New information has come to light regarding the close friend embroiled in a public dispute with AFL WAG Jules Neale, as reports of troubles in her marriage to dual-Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale continue to swirl.
Jules Neale's Public Statement and Alleged Betrayal
Jules Neale, who is originally from Perth, was compelled to address growing speculation last week after it was revealed she and the Brisbane Lions premiership player were navigating a private relationship issue. In a pointed Instagram story, Jules dismissed those reports, instead claiming she had suffered a profound personal betrayal.
"I want to make it very clear that I am not working through anything," her statement declared. "All I can do now is try to heal and do what's best for my children."
The Instagram Comment That Sparked the Feud
The situation escalated when a screenshot emerged showing a since-deleted, strongly-worded comment from Jules on an Instagram post by her close friend, Tess Crosley. The post featured a carousel of photos taken on the MCG ground after the Lions' premiership win, showing Lachie Neale standing between Tess and her husband, Ben Crosley.
Jules's comment demanded: "Take these (pictures) down...". Following the incident, both women have unfollowed each other on the social media platform, although the contentious photos remain visible on Tess Crosley's profile.
The profile also contains several images from a joint holiday the Neale and Crosley families took to the Gold Coast in November, highlighting their previously close bond.
Who is Tess Crosley?
According to reports, Tess Crosley and her husband Ben married in December 2017 and are both practising Mormons, belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The couple share a two-year-old child.
It appears Tess Crosley has a history with Western Australia, having spent time in the state between 2015 and 2017 on a Mormon mission to Perth. Her Instagram account features photos from her time on the west coast.
Fallout and a Return to Western Australia
In the wake of the very public drama, Jules Neale has returned to her home state of Western Australia. On Tuesday, she posted a photo of the Busselton Jetty to her Instagram story, accompanying it with a 'healing heart' emoji.
The hairdresser's social media following has seen a significant surge since she posted her initial statement last Friday. Her follower count has ballooned to approximately 61.5 thousand, a sharp increase from the reported 27,000 she had just a week prior.
Notably, in her most recent grid post celebrating her son Freddie's first birthday, Lachie Neale was absent from the carousel of family photos. "You're the sweetest soul Freddie bear, Thank you for choosing me, for holding me up without even knowing it," the emotional caption read. Jules and Lachie also share a four-year-old daughter, Piper.
