Honestly, if you watched Season 8 of Selling Sunset, you probably felt that collective jaw-drop when the rumors about Jeff Lazkani hitting a hotel lobby with a mystery woman surfaced. It was messy. It was public. And for Chelsea Lazkani, it seemed like the ultimate betrayal caught on 4K. But fast forward to early 2026, and the dust has finally started to settle on one of reality TV's most expensive divorces.
The "villain" narrative that Netflix edited together isn't the whole story. While the show made it look like Jeff was caught red-handed while still playing happy house in Manhattan Beach, the timeline is way more blurred than a reality TV script suggests. Jeff has finally stopped staying silent, and he’s not just talking about the split—he’s showing off the new person in his life.
Jeff Lazkani New GF: Meet Elena Milentigievits
After two years of what he calls "healing and taking my life back," Jeff has officially moved on. He isn't dating a fellow real estate mogul or a Hollywood socialite. Instead, the Jeff Lazkani new gf is Elena Milentigievits, a professional Greek volleyball player.
If you’re trying to find her on social media, she isn’t exactly a ghost, but she’s a far cry from the high-glam, reality-star energy of Chelsea. Elena has been playing nationally in Greece since 2017 and carries a much more athletic, low-key vibe. Jeff basically "hard launched" the relationship in late 2025, calling her a "bright spot" in his life.
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The couple has been spotted together in Athens, and while it's unclear if Jeff is planning a permanent move to Europe or if they’re just racking up frequent flyer miles, he seems genuinely happy. He’s been vocal on Instagram lately, defending the relationship against the inevitable wave of Selling Sunset fans who are still Team Chelsea. He basically told the world that no amount of hateful comments is going to change how he feels about her. It’s a bold move for a guy who spent years staying in the background while his wife ran the show.
The Truth About the Hotel Lobby "Cheating" Scandal
We have to talk about that W Hotel rumor. You know, the one where Bre Tiesi’s friend allegedly saw Jeff making out with someone else? According to Jeff, that storyline was built on a "shaky foundation."
In a recent blowout with TMZ, Jeff claimed he and Chelsea were actually separated long before those cameras started rolling. He’s been adamant that the "cheating" wasn’t cheating because the marriage was already effectively over. He even mentioned they had been sleeping in separate bedrooms for a long time—some reports say as far back as after their first child was born.
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- The Timeline Issue: Chelsea filed for divorce in March 2024.
- The Allegation: The hotel incident supposedly happened in December 2023.
- Jeff’s Defense: He says they were "emotionally separate" way before the legal paperwork was filed.
It’s a classic "he-said, she-said" scenario. Chelsea portrayed the news as a blindside that shattered her world. Jeff portrays it as a strategic move by the show to turn him into a seasonal antagonist.
Co-Parenting and the $1 Million Question
While the internet is obsessed with the Jeff Lazkani new gf updates, the actual reality of their lives is a bit more grounded. They have two kids, Maddox and Melia, and despite the fire and brimstone on TV, they seem to be making it work.
They live just a few blocks from each other in Manhattan Beach and share 50/50 custody. Jeff recently shot down rumors from the Selling Sunset reunion that he wasn't financially supporting the kids. He called that a "misstatement of the truth," claiming he’s always provided for them and always will.
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It’s weirdly domestic for a couple that was just screaming through the tabloids. They seem to have reached that "civil for the kids" stage, even if there’s no love lost between them. Chelsea is out there buying new property and focusing on her career, while Jeff is flying to Greece to watch volleyball matches.
Why This Matters for Selling Sunset Fans
The transition from "Chelsea’s Husband" to an independent figure has been rocky for Jeff. For years, he was the supportive spouse in the background of the Oppenheim Group events. Now, he’s a focal point of the drama he clearly never wanted to be part of.
The fact that he chose someone like Elena—a professional athlete from a different country—suggests he’s trying to exit the "reality TV orbit" entirely. He’s 40 now, he’s the managing partner at Icon Media Direct, and he seems done with the "glam-bot" lifestyle.
If you're following this saga, the big takeaway is that reality TV edits are rarely the full picture. Jeff isn't the first "househusband" to be cast as the villain, and he won't be the last. But with a new relationship and a 50/50 custody split, he’s clearly looking to close the chapter on his life as a Netflix character.
What to watch for next:
Keep an eye on Elena Milentigievits’ Instagram stories. While Jeff keeps his account mostly private, she’s been the one sharing glimpses of their life together in Greece. If you're looking for signs of a wedding or a permanent move, that’s where the clues will be. Also, don't expect Jeff to make any more cameos on Selling Sunset. From the looks of his recent statements, he’s more than happy to let that bridge burn.