Yassie Marie, a longtime friend and bridesmaid of Jules Neale, has publicly refuted claims that she sent death threats to Tess Crosley. Marie's statement comes in response to an interview Crosley gave to the Daily Mail podcast "The Debrief with Savanna Young," where Crosley discussed her affair with AFL player Lachie Neale and the subsequent public fallout.
Crosley stated in the interview that she received death threats after the scandal broke in December. Marie, who was a bridesmaid at Neale's wedding to Jules, clarified her role, explaining that she forwarded abusive messages she received from the public to Crosley. These messages stemmed from a misunderstanding where some fans initially believed Marie was the "other woman" involved in the Neales' marital breakdown.
Marie asserted, "No, I didn't send her death threats." She elaborated, "What I did do was redirect every single abusive or negative DM I received when people didn't know who the friend [of Jules who was having the affair] was, straight to [Tess]."
Marie also expressed her continued disapproval of Crosley's actions. "Tess, I have listened carefully to the entire podcast and I just want to say, as one of Jules' friends who you've blocked, I strongly stand by everything I've said about you and to you," Marie stated. Crosley has since blocked Marie on social media.
The public controversy erupted last December when Jules Neale revealed on Instagram that Lachie had "betrayed" her. The affair with Tess Crosley subsequently became public knowledge, leading to Lachie Neale stepping down as Brisbane Lions captain. The scandal resulted in the collapse of the Neales' marriage and the implosion of their close-knit social circle.
Crosley used her interview to offer her perspective on the events, addressing rumors including allegations of a secret swinging arrangement within their friendship group, which she suggested had "a lot of context that people don't know" and involved a friendship groups that "just got way too close." She also refuted the notion that she and Jules Neale were "lifelong" best friends, stating their friendship lasted about a year before the affair. Crosley specifically denied the widely circulated rumor that Lachie Neale was the father of her son, Beau, calling it a baseless claim.
Jules Neale has since relocated from Queensland to Western Australia with their children. Lachie Neale is now in a relationship with Emma Field. Crosley has reportedly rebuilt her life on the Gold Coast while facing public criticism. Marie and Jules Neale maintain a close bond, evidenced by their frequent social media posts and shared business venture, an upcoming hair brand and salon named VÉLA.