Former D.C. Housewife Michaele Salahi and her boyfriend, Journey guitarist Neal Schon, are celebrating the fact that a Virginia judge has dismissed a $50 million claim against them. Michaele's soon-to be ex-husband, Tareq Salahi, filed the lawsuit, which alleged that Michaele left him for Neal and embarrassed him in the process.
âOh my gosh, it's just a great sense of relief,â Michaele tells me, speaking for the first time since the judge's decision. âFaith really carried us through it, and our love, so when the judge first said it was dismissed, my first reaction in the courtroom was just it's so sad it came to this, but then there is such great relief. Itâs healthy for him to move forward. Iâm happier than ever, I'm not coming back and he just needs to be at peace with that and move forward with his life and let me go.â
Neal feels the same way, hoping that the pair's next hurdle -- finalizing Michaele and Tareq's divorce -- is soon resolved.
âI was like one down and a couple more to go,â Neal tells me. âEnough of this bullshit -- let's move forward. I think his days of spinning crap are coming to a close.â
According to Michaele, her lawyers have requested a divorce on her behalf but nothing has been finalized.
âI know that if both parties agree, it can be as fast as six months," Michaele said. "We donât have children, we just have the home to work through. I think it's really healthy for us both and I just want to be free. In my mind, I have always been with Neal. I am technically married, but my heart is with Neal.â
The couple's courtroom win comes at the same time as one of Neal's own professional wins -- the success of his latest single, "Resonate."
