Haart, 51, is the star of hit Netflix series My Unorthodox Life, which follows her and her family after their decision to leave an ultra-Orthodox Jewish community, and has returned for a brand new series.

As well as Haart, the show, which premiered in July 2021, also features her eldest three children (Shlomo, Batsheva and Miriam Haart) who now live with her in Manhattan. Julia’s youngest son, Aron Hendler, still lives with his dad, Haart’s first husband Yosef Hendler, in Monsey, but he does still appear in the show, albeit less frequently.

A major storyline of the new season is Haart’s split from husband Scaglia, 64, who starred in the show during its premiere season, and the very first episode kicks off with him leaving the penthouse they formerly shared.

“It was very difficult for me and my family. Honestly, I have a hard time watching it because it’s reliving all the traumas,” Haart told Newsweek about filming My Unorthodox Life season two ahead of its release on December 2.

“I knew my story had to be told to help and inspire people—and empower those who have seen themselves as a victim to being a survivor,” she added.

Haart and Scaglia married in June 2019. Haart was CEO of modeling agency Elite World Group before she was swiftly removed from her position by Scaglia, who is the director of Elite World Group’s parent company, Freedom Holding, Inc., in February 2022, when their breakup turned contentious.

In the new episodes of My Unorthodox Life fans will watch as Haart is left to battle for control of her business empire while also helping her children and closest friends deal with their own life issues, and diving back into the dating world.

When asked if she was ever tempted to stop filming as the split with Scaglia turned ugly (in the first episode they are seen being civil and even agree to continue running their business together, but things quickly change) Haart said: “Yes, but I realized two things: If I was unwilling to be vulnerable and real, then how could I help others?

“Additionally, it would have been unjust to my amazing partners (JJP and Netflix) who continue to believe in me and who have been so supportive throughout this difficult ordeal.”

Scaglia only appears in the show’s premiere episode, when things were still courteous with Heart, and the former couple are even seen meeting and sharing a drink as they discuss their futures at Elite World Group together.

Just a few scenes later, however, Haart is heard declaring: “Silvio fired me” and it becomes clear their split is not going to be as easy, or as friendly, as she thought.

Revealing the emotional toll the split has had on her, Haart admitted: “I’ve had moments of deep despair in the last months.”

So what kept her going?

“The first [thing] is my family and friends,” Haart said. “Their underlying support is invaluable and I’m extremely grateful for that. When I left my community, I did it on my own, with no one to help me or support me or just be a shoulder to cry on.

“Today, I have some amazing people in my corner—people who care about me, who believe in me and who are there for me through thick and thin.”

Gushing over her kids, Haart said: “My children have taken such good care of me, been so loving and attentive, that my eyes tear up even thinking about how grateful I am for their unconditional love and support.”

Haart also credited her work with reminding her of her purpose in life, adding: “My goal remains the same—to free women from suffering for beauty as well as any other social construct that society forces upon us. And most importantly, help women become financially independent and achieve their dreams.”

My Unorthodox Life season 2 is available to stream on Netflix.

Update 12/2/22, 12:21 p.m. ET: This article has been updated to state that Julia Haart was the sole CEO of Elite World Group, not co-CEO with Silvio Scaglia.