‘Below Deck’ Jean-Luc Cerza-Lanaux Breaks His Silence On Dani’s Baby

Below Deck star Jean-Luc Cerza-Lanaux took a break from social media amid the paternity concerns. Fans assumed that he was the father of Dani Soares’ seven-month-old daughter. Dani and Jean-Luc had a tryst during the second season of Below Deck Sailing Yacht. Their hookup followed the timeline after she became pregnant with her first child.

Jean-Luc denied being the father at the Season 2 reunion. He even refused to show up for filming. Instead, he agreed to film a separate interview with host Andy Cohen. Jean-Luc continued to deny the claims on social media. His last Instagram post was on June 19, 2021, when he shared his baby photo.

Jean-Luc Cerza-Lanaux confirms paternity

Jean-Luc has broken his silence since then. He returned from his seven-month social media hiatus to address the questions surrounding his paternity. He confirmed that he is the father of Dani Soares’ daughter after previously claiming that he wasn’t. Jean-Luc broke his silence on Wednesday, January 19, after months of speculation among fans and fellow cast members.

The former Below Deck star shared a photo of himself reflecting on his balcony. Jean-Luc shared that “the year 2021 came to a close” and he’s ready to start a new year as a father. He explained that he needed to take a break from social media to focus “on me and my mental health.”

“I can’t let 2022 go any further without sharing some beautiful news,” the former Below Deck star wrote. “An international DNA test that was done awhile [sic] ago was no small feat. I’m happy and proud to say Sweet and beautiful Lilly rose [sic] is my daughter.”

The former couple is working on their co-parenting relationship. Jean-Luc shared that they’re “communicating together to the best of our ability.” He noted that Dani juggles both work and motherhood, while he still works in the yachting industry. The reality star is aware that their little girl “needs both parents in her life.”

“With that being said, going forward, I will no longer feel the need to explain myself to anybody when realizing people only understand from their level of perception,” he added.

The Below Deck Sailing Yacht star concluded his message by thanking his friends and family for being by his side. He is looking forward to starting the new year fresh. Jean-Luc wants “to be the best man and father I can be.”

Dani Soares shocked Below Deck fans with her baby news

In April 2021, Dani surprised Below Deck fans when she announced that she was pregnant with her first child. At the time, she didn’t share details of her pregnancy, including the paternity. However, fans speculated that Jean-Luc was the father. Their blossoming romance was unfolding on Season 2 of Below Deck Sailing Yacht.

Dani welcomed Lilly in May 2021, but their paternity battle was just beginning. On the show’s reunion special, Jean-Luc claimed that he would only “co-parent together” if the baby was his. Dani confirmed on the “Side Piece” podcast that she hasn’t heard back from him on the test and the steps he needs to take as a father. As for Jean-Luc’s news, Dani says that “actions speak louder than words” in a statement to Us Weekly.

What are your thoughts on Jean-Luc confirming his paternity? Do you think he will make a good dad? Do you think Dani and Jean-Luc will agree to a co-parenting relationship? Sound off below in the comment section.

Below Deck airs Mondays at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo.