Masoud Shojaee First Wife: The Complete Story of Maria Lamas

The arrival of Stephanie Shojaee on The Real Housewives of Miami brought more than just glamorous private jets and luxury real estate stories—it sparked intense curiosity about her husband Masoud Shojaee’s first wife. As Reddit threads exploded with allegations and timeline discrepancies emerged, one name kept surfacing: Maria Lamas.

If you’ve been searching for answers about who Masoud Shojaee was married to before Stephanie, when they divorced, and what really happened, you’re not alone. With over 3,000 monthly searches for “Masoud Shojaee first wife,” it’s clear that viewers of RHOM—and those following Miami’s real estate elite—want the complete story.

The short answer: Maria Lamas is Masoud Shojaee’s first wife. They were married for several years before finalizing their divorce in 2019. Together, they have at least two daughters: Anelise and Lilibet Shojaee. However, the full story involves complex family business ties, controversial allegations about Stephanie’s role, and a timeline that has left many questioning the official narrative.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll separate facts from speculation, explore Maria Lamas’s role in the Shoma Group empire, examine the divorce timeline, and address the controversy surrounding Stephanie Shojaee head-on.

TL;DR: Quick Facts About Masoud Shojaee’s First Wife

• Name: Maria Lamas (also known as Maria Lamas Shojaee or Maria Shojaee)
• Marriage Duration: Married to Masoud Shojaee for multiple years until 2019
• Children: At least two daughters – Anelise Shojaee and Lilibet Shojaee
• Divorce Finalized: 2019
• Family Business Connection: Maria’s family reportedly invested in and supported Shoma Group’s growth
• Current Status: Living privately, limited public information available
• The Controversy: Allegations surfaced that Stephanie Shojaee was Maria’s assistant and had a long-term affair with Masoud before the divorce, though Stephanie has denied ever meeting Maria
• Timeline Question: Stephanie claims to be with Masoud for 11+ years, but the divorce was finalized in 2019, creating timeline discrepancies

Who Is Masoud Shojaee’s First Wife?

Before Stephanie Shojaee became a household name on The Real Housewives of Miami, flaunting private jets and multi-million dollar real estate deals, there was Maria Lamas—the woman who stood by Masoud Shojaee as he built his real estate empire.

Maria Lamas: Background and Early Life

Maria Lamas, also referred to as Maria Lamas Shojaee in some records, maintained a relatively private profile compared to the current Mrs. Shojaee. Unlike Stephanie’s very public presence on reality television and social media, Maria lived a more traditional life as the wife of a successful Miami developer.

While detailed information about Maria’s early life remains scarce—a testament to her preference for privacy—what is known suggests she came from a well-established family with significant financial resources. This family connection would prove crucial to Masoud Shojaee’s business success, as we’ll explore later.

Maria’s background appears to be rooted in Miami’s Latin community, and those familiar with the couple during their marriage describe her as a devoted mother and supportive partner during the crucial years of Shoma Group’s expansion.

The Marriage to Masoud Shojaee

Maria Lamas and Masoud Shojaee’s marriage spanned multiple years, though the exact wedding date remains private. What is clear is that their union coincided with—and arguably enabled—the significant growth of Shoma Group, the development company that would make Masoud one of Miami’s most prominent real estate figures.

During their marriage, the couple:

• Built a family with at least two daughters
• Established themselves in Miami’s social circles
• Oversaw the expansion of Shoma Group into a multi-million dollar enterprise
• Developed numerous residential projects throughout South Florida
• Maintained connections with Miami’s business and real estate elite

Friends and associates from that era describe a traditional marriage dynamic where Maria focused on family and supporting Masoud’s business ventures while maintaining a lower public profile. This stands in stark contrast to Stephanie’s highly visible role in the company and on reality television.

Maria’s Role in Shoma Group’s Success

One of the most contentious aspects of the Masoud-Maria-Stephanie narrative involves the question of who actually built the Shoma Group empire. According to various sources and allegations that surfaced online, Maria’s family provided significant financial backing that helped fund Shoma Group’s growth during its crucial development years.

While Stephanie Shojaee has positioned herself on The Real Housewives of Miami as a “girl boss” who helped build the company, critics point out that:

• The company’s foundation was established during Masoud’s marriage to Maria
• Maria’s family’s investment and support were instrumental in early projects
• The business infrastructure existed before Stephanie entered the picture

This distinction has become a point of contention, particularly as Stephanie’s RHOM narrative emphasizes her role in the company’s success without acknowledging the first wife’s family contributions.

Maria Lamas and Masoud Shojaee’s Children

One of the most important and undisputed aspects of Maria and Masoud’s relationship is their children. The couple has at least two daughters who have largely stayed out of the public spotlight.

Anelise Shojaee

Anelise Shojaee is one of the daughters from Masoud’s first marriage to Maria Lamas. As the child of one of Miami’s prominent developers, Anelise has maintained a relatively private life, particularly compared to the public attention her father and stepmother receive through The Real Housewives of Miami.

Key details about Anelise:

• Maintains a low public profile
• Presumed to have a relationship with both parents following the divorce
• Has not been prominently featured in Shoma Group’s public-facing operations
• Limited presence on social media compared to her father’s current public life

Lilibet Shojaee

Lilibet Shojaee is another daughter from Masoud and Maria’s marriage. Like her sister Anelise, Lilibet has maintained privacy, staying largely away from the reality television spotlight that has engulfed her father’s current marriage.

Information about Lilibet includes:

• Part of the Shojaee family’s next generation
• Has not been actively involved in public-facing family business matters
• Maintains relationships within the family structure
• Privacy has been respected by most media coverage

Co-Parenting and Family Dynamics

Following the 2019 divorce, both Masoud and Maria have maintained relative privacy regarding their co-parenting arrangements. This discretion stands in notable contrast to the very public nature of Masoud’s current marriage and lifestyle with Stephanie.

It’s worth noting that neither Anelise nor Lilibet have been featured on The Real Housewives of Miami, suggesting a deliberate choice to keep Masoud’s children from his first marriage separate from his reality television presence. This decision likely reflects respect for Maria’s preference for privacy and protection of the daughters from public scrutiny.

The Timeline: Marriage to Divorce

Understanding the timeline of Masoud and Maria’s relationship—and when it ended—is crucial for making sense of the controversies that followed. Here’s what we know:

The Marriage Years

During their years together, Masoud and Maria Shojaee appeared to have a stable family life while building business success. The marriage encompassed:

• Shoma Group’s Growth Period: The company expanded significantly during this time, developing multiple residential projects across South Florida
• Family Building: The couple welcomed their daughters and established a family home
• Business Partnerships: Maria’s family connections and financial support played a reported role in company expansion
• Social Standing: The couple was part of Miami’s business and social circles, though they maintained more privacy than Masoud’s current public profile

Signs of Trouble and the Path to Divorce

While specific details about when the marriage began to deteriorate remain private, the divorce was finalized in 2019. This date is particularly important because of the controversy that would later emerge.

What’s known about the divorce:

• Official finalization: 2019
• Settlement details: Kept private, as is common in high-net-worth divorces
• Custody arrangements: Not publicly disclosed, respecting the privacy of their daughters
• Business implications: The impact on Shoma Group’s structure and Maria’s family’s involvement remains unclear

The Divorce Settlement

High-net-worth divorces in Florida, particularly those involving successful business owners, typically involve complex financial settlements. While the specific terms of Masoud and Maria’s divorce remain confidential, such settlements usually address:

• Division of marital assets and real estate holdings
• Spousal support arrangements
• Child support and custody agreements
• Business ownership and valuation
• Protection of family business investments

Given that Maria’s family reportedly contributed financially to Shoma Group’s growth, the settlement likely involved careful consideration of business valuations and family investments. However, without public court records or official statements, the exact terms remain speculation.

The Stephanie Shojaee Controversy Explained

Perhaps no aspect of the Masoud Shojaee story has generated more discussion than the allegations surrounding Stephanie’s entry into his life. The controversy exploded when The Real Housewives of Miami Season 7 brought the Shojaees into the reality TV spotlight.

The Reddit Allegations

In July 2025, a Reddit thread titled “Stephanie is SHADY boots. What I’ve found out so far…” sent shockwaves through the RHOM fan community. The post made several explosive claims:

Key Allegations from Reddit (Unverified)

• Assistant Connection: Stephanie allegedly worked as Maria Lamas’s assistant
• Affair Claims: Accusations that Stephanie had a long-term affair with Masoud while he was still married
• Timeline Discrepancy: Stephanie claims to be with Masoud for 11 years, but the divorce was only finalized in 2019
• Name Change: Allegations that Stephanie legally changed her last name to Shojaee while Masoud was still married to Maria
• Business Role: Claims that Stephanie “inserted herself” into Shoma Group and acts like she helped build the empire
• Mistress Allegations: Direct accusations that “for years, Stephanie was a mistress to this rich, older man”

Note: These are allegations from social media and have not been independently verified.

Stephanie’s Official Response

Stephanie Shojaee quickly addressed the allegations, particularly the claim that she was Maria’s assistant. In a direct statement, she declared:

“I’ve never met the woman.”

This denial specifically addressed the assistant allegation, stating clearly that Stephanie had no previous working relationship with Maria Lamas. However, this response left other questions unanswered:

• If she wasn’t an assistant, how did she and Masoud meet?
• What explains the timeline discrepancy between her claimed 11 years with Masoud and the 2019 divorce?
• When exactly did their relationship begin?

Analyzing the Timeline Discrepancies

The mathematical problem at the heart of the controversy is straightforward:

This timeline discrepancy is what fuels much of the speculation. If Stephanie and Masoud have been together for 11 years, and his divorce was finalized in 2019, the relationship would have overlapped with his marriage to Maria for approximately five years.

However, there are several possible explanations:

1. Separation vs. Divorce: Masoud and Maria may have separated years before the 2019 legal finalization, making Stephanie’s timeline technically accurate from the start of their relationship (post-separation)
2. Rounded Numbers: The “11 years” claim may be approximate rather than exact, potentially bringing the start date closer to the separation/divorce period
3. Public vs. Private Timeline: The relationship may have begun after legal separation but before the divorce was finalized, which could still be considered appropriate depending on the circumstances

The “Girl Boss” Narrative Questioned

Another aspect of the controversy involves Stephanie’s positioning on RHOM as a self-made businesswoman who helped build Shoma Group. Critics point out:

• Company History: Shoma Group was established and successful before Stephanie’s involvement
• Maria’s Family’s Role: The alleged financial support from Maria’s family during the company’s growth years
• Current Role vs. Historical Role: While Stephanie may currently be involved in the company, the “built it together” narrative overlooks decades of work done during the first marriage

On RHOM, Stephanie has discussed the company as if she’s been integral to its success from early stages. However, public records and company history show Shoma Group was founded and achieved significant success during Masoud’s marriage to Maria.

Important Note: It’s crucial to distinguish between verified facts and speculation. While the divorce date (2019) and Stephanie’s claim of 11 years are documented, many other details remain allegations from social media. Without official statements from Maria Lamas herself or detailed court records, much of the narrative involves connecting dots that may or may not paint an accurate picture.

Maria Lamas’s Role in Shoma Group

One of the most overlooked aspects of the Masoud Shojaee story is Maria Lamas’s family’s contribution to Shoma Group’s success. While Stephanie’s current involvement in the company receives extensive coverage through RHOM, the foundational support during the first marriage deserves recognition.

Family Investment and Support

According to various sources and allegations, Maria’s family provided significant financial backing to Shoma Group during its crucial growth years. This type of family support is common in real estate development, where:

• Initial Capital: Family investments often provide the seed funding for first projects
• Credit and Guarantees: Family financial standing can help secure loans and credit lines
• Business Networks: Established families bring connections to contractors, investors, and potential clients
• Trust and Stability: Family backing provides stability that attracts other investors

The specific amount and nature of Maria’s family’s investment in Shoma Group hasn’t been publicly disclosed. However, those familiar with Miami’s real estate development scene during Shoma Group’s expansion years suggest the support was substantial and instrumental.

The “Built vs. Inherited” Debate

This context makes the current public narrative more complex. When Stephanie presents herself on RHOM as someone who helped build the Shoma empire, critics argue it:

• Overlooks the decades of work during the first marriage
• Ignores Maria’s family’s financial contributions
• Minimizes the foundation that existed before Stephanie’s involvement
• Creates a misleading “girl boss” narrative that doesn’t acknowledge the full history

As one Reddit commenter bluntly stated: “She straight up stole his first wife’s life.” While this language is inflammatory, it reflects a sentiment that Stephanie benefits from a foundation built with Maria’s family’s support, while positioning herself as if she created it.

Post-Divorce Business Arrangements

What happened to Maria’s family’s investment and involvement after the 2019 divorce remains unclear. Typically, in high-net-worth divorces involving family businesses:

• Family investments may be bought out
• Ownership structures may be reorganized
• Settlement agreements may include business valuations
• Non-compete or non-interference clauses may be established

Without access to the divorce settlement or business restructuring documents, we can only speculate about how Maria’s family’s role in Shoma Group was addressed. However, it’s clear that Stephanie now occupies the public-facing “business partner” role that Maria once held privately.

Where Is Maria Lamas Now?

Unlike her ex-husband’s current wife, Maria Lamas has chosen a path of privacy following the divorce. This decision stands in stark contrast to Stephanie’s very public life on reality television and social media.

Life After Divorce

Since the 2019 divorce, Maria has maintained a deliberately low profile. Information about her current life is limited, which appears to be intentional. What we can reasonably assume:

• Miami Connection: She likely remains in the Miami area to maintain close relationships with her daughters
• Financial Security: The divorce settlement from a multi-million dollar real estate developer presumably provided significant financial resources
• Privacy Focus: Her absence from social media and public events suggests a deliberate choice to live privately
• Co-Parenting: She maintains a relationship with her daughters, though details are kept confidential

The Choice of Privacy

Maria’s decision to remain private is particularly notable given the extensive public attention on her ex-husband. While Masoud and Stephanie live very public lives—complete with reality TV cameras, social media posts about private jets, and discussions of their wealth—Maria has opted out of this spotlight entirely.

This choice could reflect:

• A personality preference for privacy that existed during the marriage
• A desire to protect her daughters from public scrutiny
• Terms of the divorce settlement regarding publicity
• A wish to move forward without engaging with the controversy
• Dignity in not participating in public drama

Notably, Maria has not publicly commented on any of the allegations about Stephanie being her assistant or about the timeline of Masoud’s relationship with his current wife. This silence could be strategic, legally advised, or simply a reflection of her preference to live life away from public drama.

Relationship with Children

The most important aspect of Maria’s current life is presumably her relationship with Anelise and Lilibet. The fact that neither daughter has been featured on The Real Housewives of Miami or in Masoud and Stephanie’s public social media content suggests:

• Respect for Maria’s desire for her daughters’ privacy
• Possible agreements about keeping the children out of public view
• The daughters’ own preferences to stay private
• A clear boundary between Masoud’s “reality TV life” with Stephanie and his “family life” with his first family

Masoud Shojaee: From First Marriage to Second

Understanding Masoud Shojaee’s journey from his marriage to Maria to his current marriage to Stephanie provides important context for the entire narrative.

The Transition Period

The period between Masoud’s separation from Maria and his official relationship with Stephanie remains somewhat murky. What’s clear:

• 2019: Divorce from Maria finalized
• Post-2019: Public relationship with Stephanie begins
• Official narrative: Masoud and Stephanie present as a long-term couple
• RHOM debut: They appear on the show as an established, married couple

Meeting Stephanie: The Official Story

The official story of how Masoud and Stephanie met remains vague. Unlike some couples who share detailed “how we met” stories, the Shojaees have been relatively quiet about the specifics of their early relationship. This absence of detail has contributed to speculation.

What hasn’t been clearly established:

• Where they met
• The exact year they began their relationship
• How Stephanie became involved in Shoma Group
• The timeline of their courtship before marriage

This lack of clarity, combined with Stephanie’s claim of 11 years together and the 2019 divorce date, is precisely what fuels the speculation and allegations.

The Second Marriage and Public Life

Masoud’s marriage to Stephanie represents a dramatically different chapter than his first marriage. Key differences include:

The Private Jet and Wealth Display

One of the most talked-about aspects of Masoud and Stephanie’s life together is their ostentatious display of wealth. From Stephanie’s first scene on RHOM—inviting castmate Larsa Pippen to “run errands” on their private jet while sipping champagne and eating caviar—the couple has embraced public wealth display.

This approach has led to:

• Increased visibility for Shoma Group
• Mixed public reaction (admiration vs. criticism)
• Questions about “new money” vs. “old money” behavior
• Contrast with the more discreet first marriage

Stephanie’s famous quote on the show defending their lifestyle: “When a football player wins the Super Bowl, they wear a Super Bowl ring. They walk around and they are showing their Super Bowl ring. It’s like a symbolism of, like, you made the right choice, you made the right decisions.”

Impact on Real Housewives of Miami

The introduction of Stephanie Shojaee to The Real Housewives of Miami Season 7 brought not just a new cast member, but a whole backstory that viewers immediately began investigating.

The RHOM Narrative vs. Reality

On the show, Stephanie is presented as:

• A successful businesswoman in her own right
• A “girl boss” who helped build Shoma Group
• Someone who earned her place in Miami’s elite through hard work
• A devoted wife to Masoud

However, the show’s narrative doesn’t address:

• Masoud’s first marriage and family
• The timeline questions surrounding their relationship
• Maria Lamas’s family’s role in Shoma Group’s success
• The allegations about how Stephanie entered the picture

This omission is notable because Real Housewives shows typically thrive on exactly this kind of drama and complicated history. The fact that it’s largely absent from the show suggests either:

• Legal agreements preventing discussion of the first marriage
• Strategic editing by production
• Stephanie’s control over her narrative
• Respect for Maria and her daughters’ privacy

Castmate and Audience Reactions

Stephanie’s RHOM castmates, including Alexia Nepola and Marysol Patton, have questioned her behavior regarding wealth display. During the Season 7 reunion, Alexia accused Stephanie of “dangling her plane as a carrot” over the other women.

But the more significant reaction has been from viewers and online communities, particularly Reddit, where users have:

• Investigated Stephanie’s background
• Questioned the timeline of her relationship with Masoud
• Discussed the “mistress” allegations
• Criticized the “girl boss” narrative as misleading
• Expressed sympathy for Maria Lamas

The Power of Social Media Investigation

The Stephanie Shojaee story demonstrates the power of social media sleuthing in the reality TV era. Within weeks of her RHOM debut, internet investigators had:

• Identified Maria Lamas as the first wife
• Found information about Anelise and Lilibet
• Questioned timeline discrepancies
• Researched Shoma Group’s history
• Connected dots that suggested a more complicated story than presented on TV

This grassroots investigation forced direct responses from Stephanie, including her denial of ever being Maria’s assistant. It’s a reminder that in the social media age, reality TV “characters” can’t fully control their narratives—the audience will find and share information independently.

Understanding the Full Picture

After examining all available information about Masoud Shojaee’s first wife Maria Lamas, several key themes emerge that help us understand this complex family story.

Separating Facts from Speculation

It’s crucial to distinguish between what we know definitively and what remains speculation or allegation:

✓ Confirmed Facts:

• Maria Lamas was Masoud Shojaee’s first wife
• They have at least two daughters: Anelise and Lilibet
• The divorce was finalized in 2019
• Stephanie claims to be with Masoud for 11+ years
• Stephanie has denied ever being Maria’s assistant
• Stephanie is now married to Masoud and appears on RHOM
• Maria maintains a private life post-divorce

⚠ Unverified Allegations:

• Stephanie worked as Maria’s assistant
• Stephanie had a long-term affair with Masoud during his first marriage
• Stephanie changed her name to Shojaee while Masoud was still married
• Maria’s family “built and funded” Shoma Group
• Stephanie is “running the company into the ground”

These claims originate from social media and have not been independently verified or confirmed by the parties involved.

The Timeline Question Remains

The central mystery that fuels much speculation is the timeline discrepancy. The math simply doesn’t add up without additional context:

• If Stephanie and Masoud have been together for 11 years (as of 2025), that would be 2014
• The divorce from Maria was finalized in 2019
• This creates a 5-year gap where the relationship would have overlapped with the marriage

Without additional information about when Masoud and Maria separated (which could be years before the legal divorce), this timeline remains a source of questions and speculation.

Multiple Perspectives, One Complex Reality

Every family story has multiple perspectives, and the Shojaee family situation is no exception. Consider:

Maria’s Perspective (Presumed):

• Supported husband during company’s growth years
• Family contributed financially to business success
• Raised children during marriage
• Experienced divorce and transition
• Now living privately with dignity

Stephanie’s Perspective:

• In a committed relationship with Masoud for years
• Never had the alleged “assistant” relationship with Maria
• Works alongside Masoud in Shoma Group
• Proud of their success and lifestyle
• Subject to unfair speculation and attacks

Masoud’s Perspective:

• Built successful business over decades
• Navigated complex personal life transitions
• Maintains relationships with children from first marriage
• Now in happy marriage with Stephanie
• Balances public and private life

The Privacy-Public Divide

One of the most striking aspects of this story is the dramatic shift from privacy to publicity. Masoud’s first marriage operated largely out of the public eye, while his second marriage is intensely public through reality television and social media.

This shift raises questions:

• How much of the controversy stems from increased visibility rather than actual differences?
• Would the same scrutiny exist without the RHOM platform?
• Does the public nature of the second marriage create narratives that don’t fully represent reality?
• Is the contrast between Maria’s privacy and Stephanie’s publicity driving some of the public sympathy for Maria?

The Larger Context: Wealth, Reality TV, and Public Perception

The story of Masoud Shojaee’s first wife Maria Lamas exists within a larger context of how we perceive wealth, success, and relationships in the reality TV era.

The “Self-Made” Narrative in Reality TV

Reality television, particularly The Real Housewives franchise, frequently showcases “self-made” narratives that may not tell the complete story. Stephanie’s positioning as a “girl boss” who helped build Shoma Group fits this mold, but it:

• Simplifies a complex business history
• Overlooks contributions from previous partners and families
• Creates a more compelling TV narrative at the expense of accuracy
• Allows cast members to claim credit for pre-existing success

This isn’t unique to Stephanie—many Housewives across franchises have faced similar scrutiny about their “origin stories.” The difference here is the very visible presence of the first wife’s family’s contribution to the success story.

Public Sympathy and the “First Wife” Archetype

There’s a reason the Reddit thread and subsequent discussions have generated such engagement: the story taps into a powerful cultural archetype of the “first wife who helped build everything” being replaced by a younger woman who then enjoys the fruits of that labor.

Whether or not this narrative is accurate in the Shojaee case, it resonates because:

• It’s a familiar story in society, particularly regarding wealthy, successful men
• It raises questions about who deserves credit for success
• It creates sympathy for the person who remains private and dignified
• It allows for criticism of displays of wealth that may be built on others’ contributions

The Role of Social Media in Modern Family Dynamics

The Shojaee situation also highlights how social media and reality TV complicate family dynamics. Considerations include:

• Children’s Exposure: Anelise and Lilibet’s choice (or requirement) to stay off the show protects them but also creates a divide between their father’s public and private lives
• Ex-Spouse Privacy: Maria’s desire for privacy is challenged by her ex-husband’s very public current life
• Narrative Control: Stephanie’s platform allows her to tell her version of events, while Maria’s silence means her perspective isn’t heard
• Public Investigation: Social media users conducting “research” into private family matters raises ethical questions

Lessons and Reflections

The story of Maria Lamas and Masoud Shojaee offers several important lessons about modern relationships, wealth, and public life:

1. Success Has Many Authors

Building a successful business empire like Shoma Group is never a solo effort. It involves:

• Financial backers and investors (potentially including Maria’s family)
• Partners who provide support during building years
• Employees and contractors who do the actual work
• Economic conditions and timing
• Multiple contributions over many years

The “self-made” narrative, while compelling for television, rarely captures this complexity.

2. Privacy is a Valid Choice

Maria Lamas’s decision to remain private post-divorce deserves respect. Not everyone wants or needs public validation or attention. Her silence shouldn’t be interpreted as admission of anything—it may simply reflect dignity, legal agreements, or personal preference.

3. Timelines Matter

The timeline discrepancies in the Shojaee story remind us that dates and sequences matter when evaluating relationship narratives. When things don’t add up, it’s natural for people to ask questions—not necessarily because they’re looking for scandal, but because they want to understand the truth.

4. Children Come First

Perhaps the most admirable aspect of this entire situation is that Anelise and Lilibet have been kept out of the public drama. Whatever else may be true about the various adults’ relationships and decisions, protecting the children from reality TV exposure shows commendable prioritization of their wellbeing.

Conclusion

The story of Masoud Shojaee’s first wife, Maria Lamas, is ultimately one of complexity, privacy, and the challenges of disentangling fact from speculation in the reality TV era.

What we know for certain is limited:

• Maria and Masoud were married for years before divorcing in 2019
• They have two daughters who remain private
• Maria’s family may have contributed significantly to Shoma Group’s success
• Maria now lives privately while her ex-husband lives very publicly with Stephanie
• Timeline questions remain about when Masoud’s relationship with Stephanie began

What remains speculation are the more salacious allegations—that Stephanie was Maria’s assistant, that there was a long-term affair during the marriage, or that Stephanie deliberately “inserted herself” into the family business. Without verification from the parties involved, these remain internet allegations rather than established facts.

Perhaps the most important takeaway is that real lives are always more complex than reality TV narratives suggest. Stephanie isn’t simply a villain who stole another woman’s life, nor is she purely a self-made business success. Maria isn’t just a tragic first wife, nor is she responsible for her ex-husband’s subsequent choices. Masoud isn’t simply a wealthy man who traded in for a younger model, nor is he solely responsible for all business success.

The truth, as always, lies somewhere in the nuance—in the separation dates we don’t know, the business contributions that aren’t publicly documented, the family dynamics that remain private, and the personal decisions that belong to the individuals involved.

What we can respect is Maria Lamas’s choice to live with dignity and privacy, away from cameras and social media scrutiny. In an age where so many seek attention and validation through public platforms, there’s something admirable about simply living one’s life quietly, maintaining relationships with one’s children, and letting others pursue their own paths—even if those paths are very, very public.

As The Real Housewives of Miami continues and Stephanie and Masoud’s story unfolds on screen, one thing remains clear: the most important chapter of Masoud Shojaee’s life—his first family with Maria Lamas—remains largely unwritten in the public record, protected by privacy, dignity, and the passage of time.

And perhaps that’s exactly how it should be.

Frequently Asked Questions About Masoud Shojaee’s First Wife

Who is Masoud Shojaee’s first wife?

Maria Lamas (also known as Maria Lamas Shojaee or Maria Shojaee) is Masoud Shojaee’s first wife. They were married for several years before divorcing in 2019. Maria maintained a private lifestyle during and after the marriage, unlike Masoud’s current wife Stephanie, who appears on The Real Housewives of Miami. Maria’s family reportedly provided significant financial backing to help establish Shoma Group during the marriage.

When did Masoud Shojaee and Maria Lamas divorce?

Masoud Shojaee and Maria Lamas finalized their divorce in 2019. While the exact date of their separation is not public, the legal divorce was completed in 2019. This date is significant because it conflicts with Stephanie Shojaee’s claim of being with Masoud for 11 years (as of 2025), which would place the start of their relationship around 2014—five years before the divorce was finalized.

How many children do Masoud Shojaee and Maria Lamas have?

Masoud Shojaee and Maria Lamas have at least two daughters: Anelise Shojaee and Lilibet Shojaee. Both daughters have maintained private lives and have not been featured on The Real Housewives of Miami or in their father’s public social media presence with Stephanie. This suggests a deliberate effort to keep the children from the first marriage separate from Masoud’s reality TV life.

Was Stephanie Shojaee Maria Lamas’s assistant?

No, according to Stephanie Shojaee herself. When Reddit allegations surfaced claiming Stephanie worked as Maria’s assistant before having an affair with Masoud, Stephanie publicly denied this, stating “I’ve never met the woman.” This denial directly addresses the assistant claim, though it leaves other timeline questions unanswered. The origin of this allegation appears to be social media speculation rather than verified fact.

Did Stephanie Shojaee have an affair with Masoud while he was married to Maria?

This remains unverified speculation. The allegation stems from timeline discrepancies: Stephanie claims to be with Masoud for 11+ years (since approximately 2014), while his divorce from Maria wasn’t finalized until 2019. This 5-year overlap has fueled speculation, but several explanations exist: Masoud and Maria may have separated years before the legal divorce, the “11 years” may be approximate, or the relationship began after separation but before the divorce was finalized. Neither Masoud, Stephanie, nor Maria has provided detailed clarification.

What role did Maria Lamas’s family play in Shoma Group?

According to various sources and allegations, Maria’s family provided significant financial backing and investment that helped establish and grow Shoma Group during Masoud’s first marriage. The exact amount and nature of this investment hasn’t been publicly disclosed, but those familiar with Miami’s real estate scene during Shoma Group’s expansion years suggest the family support was substantial and instrumental. This context makes the current “girl boss” narrative around Stephanie’s involvement more complex, as it overlooks the foundation built during the first marriage.

What is Masoud Shojaee’s net worth?

While exact figures vary by source, Masoud Shojaee’s net worth is estimated to be in the tens of millions to over $100 million, built through his real estate development company Shoma Group. The company has developed numerous residential projects throughout South Florida over multiple decades. His wealth is regularly displayed on The Real Housewives of Miami through private jets, luxury properties, and expensive lifestyle choices. The divorce settlement with Maria Lamas in 2019 likely involved significant asset division, though specific terms remain confidential.

Who are Anelise Shojaee and Lilibet Shojaee?

Anelise Shojaee and Lilibet Shojaee are the daughters of Masoud Shojaee and his first wife Maria Lamas. Both young women have maintained extremely private lives, staying out of the public spotlight despite their father’s high-profile presence on reality television. They have not been featured on The Real Housewives of Miami and maintain limited social media presence. Their privacy appears to be respected by both parents, creating a clear boundary between Masoud’s public life with Stephanie and his relationship with his first family.

Where is Maria Lamas now?

Maria Lamas maintains a private life following her 2019 divorce from Masoud Shojaee. She has not made public statements, does not appear on social media, and has not commented on the allegations surrounding Stephanie or the RHOM narrative. She presumably remains in the Miami area to maintain relationships with her daughters, Anelise and Lilibet. Her choice to live privately stands in stark contrast to her ex-husband’s very public lifestyle with Stephanie, suggesting either a personality preference for privacy or possibly terms of the divorce settlement regarding publicity.

How did Masoud Shojaee meet Stephanie?

The exact details of how Masoud and Stephanie met remain vague. Unlike many couples who share detailed “origin stories,” the Shojaees have not publicly discussed where or when they first met. This lack of clarity, combined with timeline discrepancies, has contributed to speculation. Stephanie has denied being Maria’s assistant but hasn’t provided an alternative explanation of how she entered Masoud’s life. The absence of a clear “how we met” narrative is notable, particularly given their very public presence on reality television.

Is Stephanie Shojaee running Shoma Group?

Stephanie is involved in Shoma Group and presents herself as a business partner to Masoud on The Real Housewives of Miami. However, she did not found the company or build it from scratch—Shoma Group was established and successful during Masoud’s marriage to Maria Lamas. Allegations that Stephanie is “running the company into the ground” appear to be social media speculation without verified evidence. Her exact role and responsibilities within the company have not been publicly detailed beyond her self-presentation as a “girl boss” partner in the business.

Did Stephanie legally change her name to Shojaee before the divorce?

This is an unverified allegation from social media. Reddit posts claimed Stephanie changed her last name to Shojaee while Masoud was still married to Maria, which would be unusual and potentially problematic. However, this claim has not been substantiated with public records or official confirmation. Stephanie has not addressed this specific allegation publicly. Without access to legal name change records, this remains speculation rather than established fact.

Why isn’t Maria Lamas on The Real Housewives of Miami?

Maria Lamas has chosen to maintain her privacy and has not participated in reality television. Unlike Stephanie, who embraced the public platform of RHOM, Maria appears to prefer living outside the spotlight. Additionally, she is Masoud’s ex-wife, not his current wife, which would make her participation logistically unusual for the show’s format. Her absence from the show—and from any public discussion of the situation—suggests either a personal preference for privacy, possible terms of the divorce settlement, or simply a different approach to life than the reality TV lifestyle Stephanie has chosen.

What is the timeline of Masoud Shojaee’s relationships?

The exact timeline remains unclear, which is the source of much speculation:

• Pre-2019: Married to Maria Lamas for multiple years
• 2019: Divorce from Maria finalized
• Post-2019: Public relationship with Stephanie begins
• Stephanie’s Claim: Says she’s been with Masoud for 11+ years (as of 2025), which would be since approximately 2014
• The Discrepancy: This creates a 5-year overlap between Stephanie’s claimed relationship start and the divorce finalization

Without knowing when Masoud and Maria separated (which could be years before the 2019 legal divorce), it’s impossible to definitively determine if there was overlap or impropriety.

Are Masoud’s daughters from his first marriage on good terms with him?

This information is not publicly available, as both Anelise and Lilibet Shojaee maintain private lives. The fact that they’re not featured on The Real Housewives of Miami or in Masoud and Stephanie’s public social media suggests either the daughters’ preference for privacy, Maria’s influence in keeping them separate from the reality TV world, or possibly terms of custody/co-parenting agreements. The absence of public drama or statements suggests the family has found a way to maintain relationships while respecting boundaries, though specifics remain private.

How has the RHOM cast reacted to Stephanie Shojaee?

Stephanie has faced criticism from some RHOM castmates, particularly regarding her displays of wealth. Alexia Nepola and Marysol Patton accused Stephanie of “dangling her plane as a carrot” over the other women during Season 7. However, the more significant reaction has been from viewers and online communities, who have investigated her background, questioned her “self-made” narrative, and raised the allegations about her relationship timeline with Masoud. The cast on the show itself hasn’t directly addressed the first wife situation or the timeline controversies, possibly due to legal considerations or production editing choices.

What happened to Maria Lamas’s family’s investment in Shoma Group?

The fate of Maria’s family’s reported investment in Shoma Group has not been publicly disclosed. Typically, in high-net-worth divorces involving family businesses, such investments may be addressed through buyouts, ownership restructuring, or included in overall settlement calculations. The 2019 divorce settlement terms remain confidential, so it’s unknown whether Maria’s family retained any ownership stake, was bought out, or how their contributions were valued in the divorce proceedings. This remains one of the unanswered financial questions from the divorce.

Has Maria Lamas remarried?

There is no public information about Maria Lamas’s current relationship status. She maintains such a private life that details about whether she has remarried, is in a relationship, or prefers to remain single are not available. Unlike her ex-husband’s very public second marriage to Stephanie, Maria has successfully kept her personal life completely out of the public eye since the 2019 divorce.

Why do people care about Masoud Shojaee’s first wife?

Interest in Maria Lamas stems from several factors:

1. RHOM Platform: Stephanie’s appearance on the show brought scrutiny to the family history
2. Timeline Questions: Discrepancies between Stephanie’s claims and the divorce date raised questions
3. “Girl Boss” Narrative: Stephanie’s positioning as having built Shoma Group contradicts the history of the company’s establishment during the first marriage
4. Wealth Display: The ostentatious display of wealth on reality TV led viewers to investigate the source of that wealth
5. Cultural Interest: The story taps into a common narrative of “first wife who helped build everything” being replaced
6. Social Media Investigation: Reddit and other platforms enable collective research that uncovers information not presented on TV

What is Shoma Group and how successful is it?

Shoma Group is a real estate development company founded by Masoud Shojaee that focuses on residential projects throughout South Florida. The company has developed numerous condominiums, townhomes, and residential communities over multiple decades, contributing to South Florida’s growth and development. The company’s success, built over years during Masoud’s marriage to Maria Lamas, has made the Shojaee family wealthy. Current revenue figures and project details are available through the company’s official channels, though exact valuations remain private business information.

Is the information about Maria Lamas verified?

Some information is verified, other details remain speculation:

✓ Verified:

• Maria Lamas was Masoud’s first wife
• Divorce finalized in 2019
• They have daughters Anelise and Lilibet
• Stephanie denied being Maria’s assistant
• Maria lives privately post-divorce

⚠ Unverified/Alleged:

• Specific financial contributions from Maria’s family
• Claims about affairs during the first marriage
• Allegations about name changes
• Details about how Masoud and Stephanie met
• Specific terms of divorce settlement

This article separates verified facts from speculation throughout to maintain accuracy and fairness to all parties involved.