Teresa Giudice Faces Backlash for “Petty” Dig at Melissa and Joe

Teresa Giudice faced backlash on Instagram over the weekend after sharing a post praising one of her friends for caring for her four daughters when she was “away.”

After previously accusing brother Joe Gorga and sister-in-law Melissa Gorga, 44, of failing to be there for the children, Gia, 22, Gabriella, 19, Milania, 17, and Audriana, 14, as she spent time behind bars for fraud crimes, the Real Housewives of New Jersey star, 51, was slammed as “petty” for her apparent dig.

“Special holiday dinner with a special person that is very dear to our hearts. She means so much to me and my daughters. She was there for them while I was away and put a smile on all [their] faces and made time go by faster. She also had an amazing bond with my mom. Love you Lisa,” Teresa wrote on December 23, along with hashtags for “special person,” “holiday dinner,” and “family.”

After Teresa shared her post, she was met with criticism in the comments section.

“‘This is a dig to someone who WASN’T with my daughters while I was away. I always find the time to pretend to be a happy person but whenever I can, I will be petty. Merry Christmas famiglia!!’” one person mocked.

“That’s meant to be a dig at Melisssa. Also, you weren’t away, you were in prison for spending money that wasn’t yours,” wrote another.

“I love when [Teresa] says ‘away’ like she was traveling in Europe. She never says when I was in jail. Or when I was in prison,” someone else agreed.

Another Instagram user told Teresa, “You go through your ‘best’ friends like I go through underwear.”

Another commenter argued in defense of Joe and Melissa, saying, “Melissa and Joe were there too.”

Lisa, Teresa’s friend, also responded to the post with a heartfelt message.

“Such a great night! It meant so much that all [four] girls came even with their busy schedules. You, the girls, [Joe Giudice], and your parents will always hold a special place in my heart and when I think back to that time, I smile thinking of all the memories,” Lisa wrote. “I will never forget all the time I spent with your mom and how she would make me laugh. I still miss her and think of her often. All four of your daughters have grown into such amazing young women. They’re respectful, thoughtful, and kind and I’m really proud of them. Love you all.”

Then, someone else poked fun at how Teresa referred to her prison stint as time “away.”

“Away??? You mean prison?” they asked.

The Real Housewives of New Jersey season 14 will premiere on Bravo sometime in early 2024.