That’s the end. Michael Jessen and Juliana Custodio, who tied the knot after appearing on season 7 of 90 Day Fiancé, have split, he revealed via Instagram on Tuesday, October 12.
The Connecticut native, 46, shared a photo from his wedding to Custodio, 23, with a lengthy caption.
“A quick break from my social media break to say…. #HappyAnniversary @julianacustodiooo ♥️♥️🎂🎂🥂🥂 Today is only our second wedding anniversary and, sadly, our last. Our marriage is a Covid-19 casualty that will not be showing up in any statistics,” he began. “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.”
Jessen went on to gush over his former bride, noting that she has “a natural and an incredibly beautiful joy, happiness, and positivity that made me fall in love with you the first time we were ever together,” adding, “Those of us who truly know you realize that the beauty inside of you is even more incredible than your beauty on the outside.”
The reality star explained that the situation through the pandemic changed them and they were both drained by the end.
“I did not maintain the strength of mind and the fortitude to be the husband that you wanted me to be. The stress and the pressure of providing for everyone got the better of me and I did not take care of myself. All along, I failed to recognize that you were there for me,” he wrote. “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. Your happiness is more important to me than me being a part of your unhappiness.”
Jessen wrapped up his caption by reminding his estranged wife how much adoration he has for her, hinting that she’s already dating someone else.
“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. 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,” he wrote. “I will remain with you in the wonderful memories that we shared together. My heart is broken.”
Shortly after his post, Custodio shared her own message.
“As you well said, only our second anniversary and our last. You pointed the Covid-19 as one of the reasons we are not 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,” she wrote. “As well you 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. 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. 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.”
The TLC star added that she didn’t know herself anymore after their romance and has not moved on with someone new.
“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. 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. Stop making me feel guilty to put myself as the most important person because this is how we supposed to do,” she wrote. “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.”
Despite their rocky road, she ended her post with love for her ex, writing, “I wish you all the best MJ.”
The duo’s wedding, which was officiated by his ex-wife, Sarah Jessen, aired during a January 2020 episode of the TLC reality show. Michael and Sarah’s two children were also in attendance. The former couple was also quarantining with Sarah, as revealed during a May 2020 episode of 90 Day Fiancé: Self-Quarantined.
