If you’ve spent any time on the couch watching WE tv, you know that the story of Michael Persaud (aka Montana Millz) and Justine Persaud is less of a standard romance and more of a high-speed chase through the reality TV landscape. It’s 2026, and somehow, we’re still talking about them. Why? Because they’ve managed a feat most Love After Lockup couples fail at within six months: they stayed together.
But staying together is the easy part. It's the chaos of their daily lives, the sheer number of kids under one roof, and the persistent rumors about where the money comes from that keeps the internet's collective jaw on the floor.
The Vegas Transition: Ambition or Smoke and Mirrors?
The move to Las Vegas was a massive turning point. Honestly, leaving Rhode Island and Pennsylvania felt like a strategic play to reinvent the "Montana Millz" brand. Justine traded her scrubs for full-time motherhood and reality stardom, a move that still triggers heated debates on Reddit. Critics are constantly asking how a family with nine children—including a blended crew from previous relationships and their new additions—can afford a $600,000 house with a pool in Nevada.
The optics are wild. You’ve got Michael trying to launch a legitimate rap career while the ghost of his 2017 drug trafficking conviction lingers in every comment section. Remember the song "Sell Drugsz"? Yeah, the irony isn't lost on anyone. While Michael insists his money now comes from "investments," shoe businesses, and show checks, fans remain skeptical.
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The $60,000 Elephant in the Room
In the most recent seasons of Life After Lockup, the tension shifted from "will he go back to jail?" to "how much can we spend on a second wedding?" Justine’s vision for a lavish, Indian-inspired ceremony—complete with a live elephant—became a major flashpoint. It felt out of touch to some, especially with two kids in college and several others in diapers.
- Financial Clashes: Michael initially balked at the $40,000 to $60,000 price tag.
- The Elephant Debate: Justine felt she "deserved" the grandiosity; Michael questioned the logistics.
- The Pivot: They eventually found a middle ground, but the drama highlighted a fundamental split in how they view their "new money" status.
The reality is that reality TV pay isn't always "elephant money." Estimates suggest cast members make around $2,000 per episode, though fan favorites like the Persauds likely command a higher tier. Still, when you're feeding eleven people, that math gets fuzzy fast.
Family Drama and the "Mom Sherry" Factor
You can't talk about Michael and Justine without mentioning the in-laws. Justine’s mother, Sherry, has been the voice of the skeptical viewer for years. However, the tables turned recently. Reports surfaced in late 2025 regarding Sherry’s own legal troubles, including a DUI and the reported suspension of her nursing license. This "fall from grace" for the family's most vocal critic added a layer of irony that even producers couldn't have scripted.
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Then there’s Michael’s mother, who has famously clashed with Justine over DNA tests and the legitimacy of the children. It's a messy, loud, and deeply complicated family dynamic. Yet, Michael and Justine seem to have a "us against the world" mentality. They’ve locked out the noise, for better or worse.
Can a "Prison Love" Actually Last?
Most people expected Michael to "dip back into the streets" the moment the cameras dimmed. That's the pattern, right? But as of early 2026, he’s stayed out of handcuffs. Whether that’s due to the accountability of having a film crew in his living room or a genuine change of heart is the million-dollar question.
Justine's decision to quit her job is perhaps the most "all-in" move a person can make. She bet everything on Michael and the show. If the fame dries up, she’s left with a massive mortgage and a lot of mouths to feed. It’s a high-stakes gamble.
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Actionable Takeaways for the Fans
If you're following the Persaud saga, here's how to separate the TV edit from the actual reality:
- Watch the Music, Not Just the Show: Michael’s career as Montana Millz is his primary "legit" hustle. Check his streaming numbers on Spotify; they provide a more accurate picture of his professional reach than a 90-minute TV edit.
- Verify the Social Media Flex: High-end cars and designer clothes are often rentals or "gifted" for promotion. Don't assume a flashy Instagram post equals a balanced bank account.
- Follow the Legal Filings: In the world of Lockup, the only truth is in the court records. Keep an eye on public records in Clark County, Nevada, for the most objective updates on their status.
Michael and Justine are the ultimate outliers of the franchise. They are messy, they are arguably delusional at times, but they are still standing. In the world of reality TV, that’s a victory in itself.