I finally had the chance to watch Teresa and Joe Giudice’s interview with Andy Cohen on Watch What Happens Live, which aired Monday. As I mentioned yesterday, these two remain deep in denial and delusion about their culpability in defrauding lenders out of millions. It fact Teresa continued to insist “I don’t spend money that I don’t have.” and “I always pay my taxes.” It now makes perfect sense to me that they received prison time, and I believe the judge was lenient. One of the most telling exchanges happened when Andy pressed Joe about his role in providing false income statements to banks in order to obtain loans. Joe described it as if he was a passive participant in the process:
Andy asked Teresa how aware she was of the fraudulent loans
This was a long time ago, whatever Joe handed me to sign, I signed.Joe on if he was aware of what he was giving Teresa to sign
Just whatever the bank gave me for her to sign.Andy: But you were taking out false loans
Alright, whatever, I was taking out false loans.Andy: they were phony W2 forms
They were handing me the paperwork, whatever the forms were. She had better credit, so we used her. She didn’t even come to closings… basically I would get the paperwork, sign it and it would be done.Yes, those are legal things as far as tax returns and things like that.
As some of you mentioned yesterday, Teresa seemed drugged while Joe looked drunk. In part two of the interview, to air Thursday, Joe sort-of admits he’s an alcoholic. This comes as no surprise to anyone who watches the show or pays attention to these two. Joe has a DUI and received jail time in 2010 for using his brother’s identity to obtain a driver’s license while his own license was suspended.
Bravo now has a 30 second teaser for the new interview in which Joe admits “I might have a little [drinking] problem. I’m not going to lie.” As Radar points out, Joe’s own lawyer has said his client often smells of booze and that “When [Joe] comes into my office, he smells of alcohol.” In the teaser, Andy asks some tough questions about whether RHONJ is scripted, about whether Teresa resents Joe, and if Joe is worried about being deported. You know these two are going to stick together and weasel out of every direct question, they’ve done that for years.
Andy Cohen also has a brief interview with Extra [via US] in which he talks about the RHONJ reunion. He claims that it’s not true that Teresa was four hours late, and he calls the reunion show “typical” in that it was “really dramatic, really emotional, very intense.” He also claims that no decision has yet been made about the roles, if any, that Teresa and Joe will have in upcoming seasons. You know RHONJ producers are just waiting for lawyers to give the go-ahead to film these two. There’s no way either side isn’t going to capitalize on this.
Oh and Teresa is said to be totally in denial about her upcoming stint in prison. Of course she as. An insider tells Radar that she hasn’t even looked at any of the material on the facility where she’s likely to be staying, a minimum security prison in West Virginia nicknamed Camp Cupcake. The source claims “She is hoping she will get a last-minute reprieve.” Good luck with that.
E! reports that Teresa and Joe are no longer talking to their lawyers and have hired a “legal crisis consultant,” who is considered a “conviction expert.” As part of their plea deal, they cannot appeal their sentence.
Here’s the preview clip for Thursday’s segment:
Photos are screenshots from Bravo and also credit: Pacific Coast News
Yep. I took out false loans. Shrug!
Go to jail sir and take your wife with you.
No remorse at all. These two are unreal.
Ugh, such greedy, horrible people!
They were aggressively committing fraud.
But lots of taxpayers cheat on their taxes in ways that are probably slightly less aggressive. They will be really surprised if they ever get caught.
I think jail might do them some good.
HOT.MESS.
There’s a thing that’s common among a lot of white-collar criminals (although I loathe calling these two such, since most white-collar criminals are fairly bright, and these two ain’t): a lot of them are really convinced that what they did was a (mostly) victimless crime. So they defrauded a bank or some other multi-million dollar corporation. It’s not like they actually hurt anybody. That’s the thought process they have. They really believe that it was okay because no “little people” got hurt (unless you count the people who can lose their jobs because their employer was defrauded and now they have nothing).
They’re usually right that nobody really got hurt. They don’t go to prison based on whether or not somebody has a black eye, or lost some money. They go to prison because the government does not screw around with financial crimes and they consistently send people to prison for financial crimes to send a message. The messge is not “some lower rung employees could’ve maybe, possibly, conceivably (doubtfully) lost their job because of you,” or simply “it’s morally wrong to be dishonest and do what you did.” The message is DO NOT F WITH OUR MONEY.
But they DO hurt people. They took out false loans, drove up their debt level and then attempted a fraudulent bankruptcy to try to discharge the debts. That would have meant substantial losses to any company that was fraudently induced to do business with them. Some companies are big enough to absorb the losses, but some are not. People get laid off over crap like this. It’s short-sighted to see it solely as a government money issue. They largely didn’t defraud the government, except on the tax issues. It was mostly private businesses.
Thank you Sam. I don’t want to get into the argument over whether corporations are “people” but there is very little that is a victimless crime, even in the financial sector.
Well I suppose if they were dealing with small credit unions or something, that’s true. But most even medium-sized financial institutions can easily absorb the amount these two clowns made off with. I’m not saying it’s right, of course. Also, often it’s either the banks on their own, or a federal agency, or both, pressing charges, so regardless of who they actually screwed out of money, it’s the same principle, the reigning almighty principle of don’t F with our money. I certainly don’t know everything about it, or this case, but I’m saying this as someone with experience working in the legal area inside a bank, and as someone with a family member who was convicted of a single count of wire fraud, for a much smaller amount than these two had going, and was sent to prison for a year. I think, even it’s a small credit union for example, then yes, far more likely that a real person gets hurt, but even then a prosecution will usually involve a federal regulatory agency. I guess my point is simply, I think their deal was *likely* not one that caused any layoffs or anything, and also – – the major motivation in prosecuting is so that people know, no matter what the institution, no matter the amount, you commit financial fraud and you WILL be sent to prison. No slaps on the hand, full stop.
I have never watched RHONJ, but I did watch the interview the other night with Andy Cohen. Theresa came across as inarticulate and rather stupid. The husband basically grunted and said a very little. I cannot believe that these two are featured on a tv show. I am surprised that they were smart enough to deceive the banks. Is the husband involved in illegal activities? If so, he should go back to Italy and the mafia will take care of him. One of the funniest things he said was “I got this suit for $250. That’s two suits, two shirts and two ties”. He was bragging to Andy. Incredible
Teresa (I’m ashamed to know) is kind of well-known for being inarticulate. Let’s just say she, eerrmmmm, does not have the best command of the English language. There’s a clip of her talking about her friendship with Vicoria Gotti and calling Victoria a “kinder spirit.” Makes me want to yell, “kindred! the word is kindred, dumbass!” at the TV.
As for Joe, I’d be willing to bet he’s actually lucky that he got off with onl being prosecuted for this stuff. I imagine he’s your regular book-cooker, shady-dealer all around and probably has committed plenty of other crimes, these are just the ones that were easiest to get him on.
Way to go, Juicy!!!
I can’t help it. I feel sorry for these lugs.
Good grief – why??
I don’t understand why. They are thieves who got caught and will now goto jail.
I will save my sympathy for the small business owner(s) that were hurt by these criminals.
Your pity is wasted because the only thing they are sorry about is getting caught. The only person who tries to scam a Federal judge by hiding assets on their pre sentencing paper work is one who is arrogant and delusional. Teresa thumbed her nose at the judge and the judge replied with a jail sentence. Teresa wasn’t going to get jail time until the judge saw how she tried to deceive the court.
Their lives are miserable. Even when our suffering comes from our own flaws and mistakes, it still sucks.
You can only scream insanity for so long. She admitted everything on RHONJ was scripted (as if we didn’t know), yet still swears that it’s all real. She is a complete wacko who sadly was born without a forehead! How she thought because she was a reality star who happens to have children, she could get away with breaking the law is beyond me. Come on Teresa, wasn’t Al Capone Italian, tax evasion was how his butt finally got thrown in jail. Ah the stupidity of people just makes me sad.
She really has a short one, doesn’t she? I don’t watch the show so I’m unfamiliar with her face. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a small forehead! Is it indicative of a medical condition?
In my country the myth says if you have a big forehead, it means you are destined to be an intellect and smart (I guess bigger forehead bigger brain concept?) but a small forehead means you are just..average. Well for her, I do believe that myth.
Mojoman
Hence the terms ‘highbrow’ and ‘lowbrow’, referring to intellectual aptitude.
Yes…it’s called Stupiditis! She’s what you call “stupid like a fox”. She knows exactly what she’s doing…and like her brother pointed out several times over the last two seasons of the show…she NEVER takes responsibility or accountability for ANYTHING….she is blameless and it was evident even with this prison sentence facing her…she’s acting like it’s all surreal…taking her usual “how did this happen to lil ol innocent ME” attitude. How it happened MORON..is you let your criminal minded husband do some underhanded deals which YOU certainly weren’t oblivious to…and as dumb as you are…you still aren’t THAT dumb that you didn’t know what he was doing when he filed bankruptcy. By that point even if you expect us to believe you never suspected anything illegal was being done….when you knew you had acquired all that money in loans…and suddenly you’re filing bankruptcy….shouldn’t the RED FLAG have been waving in your face by THAT point? Hell you even stole your sisterinlaw’s recipes and called them your mother’s for your freaking cookbook!
Nothing is scared with you losers. You’ll write a book in prison and then be on the talk shows promoting that next year when you get out of the slammer. Some idiots will be dumb enough to line your pockets with money for that garbage. I wouldn’t give you the time of day. You’re a low class loser who happened to get LUCKY to be on a reality show. I’d be less worried about the daughters…and more worried about the women your husband will be poking while you’re in the pokey!
Camp Cupcake-isn’t that where Martha Stewart went?
Yes
Can someone frame Andy Cohen and send him to the clink for unleashing all of these creatures on the public? The Real Housewives series is one of the worst things to happen to television in the last ten years and that’s saying something. Who is still watching these awful people??
Theresa and Joe with their ignorance, casual homophobia and overall -grossness are the worst of the lot but probably only the first to serve time.
I have always disliked Andy Cohen…especially after the RHOATL reunion, he sat there the whole time with a big smile on his face as Kendra berated & waved that wand in Porshas face, yes Porsha was at fault for attacking her, but that fight would not have happened if he didn’t allow props. Anyways, it’s funny he asked if the show was scripted…he’s the executive producer for the entire Housewives franchise..he takes advantage of every drop of drama and it’s disgusting
Her name would be Kenya, not Kendra, and blaming props for Andy/Porsha dragging a woman across the floor by her air is ridiculous.
Tabasco:
1. I never said that I condone Porshas physical attack on Kenya, In fact, I said “she is at fault for attacking her..”
2. Porsha was already heated at the reunion… being in her emotional state and having someone wave a wand numerous times in your face and shouting at you with a bullhorn, you’re bound to snap. She was visablly upset and yet, nothing was said or done to stop Kenya from instigating her
3. I don’t blame Andy for the physical fight, but, in my opinion, I do think he is at fault for allowing the props to add insult to injury…who knows, maybe she still would have attacked Kenya then my opinion would be entirely different.
Andy asked Teresa if she thought the show was scripted because that’s what she said or wrote. So he wanted clarification from her.
Is she going to the Martha Stewart prison? If so, she’s on easy street…
I don’t think Teresa was drugged. She is just dumb.
With all that is going on I’d be willing to bet that she has a Rx for Xanax or Valium.
Alright, whatever, enjoy prison.
Don’t drop the soap.
I wonder if they’ll have any money for commissary?
Ugh. What kills me is how every one seems to think that rape of prisoners is a joke. If someone made a joke about raping a co-ed or even hacking sexts they would be crucified. Sexual abuse of prisoners, a completely powerless and vulnerable population, is a real problem.
That’s not funny. Sexual assault of any kind isn’t funny.
She’ll be fine. It’s “Camp Cupcake,” she probably won’t do the full sentence, and she’s got friends with the last name Gotti.
And I’m putting money on a book deal or her, and possibly her own Bravo series, post-prison. See how Teresa rebuids her life, tonight at 8.
She’s abysmally stupid in most ways, but capitalizing on drama is not one of them. Joe, on the other hand, will probably just continue getting himself into trouble.
I have aboslutly no idea who these people are aside from what I see on this blog. If they committed a crime, let them pay but they seem like small fish. The CEO’s and bankers who defrauded an entire nation and drove us into an economic collapse seem to have gotten off with a slap on the wrist. Where is the justice?
This is exactly why the Judge sentenced the both of them. She felt they needed time in the clink to really absorb and think about their actions and consequences. Andy Cohen is just as bad as Perez Hilton at times–Just a bit better about disguising his pettiness
No, it’s not. You don’t think many a convicted felon for this type of crime does the whole phony “i’m so sorry” song and dance prior to sentencing with the judge believing none of it? The judge sentenced them to prison because there are sentencing guidelines and because you get sent to prison when you F with the government’s money, whether the judge feels you “need time to absorb” or not.
Now these two will know how their dogs feel locked up in the backyard.
Aw those poor dogs
Shall we start taking bets on how long it takes for her to start negotiations with a publisher for a book deal about her prison experience?
I think she already has started writing it, and has a publisher. I read something to that effect. I’m not shocked by their flip behavior, they believe they’re above the law and better than everyone else. I don’t understand their followers and defenders? It’s as someone else said, money was from a large corp, no harm no foul! She will try anything to get out of this sentence, good luck with that!
I believe they are grifters and were always perfectly aware of what they were doing. Now they, especially Theresa, are stonewalling. I hope they do get book deals, etc. so the feds can garnish every penny.
I agree 100%! Go get them feds! She’s on the cover of US mag with her storyl Already being rewarded and paid for lying, stealing and being a felon.
This!
He’s worried they would deport him?
He’s not an American citizen and he’s now a convicted felon, so he can be deported.
I read someone’s comment yesterday that since Teresa is now a convicted felon, she might not be allowed to visit Joe in Italy (if he gets deported).
I guess they’d have to go meet in a 3rd country? LOL. I dunno.
I know she’s only going to a federal prison which is nothing like a state prison. She will have more space, nicer things, better food, more freedom than in a state prison. BUT, I still can’t help imagining Theresa in general population being called out by other prisioners for mouthing off and being her dumb-ass self, and her going into one of her hissy fits yelling “do you know who I am? I know people!” You know that’s where she’d go if she ever felt threatened in there. I don’t feel sorry for them. I feel sorry for their kids.
I wish they would go away and never come back! They are as annoying as the Kardashians!
Why didn’t Joe ever bother to become a US citizen? He’s been in the country legally and was certainly eligible…
ha yeah I bet he regrets that big time now! The idiot.
I’ve been wondering if he thought not becoming a citizen meant that if he got caught committing a crime, he could just flee to another country and make it harder for the US govt to catch him & extradite him back. But I think by the time it would have been a good idea to get a US citizen, he had already committed crimes that wouldn’t allow him to become a citizen. I dunno but I figured there’s a criminal reason why he didn’t get his citizenship.
I wonder if he plans to flee shortly before his sentence is to be served? Flee to Canada, maybe catch a flight to Italy?
LMAO. It is like an SNL skit. Mike “The Situation” just saw his future. I think these people should be studied. Just not by me.
Are they insisting that all income they earn come their way in cash?? Because how else are they continuing to hire new lawyers? And hair & makeup people? They owe over $13 million – they shouldn’t have a dime to spend outside of everyday living expenses. I hope the government seizes everything they own until that money is repaid.
So, I’m a lawyer. And I’m thinking they might have lawyers who are willing to do the work pro bono so they get the publicity for their firm. Or maybe family members are kicking in $$ for legal fees. Or maybe they have another million or so in cash buried in coffee cans around the yard. I wouldn’t be surprised if she had Bravo-provided hair and makeup people for the court dates. I think, given the number of legal issues that have come up with their “stars,” could find itself in danger of indirect liability at some point. I mean, Bravo’s always going to go with “we’re just following their lives, per usual,” but if something bad enough happens, you have to wonder if some prosecutorial agency doesn’t go, um, so you’re telling me you had cameras on these people all this time and never caught wind of illegal activity? I don’t know that Bravo necessarily has a duty to report, but if you were a lawyer out for publicty and making a name for yourself, there’s probably at least something of an argument to be made there.
@tabasco, hair not air. People in glass houses etc and so forth.