Makenna ‘Kenna’ Hagemeyer, a 21-year-old woman from Utah, revealed on TikTok that she discovered her husband, Eli Hagemeyer, was her cousin after dating for six months.
Despite the revelation, the couple proceeded to get married, capturing the attention of social media users. In a video set to “Sweet Home Alabama,” referencing the state where first cousin marriage is legal, Kenna shared their story. The confession sparked a mix of reactions, with some expressing horror and others making jokes about saving money on a family reunion and wedding. Kenna later addressed comments, stating her husband initially wanted to keep it a secret.
Mixed Reactions and Public Disclosure
While the video portrayed the couple as blissfully happy, viewers had varying responses to the revelation. Some criticized the situation, associating it with incest, while others made light-hearted comments. Kenna received numerous comments advising her to keep such personal information private, emphasizing the risks associated with inbreeding. In response to questions about their level of relatedness, Kenna later clarified that they were distantly related but not first cousins. She highlighted the legal aspects, stating that although marrying first cousins is illegal in Utah unless certain criteria are met, it is legal in Florida, where they reside.
Legal Aspects and Follow-up Explanation
In the United States, laws regarding cousin marriages vary by state. While 19 states and the District of Columbia allow marriages between first cousins, Utah restricts it unless both parties are 55 years or older and unable to reproduce. In Kenna’s case, their legal marriage took place in Florida, where such marriages are permitted. Kenna later addressed the public response in a follow-up video, urging viewers to “chill” and emphasizing that they are distantly related. She acknowledged forgetting about the TikTok controversy for a few weeks and clarified the nature of their relationship without providing additional details about their bloodline.