 2019, Jamie and Nikki announced they were separating after six years of marriage. Though the split was made public then, their private separation reportedly started earlier, and the divorce wasn’t finalized until March 2023.

Jamie later released a YouTube video detailing his side of the breakup: he made serious allegations, including emotional abuse, violence, and infidelity. He said he had been living in fear for a long time and revealed that after the split, he was diagnosed with PTSD, “situational depression,” and severe social anxiety. He also claimed that early on in their marriage, he discovered Nikki was secretly in contact with an ex-boyfriend.

Nikki responded on Instagram, calling Jamie’s account “very disappointing” and accusing him of trying to “slander” her reputation. She said she’d kept quiet initially to protect their daughters, but felt compelled to speak out after Jamie went public.

Today, both are living separate lives. Jamie describes himself as a single father, YouTuber, and car enthusiast who’s focused on being the best dad to their two daughters, Ava (born 2016) and Zoe (born 2018). Nikki continues modeling and content creation, and the pair co-parent while navigating the aftermath of their once-very-public marriage.