Teresa Giudice and Joe Giudice are not living in the same country right now.
But they still shared the same screen on Sunday night, October 27 because Bravo aired a special and unique interview in which Andy Cohen sat in studio with Teresa…
… and Joe was beamed in via satellite from Italy, where he’s been forced to flee to while awaiting word on his deportation appeal.
Just how candid did these Real Housewives of New Jersey stars get about the past, present and future of their marriage?
Scroll down to find out!
How Did We Get Here?
Joe and Teresa both pleaded guilty in 2016 to their roles in a bankruptcy scheme that defrauded the government and the American taxpayers. They were sentenced to separate stints in prison as a result.
How Did This Go for Teresa?
We mean, we’re sure she hated prison — but she then got out, got a raise from Bravo and is now the main star of The Real Housewives of New Jersey.
How Did This Go for Joe?
Toward the end of his 41-month sentence, a judge ordered Joe to be deported back to Italy because he broke federal law as a non-U.S. citizen. He was then detained by ICE and just recently landed in Italy while he awaits the decision on his final appeal.
Enter This Interview…
Amid rumors of infidelity on both sides and a likely divorce filing, Joe and Teresa sat with Cohen and traded barbs in a much-hyped Bravo special.
So, What Did Viewers Learn?
ICE detention was worse than jail, Joe explained. “That place was ridiculous. It should be shut down,” he said, alleging he was locked up in a small cell with eight other people. “I was going bonkers in there,” he added, going on to say he was once thrown into solitary confinement for one week after simply opening up a (barred) window “to let some air in there.”
He Was Given Special Treatment… Sort Of
“I had two immigration officers, one on each side, taking selfies with me the whole time,†Joe told Cohen, adding that they left from an airport in Washington, D.C. “One guy in front, and I think there was someone else who carried a gun on a plane. You know, I’m a very dangerous guy.†He said he also gave these officers advice on where to go for fun in Rome.
Did They Really Ask President Trump for Help?
“With the whole immigration thing that’s going on and what he’s fighting for, I would never do that to him,” Teresa said of this rumor. (NOTE: She got to know the racist President back in the day as a contestant on Celebrity Apprentice.)
Does Joe Shoulder Any Blame Here?
Yes, somewhat. “My mistake was I never became a citizen. That was stupid of me,” he said. However, he maintained he always “busted his ass” his whole life and wasn’t “one of those guys” who doesn’t work hard.
When Did They Last See Each Other?!?
“I’m going to be honest with you, I haven’t seen him in three years and eight months,†Teresa said, adding that she thinks she’s changed in the time that Joe’s been away and has become “more independent,” expounding as follows: “I’ve definitely changed. I’m sure he has too. But now, like the way I’m seeing him speak, like, he looks like he’s changed … in a good way.â€Â
She and the Kids Will Be Flying to See Joe Soon
“We’re both two different people now,†she added later in the interview. “I’m not the same Teresa I was and he’s not the same Joe,†she said. “I do love him as a person. I don’t know how I’m going to feel when I see him.â€Â
Let’s Get Into the Cheating Accusations, Shall We?
When Cohen asked Joe if he thought Teresa was faithful to him while he was behind bars, he replied, “I don’t think she was.†When the photos of Teresa and and a younger man from late last year were mentioned, Joe seemed surprised, saying, “I didn’t know you were on a beach with him,” to which Teresa replied: “I told you that” and insisted he was only a friend.
Wasn’t Teresa Seen Holding Hands with This Guy?
Yes, but only because he was walking her to the car, Teresa explained. “If I was trying to hide it, I wouldn’t leave my hotel room,†she insisted.
Was Joe Faithful When Teresa Was in Jail?
Yes, he swore, but his wife did not believe him.
What Does the Future Hold?
Last reunion, Teresa told Cohen she would be filing for divorce if Joe gets deported. His reaction now? “I mean, listen, I don’t like that she said that, and I don’t like that she took a photo with another man. I’ve asked her about the guy. She says he’s a friend.”
Is Divorce Imminent?
“As long as she’s happy, that’s all that really matters,” Joe told Andy, regarding the dreaded D-word and filing. “I’m not gonna tell her what to do. If she doesn’t feel like she wants to be with me anymore then that’s the thing to do.”
The Family is Stating Put
Both sides shot down talk of Teresa and the couple’s four daughters relocating to Italy. “I want to wake up with someone every single day and go to sleep with them,†Teresa said, adding that the kids don’t want to move to Italy. “They’ve been through enough.”
How Much Do the Girls Know?
Teresa said that their three oldest daughters are aware that their parents may call it quits. “I think they get it. I don’t think they want to see it happen, obviously, but I think they understand,†she said. “The way I explained it to them, how are we going to live apart? I don’t think he would be faithful, I don’t. I think he would have someone there and I would be here. I don’t want to live life like that.”
Joe is Already Giving His Wife Dating Advice
“I tell her she’s got to get somebody with a lot of money ‘cause you need a lot of money to take care of these things,” he weirdly said, adding: “She has four kids; her way of living isn’t cheap. She’s high-maintenance.â€Â
Darn That Show That Made Me Rich and Famous!
“Teresa always wanted to be on television,†Joe said, explaining that he regretted ever appearing on The Real Housewives. “She wanted to be a movie star, even when she was a little girl… I wish I never would have done it. I had a great life before. The show just brought a lot of attention to us. Just having a house like that alone just brings a lot of attention. I’ve never had so many damn lawsuits in my life ’til I got on that show.”
This Union is Clearly Over, Right?
We’d be stunned if they stay together, but Teresa did cry and conclude: “I do love him as a person. I’ll start crying. I do care about him, I love him.†So stay tuned.