You know what they say: the only thing messier than a friend group on Bravo is a divorce on Bravo. Well, at least that is what I say. And The Valley’s Jesse Lally and Michelle Saniei are proving that truth week after week. And now, in July 2025, fans are wondering: what’s the holdup?
From alleged filing errors to financial accusations and a surprisingly civil season finale, the drama between Jesse and Michelle is far from over. If anything, their split may be the most complicated storyline on The Valley. And that’s saying something in a cast full of exes, influencers, and real estate agents who treat open houses like confessionals. Let’s break down why this divorce is still dragging and whether these two might be stuck in legal limbo longer than they were married.
Why is Jesse Lally and Michelle Saniei’s divorce stalled?
During the most recent episode of The Valley, Jesse reveals his divorce process with Michelle has come to a standstill. According to the father of one, his estranged wife might have been in such a rush to get away that she filled out the wrong paperwork. For Jesse and Michelle, this means starting to divorce from scratch. However, once he is served, he is not able to make any changes to his finances. And this is where Michelle is hung up. She claimed that Jesse took out a loan in his name and is now in debt.
While the couple announced their split way back in 2024, just in time for The Valley’s debut season, the legal paperwork remains unresolved, and neither party has confirmed an official divorce decree. Sadly, the delay isn’t just about hurt feelings or reality TV edits. It’s logistical. Between filming schedules, co-parenting negotiations, and what appears to be a battle over finances, the process has been slower than a Schwartz tequila order. It’s a Bravo divorce. This means that everything is public, performative, and potentially plot-driven. Either way, something (or someone) is putting the brakes on this breakup.
Did Michelle file the wrong paperwork?
Here’s where things get even messier. On The Valley: After Show, Jesse shared in April that they should have been divorced by April 2024. However, a mediator “messed up” the process by not filing the proper paperwork in time. He now admits that they are nowhere close to finalizing the end of their marriage. But Michelle had her own opinion. She claimed that Jesse was intentionally “trying to prolong” the proceedings.
At the time, she stated, “A part of me thinks that he does it because he does not want me to remarry. He’s like, ya know, let’s just do this forever so that she can’t move on and get married and have kids again.” Bravo fans, of course, are eating this up. Some think Michelle may have rushed the filing in a bid to control the narrative and possibly secure a more favorable edit. Others think it was just poor legal advice. Either way, the mistake is now part of the story. And if you’re going to divorce on camera, you better get the paperwork right. Or at least have your assistant double-check it.
Michelle accused Jesse of high debt
As if the filing drama weren’t enough, Michelle dropped a financial bombshell in the recent episode. She accused Jesse of racking up massive debt behind her back during their marriage. The moment sent shockwaves through the group chat and left Jesse red-faced and fumbling for a response. Jesse spoke to Us Weekly, noting, “We lived a really great life, and we continue to live that life. The real estate market slowed down in 2023 and 2024, and we’re both really at fault. This idea that I was spending all of our money on wine — that’s a lot of wine for very little storage in my little cellar, my wine fridges.”
But the damage was done and not just to their reputation. Michelle accused Jesse of being gifted money from other men. In one episode, she said, “People deposit money to you. I have proof,” she said. “Why is a gay guy sending you money?” On The Valley, trust is harder to find than a functioning friendship group and if Jesse was blowing through money while Michelle was planning influencer brunches, it’s no wonder she wants answers before cutting the final cord
The season finale shows Jesse and Michelle working together
In a plot twist no one saw coming, the season finale of The Valley will end with Jesse and Michelle working together. The vibe was surprisingly calm. Naturally, fans are divided. Some see it as a sign of maturity and co-parenting progress. Others are convinced it’s just another Bravo façade. We’re not betting on a romantic reunion anytime soon, but in Bravoland, never say never.
The Valley is available to stream on Peacock and Hayu in the UK and Ireland.
TELL US – WHEN DO YOU THINK JESSE AND MICHELLE WILL BE ABLE TO MOVE ON?
