Overview
- Uncloseted Media published a June 23 podcast episode in which dominatrix Shy Sotomayor says she had a nine-year online relationship with Bryon Noem and that he messaged her as recently as May 17, writing, "I've been a really bad boy."
- Sotomayor estimates Bryon paid her between $35,000 and $45,000 over the years and alleges he used business phones and PayPal under his name for some transactions.
- Uncloseted Media says it reviewed texts and audio in which Bryon asked to be called "Crystal," used she/her pronouns, and told Sotomayor, "I will be your trans girl," and he discussed wanting surgeries and hormone treatment.
- Sotomayor recounts a January call when a woman interrupted asking, "Who are you talking to?" and earlier tabloid reporting published cross-dressing photos and messages that first brought the matter to light; Kristi Noem's representative previously said the family was "devastated" and "blindsided."
- News outlets caution that the account and materials are source-driven and not fully independently verified, and if proven true the claims could have legal, privacy, and reputational consequences for the Noems.