Introduction – Masoud Shojaee First Wife
Masoud Shojaee’s first wife is Maria Lamas (also documented as Maria Guadalupe Lamas or Maria Lamas Shojaee), a private businesswoman who co-founded Miami’s Shoma Group real estate empire alongside her husband after their 1984 wedding in Florida. The couple built one of South Florida’s most prominent development companies over more than three decades while raising two daughters, Anelise and Lilibet Shojaee, before filing for divorce in April 2015 and finalizing their separation around 2018–2019.
Today, Masoud is married to Stephanie Shojaee, who joined Bravo’s Real Housewives of Miami (RHOM) cast for its seventh season in 2025, bringing renewed public attention to the family’s complex history—including a high-profile 2023 defamation lawsuit filed by Maria Lamas and her daughters against Stephanie.
For RHOM viewers discovering Masoud Shojaee through his wife Stephanie’s reality TV debut, understanding the backstory of his first marriage provides crucial context for the family dynamics occasionally referenced on screen. While Maria Lamas has maintained an intensely private profile—rarely photographed and never granting media interviews—court documents, real estate filings, and business records paint a picture of a woman who was instrumental in building Shoma Group from its early days into a powerhouse that has developed over 11,000 residential units across South Florida.
The divorce proceedings, which stretched across several years amid significant asset divisions including the sale of the couple’s $15.9 million Moroccan-style waterfront estate in 2017, revealed tensions within the family business structure that would later escalate into legal battles involving the next generation.
The February 2023 defamation lawsuit filed by Maria Lamas alongside daughters Anelise and Lilibet against Stephanie Shojaee thrust this private family drama into the public spotlight, alleging harmful statements made during Stephanie’s podcast appearances. Though the case was reportedly dropped in October 2023 without public disclosure of settlement terms, its ripple effects continued into Stephanie’s RHOM Season 7 journey, where she addressed persistent rumors about her relationship timeline with Masoud and denied ever working for his ex-wife.
This claim had circulated widely on social media and Reddit forums. As of early 2026, with RHOM Season 7 concluded and reunion episodes aired, the Shojaee family narrative remains a point of fascination for Bravo viewers seeking clarity amid conflicting online narratives. This comprehensive guide separates verified facts from speculation, drawing exclusively on court records, reputable real estate publications, entertainment outlets including Us Weekly and Reality Blurb, and official business filings to provide the most accurate portrait available of Masoud Shojaee’s first marriage, its dissolution, and its aftermath.
Table of Contents
Who Is Masoud Shojaee? Quick Bio
Masoud Shojaee is an Iranian-American real estate developer and the founder, Chairman, and CEO of Shoma Group, a Miami-based development firm responsible for over 11,000 residential units across South Florida since its inception. Born in Tehran, Iran, Shojaee immigrated to the United States in August 1978 at age 15, initially settling in Miami where he would later attend the University of Miami. He began his professional career as an electrical engineer before pivoting to real estate development, obtaining his general contractor’s license in 1987 and formally establishing Shoma Group in 1988.
Under Shojaee’s four-decade leadership, Shoma Group has evolved from modest residential projects into a luxury development powerhouse with signature properties including Shoma Bay in North Bay Village, Shoma Park in Aventura, and numerous high-rise condominiums throughout Miami-Dade and Broward counties. The company’s portfolio spans market-rate luxury condominiums, affordable housing initiatives under Florida’s Live Local Act, and mixed-use developments, positioning Shojaee as one of South Florida’s most influential developers despite maintaining a notably low public profile compared to celebrity real estate moguls.
Now in his early 60s (reported age 62 in 2023 business profiles), Shojaee has consistently avoided media interviews and social media presence beyond a minimal Instagram account showcasing Shoma Group projects. This privacy contrasts sharply with his current wife Stephanie’s embrace of reality television and public life. This dynamic has drawn scrutiny from RHOM viewers curious about how the intensely private developer navigates his wife’s newfound fame.
Shojaee’s business acumen has generated an estimated net worth exceeding $300 million according to 2025 entertainment reports, though exact figures remain undisclosed as Shoma Group operates as a privately held entity.
Masoud Shojaee First Wife: Maria Lamas – Background and Early Life
Maria Lamas (full name Maria Guadalupe Lamas) remains one of Miami real estate’s most enigmatic figures—a woman who co-founded a billion-dollar development empire yet has successfully avoided virtually all media attention for four decades. Public records confirm her 1984 marriage to Masoud Shojaee in Florida, but details about her early life, family background, or education remain scarce due to her deliberate privacy. Unlike many spouses of prominent developers who cultivate social profiles or take public-facing roles within family businesses, Lamas operated almost exclusively behind the scenes throughout Shoma Group’s growth phase.
Business filings from the mid-2010s reveal that Maria Lamas held significant ownership stakes in Shoma Group entities alongside her husband. Tax court documents from 2015 reference “Maria Lamas Shojaee” as collectively owning 60% of Shoma Group interests with Masoud, while other family members held the remaining shares. This substantial equity position underscores her role as more than a passive spouse—she was a documented co-owner during the company’s most aggressive expansion period in the 2000s and early 2010s.
Despite her ownership role, Lamas never held an official executive title at Shoma Group publicly disclosed in press releases or corporate bios. She did not appear at ribbon-cutting ceremonies, give interviews to real estate publications, or maintain any detectable social media presence—strategies that sharply contrast with Stephanie Shojaee’s current role as Shoma Group President and RHOM cast member. This deliberate invisibility has fueled speculation among Miami real estate circles about her actual day-to-day involvement in operations versus a purely financial partnership, though no credible sources have substantiated claims about her specific responsibilities.
What little is known about Lamas’ background suggests possible Cuban or Latin American heritage based on her full name “Maria Guadalupe Lamas,” though no immigration records or family history details have been publicly verified. Her privacy intensified following the 2015 divorce filing, with court documents becoming the primary source of information about her activities—including her role as trustee for her daughters’ family trust and her involvement in subsequent litigation against Masoud regarding rock mining lease revenues in 2020.
As of 2026, Maria Lamas continues to maintain complete media silence, with no photographs, interviews, or public appearances documented in the digital era—a remarkable feat given her connection to both a major real estate empire and a Bravo reality television star.
Marriage Timeline: Masoud and Maria Lamas (1984 Wedding to 2019 Divorce Finalization)
Masoud Shojaee and Maria Lamas married in Florida in 1984, approximately six years after Shojaee’s immigration to the United States and shortly before he formally launched Shoma Group in 1988. Their union coincided with Shojaee’s transition from electrical engineering into real estate development, suggesting Lamas may have provided crucial early financial or operational support during the company’s bootstrap phase—a common pattern among immigrant entrepreneur couples building businesses from the ground up.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, the Shojaees expanded their family alongside their business portfolio, welcoming two daughters—Anelise Shojaee and Lilibet Shojaee—whose exact birth years remain undisclosed due to the family’s privacy practices. Public records first documented the daughters’ existence through 2015 tax court filings related to Shoma Group ownership structures, confirming their status as beneficiaries of family trusts established by their parents. The couple’s primary residence during their marriage was a distinctive Moroccan-style waterfront estate at 515 Casuarina Concourse in Miami Beach, a property that would later become central to divorce proceedings.
The marriage’s dissolution began formally in April 2015 when Maria Lamas Shojaee filed for divorce in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court. Court records indicate the proceedings became protracted, with asset division complexities delaying finalization for several years. A significant milestone occurred in February 2017 when the couple’s $15.9 million Moroccan-style estate was listed for sale amid what The Real Deal described as a “messy divorce,” signaling major financial restructuring within the family. The property eventually sold, with proceeds likely allocated as part of the marital asset division.
Divorce finalization occurred approximately in late 2018 or early 2019, though exact court dates remain sealed in confidential family court records. This timeline is corroborated by multiple real estate industry reports noting that Masoud Shojaee married his current wife, Stephanie, in 2019—one year after his divorce from Maria Lamas was completed. The multi-year divorce process involved complex negotiations over Shoma Group equity, real estate holdings, and trust structures benefiting the couple’s daughters—matters that would resurface in subsequent litigation years later.
Children from the Marriage – Anelise and Lilibet Shojaee
Masoud Shojaee and Maria Lamas have two daughters: Anelise Shojaee and Lilibet Shojaee (sometimes referenced with variant spellings including “Annelise” in informal social media discussions, though court documents consistently use “Anelise”). Like their mother, both women have maintained exceptionally private lives, with no verified social media accounts, professional LinkedIn profiles, or public appearances documented as of 2026. This privacy stands in stark contrast to many children of reality television personalities who often leverage family connections for social media influence or business opportunities.
What is publicly known about Anelise and Lilibet stems primarily from legal proceedings rather than voluntary disclosures. Both daughters are named as beneficiaries of the M&M Trust—a family trust established by their parents that holds significant Shoma Group-related assets, including a 75% controlling interest in Santa Fe Haciendas, a rock mining property in Miami-Dade County. In May 2020, this trust (with the daughters as beneficiaries) filed a lawsuit against Masoud Shojaee alleging he improperly withdrew millions of dollars from Santa Fe Haciendas accounts while serving as trustee—a case separate from but thematically connected to later family disputes.
The daughters’ involvement in the February 2023 defamation lawsuit against Stephanie Shojaee marked their most visible appearance in public records to date. Court documents filed in Miami-Dade County listed Anelise Shojaee and Lilibet Shojaee as co-plaintiffs alongside their mother Maria Lamas, alleging that Stephanie Shojaee made defamatory statements about them during podcast appearances. The lawsuit specifically referenced harm to the daughters’ reputations and emotional distress, though the exact statements alleged as defamatory were not detailed in initial filings available to the public.
As of 2026, neither Anelise nor Lilibet Shojaee has entered Shoma Group’s executive leadership despite their substantial inherited equity stakes. Industry observers speculate they may work within the company in non-public-facing roles or manage their trust assets independently, but no employment records or business affiliations have been verified. Their continued privacy—despite their father’s marriage to a reality television star—suggests a deliberate family choice to separate their lives from the public spotlight Stephanie Shojaee now occupies.
The Divorce Details
Maria Lamas Shojaee initiated divorce proceedings against Masoud Shojaee in April 2015 by filing a petition in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court. The case quickly revealed the complexity typical of high-net-worth divorces involving closely held family businesses, with marital assets including Shoma Group equity stakes, multiple luxury real estate holdings, and family trusts requiring intricate valuation and division.
A pivotal moment in the divorce unfolded in February 2017 when the couple’s primary marital home—a $15.9 million Moroccan-style waterfront estate at 515 Casuarina Concourse in Miami Beach—was listed for sale. The Real Deal reported the listing occurred “amid a messy divorce,” with the property featuring custom architectural details including hand-carved ceilings, a private dock, and panoramic bay views. The sale of this signature asset signaled major financial restructuring within the marriage and likely represented a significant component of the eventual asset division agreement.
Court records indicate the divorce proceedings extended for approximately three to four years before finalization around late 2018 or early 2019. The extended timeline suggests negotiations over Shoma Group ownership proved particularly complex. Unlike publicly traded companies with clear market valuations, closely held real estate development firms present unique challenges in divorce settlements—requiring forensic accounting of project pipelines, debt obligations, and future revenue streams to determine equitable distribution.
Notably, the divorce settlement terms remain confidential under Florida family court privacy protections. No public documents detail the specific division of Shoma Group equity, cash settlements, or ongoing financial obligations between the parties. This confidentiality has fueled speculation among Miami real estate observers about whether Maria Lamas retained any ownership stake in Shoma Group post-divorce or received a complete buyout—a question with implications for understanding her motivation in later lawsuits against Stephanie Shojaee.
What is documented is that Masoud Shojaee married Stephanie in 2019, approximately one year after his divorce from Maria Lamas was finalized. This timeline became significant during the 2023 defamation lawsuit when allegations surfaced suggesting Stephanie may have begun a relationship with Masoud before his divorce was complete—a claim Stephanie has consistently and vehemently denied in RHOM Season 7 interviews and social media statements.
Family Feud and the 2023 Defamation Lawsuit Against Stephanie Shojaee
In February 2023, Maria Lamas Shojaee and her daughters Anelise and Lilibet filed a defamation lawsuit against Stephanie Shojaee in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court. The lawsuit alleged that Stephanie made false and damaging statements about the plaintiffs during appearances on her podcast “Divorced Not Dead” and potentially other media platforms. The Real Deal first reported the filing on February 21, 2023, describing it as a rare instance of a reality television personality facing legal action from her spouse’s ex-family members.
While the specific statements alleged as defamatory were not detailed in publicly available initial filings, industry reports and subsequent RHOM Season 7 discussions indicated the lawsuit centered on claims Stephanie made about the timeline of her relationship with Masoud Shojaee and her interactions (or lack thereof) with his first family. Central to the dispute were persistent rumors circulating on social media—particularly Reddit’s r/RealHousewives community and Instagram comment sections—suggesting Stephanie had worked as an assistant to Maria Lamas before allegedly having an affair with Masoud during his marriage.
Stephanie Shojaee has consistently denied these allegations across multiple platforms. During RHOM Season 7 reunion episodes filmed in late 2025, she stated she never worked for Maria Lamas and had never met Masoud’s ex-wife until well after his divorce was finalized. She further denied having any romantic relationship with Masoud prior to his divorce completion, emphasizing their relationship began only after he was legally single. Stephanie also addressed the “gold digger” accusations that had circulated online, noting she had her own successful career in real estate marketing before joining Shoma Group—a point corroborated by her 2022 appointment as Shoma Group President after years of independent business experience.
The defamation lawsuit progressed through early 2023 discovery phases before reportedly being dropped in October 2023. Neither party disclosed settlement terms or whether financial compensation changed hands, maintaining confidentiality consistent with the Shojaee family’s general approach to legal matters. Us Weekly and Distractify reported the dismissal in late 2023 without citing official court documents, suggesting the resolution may have occurred through private mediation rather than a public trial verdict.
As of RHOM Season 7’s 2025 airing and subsequent reunion episodes, Stephanie addressed the lawsuit’s aftermath with characteristic directness, stating she refused to let the legal action derail her life or career. She confirmed the case was resolved without admitting wrongdoing and expressed frustration that private family matters had become public fodder for reality television storylines. Masoud Shojaee himself has never publicly commented on the lawsuit, maintaining his decades-long pattern of avoiding media engagement on personal matters.
Rumors and Controversies
Several persistent rumors have circulated online about Masoud Shojaee’s transition from his first marriage to his relationship with Stephanie Shojaee. These claims require careful separation between verified facts and unproven speculation:
Affair Allegations: The most damaging rumor suggested Stephanie Shojaee began a romantic relationship with Masoud while he was still married to Maria Lamas. This claim gained traction on social media platforms following Stephanie’s RHOM casting announcement in early 2025. Stephanie has categorically denied this allegation in multiple forums, including her Instagram account and RHOM Season 7 reunion episodes, stating their relationship began only after Masoud’s divorce was finalized in 2018–2019. No court documents, credible media reports, or verified evidence have substantiated the affair claim.
Assistant Rumor: A related theory alleged Stephanie previously worked as Maria Lamas’ personal assistant or within Shoma Group under Maria’s supervision before allegedly “stealing” Masoud. Stephanie has explicitly denied ever working for Maria Lamas in any capacity, stating during RHOM Season 7 that she had never met Masoud’s ex-wife until after his divorce was complete. Public employment records and Shoma Group corporate filings from the 2010s contain no evidence supporting this claim. Stephanie’s documented career path shows her working in real estate marketing and development roles at other South Florida firms before joining Shoma Group in an executive capacity after Masoud’s divorce.
Gold Digger Accusations: Online commenters frequently labeled Stephanie a “gold digger” seeking access to Masoud’s wealth. These claims intensified after Miami realtor Joanne Silva posted critical Instagram comments calling Stephanie a “gold digger” in late 2022—comments that prompted Masoud and Stephanie to file their own defamation lawsuit against Silva in January 2023. Stephanie has countered these accusations by highlighting her pre-Shoma real estate career and her rapid ascent to Shoma Group President in 2022—a role involving genuine operational responsibilities beyond ceremonial duties. Industry publications including South Florida Business Journal have documented her involvement in major development decisions, lending credibility to her professional qualifications independent of her marriage.
Trust Fund Disputes: Separate from the defamation lawsuit, court records reveal ongoing financial tensions between Masoud and his daughters regarding the M&M Trust. A 2020 lawsuit filed by the trust (beneficiaries: Anelise and Lilibet) alleged Masoud improperly withdrew millions from rock mining lease revenues belonging to the trust. While this case involved business governance rather than personal relationships, it contributed to public perception of fractured family dynamics that contextualized the later defamation suit against Stephanie. The 2020 case was reportedly settled confidentially in 2021.
Throughout these controversies, Maria Lamas has maintained absolute silence—never granting interviews, posting social media responses, or making public statements that could validate or refute circulating claims. This silence has created an information vacuum filled by speculation, though responsible reporting requires acknowledging the absence of evidence for many viral allegations.
Masoud Shojaee’s Current Life with Stephanie Shojaee
Masoud Shojaee married Stephanie in 2019, approximately one year after finalizing his divorce from Maria Lamas. Their relationship represents a stark contrast in public visibility compared to Masoud’s first marriage: where Maria Lamas operated entirely behind the scenes, Stephanie has embraced public life through both her corporate role and reality television career.
Stephanie Shojaee serves as President of Shoma Group, a position she formally assumed in April 2022 after several years of increasing responsibility within the company. In this role, she oversees Shoma Group’s expansion beyond South Florida, including exploration of development opportunities in other U.S. markets—a strategic shift from the company’s historically Miami-centric focus under Masoud’s sole leadership. Industry observers note Stephanie has brought heightened marketing sophistication and social media engagement to Shoma Group’s brand, though Masoud retains ultimate decision-making authority as Chairman and CEO.
The couple’s personal life entered mainstream consciousness when Stephanie joined The Real Housewives of Miami as a full-time cast member for Season 7, which premiered June 11, 2025. Unlike many RHOM spouses who make occasional cameo appearances, Masoud has maintained his privacy despite his wife’s television exposure—appearing only briefly in select episodes and declining participation in reunion tapings. This dynamic created an intriguing narrative tension during Season 7: viewers watched Stephanie navigate Miami’s social scene and business world while her husband remained an enigmatic figure discussed but rarely seen.
Stephanie and Masoud share two miniature schnauzers named Pebbles and Max, frequently featured on Stephanie’s Instagram account, which has grown to over 600,000 followers as of early 2026. The couple resides in a contemporary waterfront estate in Miami, distinct from Masoud’s former marital home with Maria Lamas. They have not publicly discussed plans for children together; Stephanie has indicated in RHOM episodes that she embraces a child-free lifestyle by choice.
Financially, the couple’s combined net worth is estimated at over $300 million according to 2025 entertainment reports, though exact figures remain undisclosed as Shoma Group is privately held. Their lifestyle reflects this wealth through luxury travel, high-end fashion (Stephanie is known for her Birkin bag collection), and philanthropic involvement in Miami cultural institutions—though they avoid the ostentatious displays sometimes associated with reality television personalities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Masoud Shojaee’s first wife?
Masoud Shojaee’s first wife is Maria Lamas (full name Maria Guadalupe Lamas), who married him in 1984 and co-founded Shoma Group before their divorce finalized around 2018–2019.
What is Maria Lamas’ full name and background?
Her full legal name is Maria Guadalupe Lamas. She maintains extreme privacy with no publicly verified details about her early life, education, or family background beyond her 1984 Florida marriage to Masoud Shojaee.
When did Masoud Shojaee divorce Maria Lamas?
Maria Lamas filed for divorce in April 2015. The proceedings lasted approximately three to four years, with finalization occurring around late 2018 or early 2019.
How many children does Masoud have with his first wife?
Masoud and Maria Lamas have two daughters: Anelise Shojaee and Lilibet Shojaee. Both maintain private lives with no public social media presence or career disclosures.
What was the 2023 lawsuit about?
In February 2023, Maria Lamas and daughters Anelise and Lilibet sued Stephanie Shojaee for defamation, alleging harmful statements made during Stephanie’s podcast appearances. The case was reportedly dropped in October 2023.
Did Stephanie Shojaee have an affair with Masoud before his divorce?
Stephanie has consistently denied this allegation across multiple platforms including RHOM Season 7 reunions, stating their relationship began only after Masoud’s divorce was finalized in 2018–2019. No credible evidence has substantiated affair claims.
Did Stephanie work for Masoud’s ex-wife Maria Lamas?
Stephanie has explicitly denied ever working for Maria Lamas in any capacity. During RHOM Season 7, she stated she had never met Masoud’s ex-wife until well after his divorce was complete. No employment records support the assistant rumor.
Is the defamation lawsuit resolved as of 2026?
Yes. The lawsuit filed in February 2023 was reportedly dropped in October 2023. Neither party disclosed settlement terms, but the case is no longer active as of 2026.
When did Masoud marry Stephanie Shojaee?
Masoud and Stephanie Shojaee married in 2019, approximately one year after his divorce from Maria Lamas was finalized.
What role does Stephanie Shojaee have at Shoma Group?
Stephanie serves as President of Shoma Group, a position she formally assumed in April 2022. She oversees company expansion and marketing while Masoud remains Chairman and CEO.
Does Masoud Shojaee have children with Stephanie?
No. Stephanie has indicated she embraces a child-free lifestyle. The couple shares two miniature schnauzers named Pebbles and Max.
What happened to Masoud and Maria’s marital home?
Their $15.9 million Moroccan-style waterfront estate at 515 Casuarina Concourse in Miami Beach was listed for sale in February 2017 during divorce proceedings and subsequently sold.
Are Masoud’s daughters involved in Shoma Group?
No verified information indicates Anelise or Lilibet Shojaee hold executive positions at Shoma Group despite reportedly inheriting significant equity stakes through family trusts. Both maintain private lives outside the public eye.
Why is Maria Lamas so private?
Maria Lamas has deliberately avoided all media attention for four decades—never granting interviews, maintaining social media accounts, or attending public events related to Shoma Group. This privacy intensified following her divorce.
What is Masoud Shojaee’s net worth?
Estimated at over $300 million combined with Stephanie as of 2025 reports, though exact figures remain undisclosed as Shoma Group is privately held.
Conclusion
The story of Masoud Shojaee’s first marriage to Maria Lamas represents a classic Miami real estate narrative: immigrant entrepreneur and partner building an empire from modest beginnings, only to see their personal and professional lives diverge after decades of shared success. Verified facts confirm Maria Lamas as Masoud’s first wife—married in 1984, mother to daughters Anelise and Lilibet, co-owner of Shoma Group assets during the marriage, and divorced after a multi-year process concluding around 2018–2019. What remains unknowable due to Maria’s steadfast privacy are the personal dynamics that shaped their 30+ year partnership and its dissolution.
The 2023 defamation lawsuit filed by Maria Lamas and her daughters against Stephanie Shojaee added a dramatic chapter to this private family history, though its resolution without public disclosure leaves many questions unanswered. For RHOM viewers encountering this backstory through Stephanie’s reality television journey, it’s essential to distinguish between verified court documents and viral speculation—particularly regarding unproven affair allegations or employment rumors that Stephanie has consistently denied.
As of February 2026, Masoud Shojaee continues leading Shoma Group with characteristic privacy, while Stephanie navigates the dual demands of corporate leadership and reality television fame. Maria Lamas and her daughters remain entirely outside the public sphere—a choice deserving respect in an era of oversharing. For those seeking ongoing updates, RHOM Season 7 reunion episodes provide Stephanie’s perspective on these events, while reputable real estate publications offer business-focused coverage of Shoma Group developments.
Ultimately, the Shojaee family story reminds us that behind every reality television narrative lie complex human relationships shaped by privacy choices, business entanglements, and the passage of time. While public curiosity is natural, respecting boundaries—especially for those like Maria Lamas who have never sought the spotlight—remains essential for ethical consumption of celebrity-adjacent gossip. Verify claims through credible sources before sharing, and remember that court documents and business filings tell only part of any family’s story.
