Teresa Giudice isn't going away quietly. One day after the Real Housewives of New Jersey star and her husband, Joe Giudice, appeared in federal court on Tuesday, July 30, the cookbook author broke her silence via Twitter on Wednesday, July 31. "Thank you all so so much for your love and support. It means the world to me and my family," she wrote. "I wish I could hug you all right now."
The Giudices — parents to daughters Gia, 12, Gabriella, 10, Milania, 7, and Audriana, 3 — were recently charged with fraud in a 39-count indictment by a federal grand jury. They are accused of conspiring to commit mail and wire fraud, bank fraud and bankruptcy fraud, in addition to making false statements on loan applications. They face more than 50 years in prison if convicted.
The Towaco, N.J., residents were released on $500,000 bonds each after making initial court appearances in Newark, N.J., July 30.
Teresa, 41, and Joe, 43, were also required to surrender their passports and limit their travels to New Jersey and New York. Joe could be deported to his native Italy if convicted because he is not a U.S. citizen.
Shortly after their indictment, Teresa issued a statement to Us Weekly, saying, "I support Joe and, as a wonderful husband and father, I know he wants only the best for our lovely daughters and me. I am committed to my family and intend to maintain our lives in the best way possible, which includes continuing my career. As a result, I am hopeful that we will resolve this matter with the government as quickly as possible."
While the rest of the Real Housewives of New Jersey cast has remained silent about the Giudice's legal troubles, Teresa's costar and former best friend, Jacqueline Laurita, mouthed off on Twitter July 31. "The press can stop coming to my door and calling my husband for us to comment regarding recent news," she wrote. "We have no comment. We reached out to cast members directly."
