‘The Valley’ Star Jesse Lally Has Heard the Rumors—and He’s Setting the Record Straight

“Messy boots” doesn’t even begin to cover it. When it comes to Bravo’s new favorite battleground, The Valley, the title for “Most Chaotic Couple” goes to none other than Jesse Lally and his ex, Michelle Saniei. And now, Jesse is pulling up a mic and finally offering his side of the Bravo-fied war story—direct from Not Skinny But Not Fat with Amanda Hirsch.

If you thought he was just gonna sit there and take the “controlling, broke, cheating narcissist” label that’s been making the rounds on social media and in reunion soundbites, you don’t know reality television. Jesse Lally has heard the rumors—and he’s ready to break it all down.

Who is Jesse Lally?

Jesse Lally isn’t just the ex who cries, drinks wine, and calls people names on The Valley. He’s a former model (most infamously working with Anna Nicole Smith on the TrimSpa commercials, and even hooking up with her), a former actor-in-training at the William Esper Studio alongside Amy Schumer, and a current luxury real estate agent. He’s also a girl dad to 5-year-old Isabella, whom he shares with ex Michelle Saniei (née Lally)—a relationship that has unraveled in real time over two explosive seasons.

Oh, and about that moment where he calls Michelle a “lying cheating whore” on camera? Jesse owned it: “It was a moment of weakness,” he told Amanda. “But the truth is she is a liar and a cheater—but she doesn’t deserve to be called a whore.”

The Valley: On Michelle, cheating accusations, and “narrative control”

During Season 2 of The Valley, Jesse accused Michelle of dating her current boyfriend, Aaron Nosler, before their relationship ended. “Michelle and I had a conversation before the summer where she admitted to cheating on me,” Jesse said on Bravo, and reiterated on the podcast. “She said she only kissed him. And we all said, ‘That’s the appetizer without the entree.’”

He also made it clear that what triggered him wasn’t just physical infidelity—it was the emotional betrayal. “Aaron used to meet up with Michelle and ask her advice about girls,” he explained. “Michelle would talk about me. And when you’re married with a baby and seeking emotional intimacy outside your marriage, that’s cheating too.”

According to Jesse, Michelle’s accusations that he controlled her during Isabella’s birth or that he sabotaged their financial future are nonsense. “She’s controlling the narrative,” he said. “There was no spending spree. And I didn’t control her labor. We made those decisions together during COVID in a very stressful time.”

Co-parenting: cautious peace (for now)

Surprisingly, Jesse and Michelle now agree on one thing—the custody agreement is working. “We both get to see her every two days, and we switch holidays,” Michelle told The Daily Dish. Jesse echoed the sentiment on Not Skinny But Not Fat, albeit with a disclaimer: “It’s going well… right now. Ask me tomorrow.”

Still, he’s proud of how Isabella’s adjusting—and gives Michelle credit for her role as a mother. “We’re in a better place,” he admitted. “But that doesn’t mean we don’t trigger the hell out of each other.”

Lacy Nicole: Jesse’s new chapter

While Lacy Nicole hasn’t been seen on The Valley, her presence is deeply felt. Jesse and Lacy have been together for over a year, though she declined to film due to personal trauma and mental health reasons. Her backstory—abduction, survival, and launching the Shame to Sparkle Foundation—offers a glimpse into the type of woman Jesse is with now.

“She’s a calming force,” Jesse said, hinting at the contrast between his new relationship and his turbulent past. “Isabella loves her. It’s been organic.”

That Lala Kent showdown

No messy Bravo moment would be complete without a Lala Kent mic drop. During a poolside confrontation, Lala didn’t hold back. “If Isabella came home and told you her ex was treating her like you’ve treated Michelle, what would your reaction be? I think you’d show up with a shotgun.”

While Jesse told Amanda he understood the optics, he didn’t appreciate the ambush. “I think she was trying to make her mark. Honestly, I think she’s a bully.”

So… where does Jesse Lally stand now?

If you’re waiting for a full-blown redemption arc a la Tom Sandoval, don’t hold your breath. Jesse Lally isn’t asking for your forgiveness—yet. “Do I regret what I said? Absolutely,” he told Amanda. “But there’s more to the story. There’s always more.”

Love him or hate him, Jesse Lally is no longer letting the edit—or his ex—speak for him. And in Bravo Land, that’s the actual power move.