Selling Sunset star Chelsea Lazkani‘s estranged husband, Jeff Lazkani, is telling his “side of the truth” about their divorce.
“I have sat idly by for the past two years and witnessed misinformation about me, my marriage and my life. I’ve been hounded by the press, unwilling to give a statement that can be manipulated into more untruths,” Jeff wrote in a lengthy Instagram statement published on Thursday, December 4. “Now I see all the twisted comments and the press starting with more false statements, inflating stories so they can put pen to paper and drive viewership, no matter the cost or detriment to one’s family.”
Jeff made it clear that he’s “never” been interviewed following their split and slammed the hate he’s received from “perfect strangers” who watch Selling Sunset.
“It astounds me how notions based on a reality TV show grow like poisonous mold on a wet wall,” he continued. “I am compelled to make a statement because I see strangers I’ve never met standing up for me and strangers I’ve never met send me hate mail to help ease whatever demons they are fighting in their own mind, because negative energy somehow gives them peace.”
Selling Sunset’s Chelsea Lazkani Hinted at Personal Issues Before Divorce
Jeff made it clear that he wanted to “speak my truth” to “correct the falsities that exist” about his and Chelsea’s split.
Us Weekly confirmed in March 2024 that Chelsea had filed for divorce from Jeff after seven years of marriage. The two share kids Maddox, born in January 2019, and Melia, born in November 2020.
“Our relationship started out as a true love story, I loved and respected Chelsea and her family, and still do to this day,” he wrote. “She and I cocreated two of the most special humans on earth, for which I feel eternally grateful.”
Jeff continued his post by sharing “the facts” about their split.
First, he clarified that reality TV is filmed “months” before it airs. While he didn’t mention Selling Sunset by name, Jeff wrote that “reality TV is not real.” He also called out editors and producers.
“Their mission is to create drama because that’s how they make money,” Jeff claimed. “It does not matter to them who they destroy in the process.”
Jeff admitted that he was “a bit naïve and got caught up with the popularity” from the show.
“Once I experienced how it all worked from behind the scenes, I realized how contrived and toxic the environment was, and retreated,” Jeff added, clarifying that he and Chelsea are in “a good place” and are focused on coparenting their two kids.
“Chelsea and I share 50/50 custody of our children and live a few blocks from each other, and yes, I do provide support for my children financially, which was a misstatement of the truth during the recent SS reunion show. I will always look out for the best interest of my children,” he wrote, addressing Chelsea’s claim during the Selling Sunset season 9 reunion that she receives no child support.
Selling Sunset’s Chelsea Lazkani and Jeff Lazkani’s Relationship Timeline
Jeff also denied that there was infidelity in his and Chelsea’s marriage. (Selling Sunset aired a scene in season 8 that showed Bre Tiesi telling Chelsea that Jeff had allegedly cheated.)
“This turned into a blown-up scheme that mislead [sic] millions of viewers, and the press to make up cheating stories and painted me as the villain, everything a good story line needs,” he claimed. “Let’s just say that my marriage with Chelsea ended long before any of the allegations came to a reality TV show, for our own personal reasons.”
Jeff added, “Good marriages sometimes turn, and it was unfortunate. We both tried to make it work, but our love story came to an end. Chelsea and I do not hate each other, and I will always be connected to her because we share what matters most, the two wonderful humans that we created together.”
Jeff concluded wishing followers a happy new year and confirmed that he has officially moved on from Chelsea. It has been reported that Jeff is in a relationship with Elena MiIentigievits. (While their divorce has not yet been finalized, Chelsea and Jeff were declared legally single in December 2024.)
“No amount of hateful posts or comments will change that. Chelsea and I have moved on, and we are both free to pursue love and happiness, and I truly wish that for her,” he said. “We are both happy in a healthy co-parenting relationship, and that takes work. When everything is boiled down, it is all about our kids.”
Us Weekly has reached out to Chelsea and Netflix for comment.
