’90 Day Fiance’ couple Michael Jessen and Juliana Custodio de Sousa finalize their divorce

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90 Day Fiance couple Michael Jessen and Juliana Custodio de Sousa have officially ended their marriage and are divorced.

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Michael and Juliana’s divorce was finalized on May 19 with the dissolution being uncontested by either party, In Touch Weeklyreported.

RELATED LINK: ’90 DAY FIANCE’ COUPLES NOW: WHO IS STILL TOGETHER? WHO HAS SPLIT? WHERE ARE THEY NOW? (PHOTOS)

“Tomorrow two people will be celebrating that I am finally out of their life for good,” Michael reportedly wrote on Instagram Stories one day before a judge made the ruling.

“And they will move on… And will I… Myself, I will not be celebrating, but I will continue to live life with many new lessons learned and much more wisdom gained.”

Juliana filed for divorce, requesting the “dissolution of marriage,” from Michael on Valentine’s Day in February 2022 in Bridgeport, CT.

Juliana’s attorney Renee C. Bauer told In Touch in a statement, “Juliana is looking forward to her next chapter and putting this behind her as amicably as possible.”

Reports swirled in January 2022 that Juliana had cheated on Michael with his ex-wife Sarah Naso’s husband Sean Naso, an aspiring hip-hop artist, while the entire family lived together during the coronavirus pandemic in September 2021.

A source told In Touch that an eyewitness had allegedly caught Juliana “making out” with Sean “in the kitchen” of the Connecticut home they had shared with Michael and Sarah and the former spouses’ two children, Max and Cece.

The alleged kiss reportedly happened during a farewell party for Juliana, who was still married to Michael at the time and was preparing for a trip to Europe.

Given Juliana announced her pregnancy with new boyfriend Ben Obscura in November 2021 — just one month after she and Michael confirmed their split — the source claimed Sarah had questioned the baby’s paternity and whether Ben is actually the father.

Sarah “thought the baby belonged to Sean” because of the alleged affair, an insider told the magazine.

Juliana allegedly announced her new romance and pregnancy only 24 hours after Michael had attempted to win the Brazilian model back.

RELATED LINK: ’90 DAY FIANCE’ COUPLES NOW

“[Michael] asked her to give their marriage another chance and asked for six months of therapy,” the source said, adding that Juliana’s public announcements were seemingly “in response” to Michael’s phone calls and efforts.

Michael was reportedly “in shock and devastated” to find out Juliana had allegedly cheated on him.

“He didn’t want to believe that Juliana would stoop that low and betray his trust,” the source said.

It also reportedly hurt Michael to have learned about Juliana’s pregnancy when “everyone else in the world did” on social media, according to the insider.

“Michael was physically ill and wept,” the source claimed about his reaction to the baby news.

And the insider added that Michael was “stunned” and “felt dizzy with confusion and disbelief.”

RELATED LINK: ‘MARRIED AT FIRST SIGHT’ COUPLES NOW: WHO IS STILL TOGETHER? WHO BROKE UP? WHERE ARE THEY NOW? (PHOTOS)

However, Juliana has firmly denied both cheating on Michael with Sean and speculation she’s expecting Sean’s baby.

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Juliana told In Touch that she has “confirmation” that Ben is the father of her child.

“It’s really sad that this family has nothing to use against me and they are using my baby and making these stories about me,” Juliana said in a January statement.

“I hope I never have to hear or see these people again.”

Ben was the person to first announce Juliana’s pregnancy late last year.

He wrote on Instagram in November, “Baby on the way! [Heart emoji],” alongside a picture of the couple embracing.

“A new adventure is about to begin! We are super excited and we can’t wait to welcome our new addition into the family!”

He added in his post, “Babyzinho we can’t wait to meet you! We are now preparing for the most beautiful blessing we could ask for! The best is yet to come! [Heart emoji].”

Juliana commented on the post with three red-heart emojis followed by emojis of a pregnant woman and a mother breastfeeding her baby.

A confused or skeptical fan asked Juliana flat out in the comments, “You pregnant?”

And Juliana replied, “Yes.”

One day later, Juliana made a post of her own — a slideshow of photos that showed the model and Ben kissing, smiling and enjoying a nice dinner out.

“So excited for our new adventure. Words aren’t enough to tell you how wonderful you are, I’m forever grateful for the happiness and joy you have brought into my life, and for [making] one of my biggest dream come true. We can’t wait to meet you,” Juliana wrote.

“I am the luckiest woman to be able to call you mine @ben_obscura. Pls: if you have nothing good to say, please just leave.”

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Juliana first reportedly commented one of Ben’s Instagram posts on October 7, 2021, and Michael — who appeared on Season 7 of 90 Day Fiance with Juliana — proceeded to announce his breakup from Juliana on October 12.

After weeks of breakup speculation prompted by their social-media activity, Michael took to Instagram at the time and revealed he and Juliana were divorcing and his “heart is broken.”

“A quick break from my social media break to say… #HappyAnniversary @julianacustodiooo,” Michael began.

After posting multiple heart, cake and champagne emojis, Michael continued, “Today is only our second wedding anniversary and, sadly, our last.”

RELATED LINK: ’90 DAY FIANCE: BEFORE THE 90 DAYS’ COUPLES NOW: WHO IS STILL TOGETHER? WHO HAS SPLIT? WHERE ARE THEY NOW? (PHOTOS)

The Connecticut native described his split from Juliana as “a COVID-19 casualty” that won’t be showing up in any statistics.

Michael went on to address Juliana and wrote, “Thankfully, you are quickly emerging healthier and stronger than ever. Some of the rest of us will likely be staying in intensive care for quite some time.”

Michael complimented his estranged wife by calling her resilient, independent and strong, but then he added, “I understand how our situation throughout the pandemic could slowly, and eventually completely, drain you of these qualities.”

“All of us were completely drained by the end of it and I did not maintain the strength of mind and the fortitude to be the husband that you wanted me to be.”

Michael admitted he was under great “stress” and “pressure” to take care of his family last year and he did not recognize at the time just how much Juliana had been there for him.

“I do not blame you for wanting to leave and for desiring a new start. You are more suited for the life that you had before we met and I can understand why you would want to return,” Michael wrote.

Michael insisted Juliana’s happiness “is more important” to him than being a part of her “unhappiness.”

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“My love for you remains true and will always be there for you. I am happy that you have moved on and have quickly found someone new,” Michael revealed, suggesting Juliana had already found a new boyfriend.

“I hope that you will have lasting love and happiness and achieve every dream that you set out upon. If anyone can do it, it is you, and I will always be rooting for you. I will remain with you in the wonderful memories that we shared together.”

Juliana subsequently posted a statement of her own, claiming Michael had lied about why they’re divorcing.

Juliana insisted she had been the one supporting Michael financially and she “felt like a maid” in their house.

Juliana wrote to Michael, “You pointed [out] the COVID-19 as one of the reasons we are [no] longer together, but we all know that there are more than that.”

“I am grateful for all the lessons and the moments we got to spend together and the beautiful memories with your family. As [you well] pointed out, we went through a lot together, the Covid was a hard time but the hardest part for me was to picture you as someone that would be by my side, and unfortunately, you showed something completely different.”

Juliana insisted she had done everything to keep Michael’s family afloat during the coronavirus pandemic.

According to In Touch, the home Michael and Juliana shared in Connecticut when they were married was under threat of foreclosure prior to their split. Michael was later approved for the Foreclosure Mediation Program in July 2021.

As shown on a May 2020 episode of 90 Day Fiance: Self-Quarantined on TLC, Michael and Juliana began quarantining in March 2020 with Sarah, Sean, Max and Cece.

RELATED LINK: ’90 DAY FIANCE: HAPPILY EVER AFTER?’ COUPLES NOW: WHO IS STILL TOGETHER? WHO HAS SPLIT? WHERE ARE THEY NOW? (PHOTOS)

Sarah had been diagnosed with a rare form of breast cancer in February 2020, and so the blended family decided to support one another — although the living situation was a little hectic and became overwhelming at times, especially for Juliana, who confessed she was “frustrated” about constantly having to stay home.

“As everyone, we went through a hard time financially, but it was not a problem for me to help you, the kids, ex wife and her husband financially because I was the only one working at the time, but we all know how the situation wears out,” Juliana wrote in October 2021.

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“I wasn’t part of the family anymore, I was feeling like a maid. It was toxic to a point. I was not living the life I wanted to live.”

Juliana, who moved to the United States in Summer 2019 and married Michael in October of that year, apparently lost sight of her own wants and needs in the relationship.

“I needed to leave because I wasn’t recognizing who I am anymore. I left my life in Europe and career to live with you, because I loved you. But I love myself more, to the point to recognize I am important, and I want to be happy,” Juliana explained.

Juliana, however, refused to acknowledge she had already moved on and begun dating “someone new.”

“You say I have found ‘someone new,’ but the truth is, I found happiness within myself. I am happy with the new phase, and I ask you to let me go,” Juliana insisted.

She continued, “Stop making me feel guilty to put myself as the most important person because this is how we [are] supposed to do [things]. I apologize for the way this happened, but we talked multiple times about it and you never seemed to listen or try to understand me.”

Juliana went on to tell her followers that you must be happy in a relationship and stand up for yourself.

“Don’t [be] afraid to live your best life because you’re afraid of what people will think,” Juliana explained.

“You are the only person that [knows] what you’ve been through. Everyone deserves respect, protection, understanding, love and kindness. Your value doesn’t decrease based on someone’s inability to see your worth.”

Juliana insisted that someone who values you would never put themselves “in a position to lose you,” and no one should ever be afraid to start over.

On September 30, 2021, Michael posted a picture with his daughter on Instagram and answered a few questions about his relationship status at the time.

When an Instagram user asked if it’s true Juliana had cheated on him, Michael replied, “I hope not!”

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And another follower asked Michael, “Did you divorce or not?”

Michael firmly replied, “No.”

Juliana had alluded to a breakup with Michael in a series of September TikTok videos. Michael and the kids did not appear in any of her videos, and she complained about having to do all the grocery shopping.

Juliana was previously married once before. She said on a 90 Day Fiance episode she had felt pressure to enter an arranged marriage at age 19 and the union only lasted for one year.

As for Michael, he had been married to Sarah for 20 years prior to Sarah officiating his wedding with Juliana. And Sarah tied the knot with Sean in November 2019.

Juliana and Sarah ultimately became very close friends and got along well, and they made sure Michael’s children were being raised in a loving environment with no hostility or resentment.

During an April 2020 broadcast of Tamron Hall, Tamron videochatted with Michael, Juliana, Sarah and Sean, while they were all quarantining under one roof in Greenwich, CT.

Sarah said she and her husband were planning a move to Los Angeles, CA, soon, and Michael was happy about his entire family being together, despite the group having little altercations here or there.

Michael said there was no jealousy or rivalry between Juliana and Sarah, but he revealed how COVID-19 had a negative impact on Juliana’s blossoming career.

“Juliana is just on the cusp of getting modeling jobs. She signed with a really great agency in New York City, and then suddenly, this happens and it’s frustrating for her,” Michael said.

But Juliana and Michael agreed at the time their marriage hadn’t crumbled under the stress of quarantining because Juliana was being “very patient.”

When asked to share the most difficult part of self-isolating together, Juliana joked, “Him having to see my face every day.”

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“I love that!” Michael responded with a laugh, before Juliana admitted the hardest part was having to do all the housework solo.

Michael appeared in distress based on Juliana’s comment, so she kissed him on the cheek and assured him, “I love you. It’s okay! I know you do everything, like pay the bills.”

Juliana had also shared how she didn’t miss her old life in Brazil.

“To be honest, not really, because I always wanted to work to have a family in the future,” Juliana told Tamron. “And now I have a family, so it’s my dream come true.”

RELATED LINK: ’90 DAY FIANCE’ COUPLES NOW: WHO IS STILL TOGETHER? WHO HAS SPLIT? WHERE ARE THEY NOW? (PHOTOS)

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About The Author:
Elizabeth Kwiatkowski

Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

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