Teresa and Joe Giudice’s Ups and Downs Over the Years

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Teresa and Joe Giudice’s Ups and Downs Over the Years

From cheating allegations to deportation orders, Teresa and Joe Giudice have gone through a lot of ups and downs throughout their 20-year marriage. The reality stars tied the knot in October 1999 and went on to welcome daughters Gia in January 2001, Gabriella in October 2004, Milania in February 2006 and Audriana in September 2009. The couple stepped into the public eye in May 2009 when The Real Housewives of New Jersey premiered on Bravo. After renewing their vows in September 2011, Teresa and Joe hit a rough patch, pleading guilty to 41 counts of fraud in March 2014. She served 11 months in federal prison in 2015, while he spent 41 months behind bars. Upon his release in March 2019, the businessman was transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody. Joe was ordered to be deported to his native Italy in October 2018. While awaiting a decision on his appeal, he relocated to Italy in October 2019. [jwplayer w56qtloc-zhNYySv2] Teresa hinted in March 2019 that divorce was on the horizon. “I’m not doing a long-distance relationship. I’m not doing it,” she explained on the Real Housewives of New Jersey reunion. “You know, I want somebody with me every day. I know exactly what happens. You know, I’m sure he’ll be with other women. It happens. We do the long-distance thing, it’s not going to work. I’d be like, ‘Bye bye.’” Us Weekly confirmed in December 2019 that the twosome had split. “Teresa and Joe talked about their future when she and the girls were in Italy and decided it was best for them to separate,” a source revealed. “Neither of them wanted to be in a long-distance relationship. Joe has been dating in Italy, Teresa is busy taking care of their girls right now. They harbor no ill will toward each other and will continue to coparent their kids.” Teresa and Joe finalized their divorce less than a year later. An insider told Us in September 2020 that they were “supporting each other 100 percent as they each pursue their happiness” and added that the duo’s primary focus “will remain their four beautiful daughters.” In April 2021, Joe told Us that he didn't think his marriage to Teresa would have lasted even if he hadn't been deported. "I mean, she’s with her new guy and everything,” the former construction business owner said at the time, referring to his ex's now-fiancé, Luis Ruelas. “Why would I want to go back to that? … There’s a lot of other women out there.” The Turning Tables author and Ruelas got engaged in October 2021 after more than one year of dating. "Don’t ever stop dreaming," Teresa wrote via Instagram just before the news broke, adding the hashtag "#soulmate." The pair tied the knot in August 2022 at the Park Chateau Estate in East Brunswick, New Jersey, with Teresa’s RHONJ costars Jennifer Aydin, Dolores Catania, Margaret Josephs and Jackie Goldschneider in attendance. Joe, for his part, only wished his ex the best. "She deserves all the happiness in the world," he told Us exclusively days after the wedding. "I think Lou is a good guy.” Scroll through to relive the Real Housewives of New Jersey stars’ highs and lows. [podcast_block]

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Tying the Knot

Teresa met Joe when she was only 14 years old. After going on their first day when she was 17, they started “seriously dating” when she was 23, the reality TV personality told Bravo in 2016. The pair wed on October 23, 1999. 

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Parents of Daughters

Teresa and Joe share daughters Gia, Gabriella, Milania and Audriana. 

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Reality TV Drama

Bravo cameras started following the Giudice family in 2009. Their relationship came under fire during season 4 when cameras caught Joe calling Teresa "my bitch wife" and “c–t” during the Housewives’ trip to Napa in 2012. While the other Housewives accused Joe of cheating and talking to his “girlfriend” on the aforementioned phone call, he told Andy Cohen at the reunion he was on the phone with a “longtime friend,” noting “if I was talking to a girlfriend I probably would have ripped my mic off and threw it in the bushes.” Teresa’s on-off friend Jacqueline Laurita also accused the pair of having an abusive marriage during the season, which they both denied. 

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Happier Than Ever?

After a rocky season, Teresa told Cohen during the October 2012 reunion that the duo are "happy together.” Months later, Teresa and Joe showed off their love on vacation with their daughters in the Dominican Republic, packing on the PDA underwater. 

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Legal Trouble

Four years after filing for bankruptcy, Teresa and Joe were indicted on 39 counts of fraud and tax charges in July 2013. More than a year later, the couple were both sentenced to prison for fraud in October 2014. While Teresa was given a 15-month sentence, Joe was set to serve 41 months after his wife was released. 

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Teresa Goes to Prison

The Bravo star reported to prison in Danbury, Connecticut, in January 2015. "I cry more than the girls," Joe told Us about the family’s six-hour visits to see Teresa in April 2015. ”I pretty much cry every time I leave. Like a little baby." 

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Cheating Allegations

Joe denied allegations that he cheated on his then-incarcerated wife with a woman named Jamie Jackson exclusively to Us Weekly in March 2015. "No, I did not flirt with her. I did not make out with her, nothing happened between us," he told Us at the time. 

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Joe Goes to Prison

After serving 11 months, Teresa was released and reunited with her family two days before Christmas 2015. Shortly after her return, Joe began his 41-month sentence in March 2016. The reality TV personality admitted exclusively to Us in September 2017 that she has “no idea” if she will “still be married to Joe in 40 years.”

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Divorce Rumors — and More Cheating Allegations

During Joe’s stint in prison, Teresa’s former pal Kim DePaola accused her of cheating on her husband. “They’ve been pretty cozy I’m going to say in the last five months,” Kim alleged to Us in July 2017 (and on season 8 of RHONJ). Teresa’s attorney, James J. Leonard Jr., Esq told Us at the time that his client “vehemently denies these allegations.” Months later, fans thought the twosome were headed for divorce after Teresa posted she’s “getting great advice” from a divorce attorney in January 2018.  (She later clarified she was simply promoting her friend’s services.) 

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Staying Strong

Teresa opened up about visiting her spouse during his sentence in February 2018. “I saw him last Saturday. He was 245 when he went in, and now he weighs 185,” she told Us exclusively at the time. “He looks so hot and I just can’t wait for him to come home. I’m really ready for him to come home.”

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Deportation

In October 2018, Joe was ordered to be reported to his native Italy, according to Radar Online. “I don’t understand how I can be deported on this case. If you will, I’ll tell you my side. I shouldn’t even be here right now,” he told the judge via teleconference at the time. “I have to go back and tell my kids this, and they’ve been waiting to hear from me.” A source told Us at the time that Teresa was surprised by the verdict. “Teresa never talks about Joe’s deportation to her friends. She doesn’t like to bring up their legal problems very often, but Joe being deported to Italy is very high up on her ‘never discuss’ list,” the source explained, noting everyone, including Teresa thought that they would make an exception for Joe since he has been in this country for so long.”

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A Harsh Reality

Teresa revealed during the RHONJ season 9 reunion taping in January 2019 that the couple will “go [their] separate ways” if Joe is deported to Italy, a source confirmed to Us Weekly.

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Unsure What to Feel

A source told Us in January 2019 that Teresa has “been feeling conflicted for a little while now” despite her revelation that she would split with Joe if he were to get deported. The insider added that the reality star is “doing really good despite all of this and is putting her daughters’ best interests first and her own.”

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Finding Comfort in a New Pal?

Teresa was spotted “aggressively flirting with” New Jersey realtor Blake Schreck during a New Year’s Eve bash in January, a source told Us at the time. Though her lawyer, James Leonard Jr., said the get-together was just “a night out with friends, nothing more than that,” the two were later spotted getting cozy in Miami in February. Teresa and Schreck held hands as they left an event at the time, and spent the next day at a beach together.

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ICE Custody

Us confirmed in March 2019 that Joe was released from prison and transferred into the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The Bravo personality may remain in the detention center for up to a year until he is either deported to his native Italy or wins the appeal he filed in November. Hours after Joe was transferred to ICE, Teresa attended her brother Joe Gorga’s book release party in New York City, smiling slightly as she arrived at the event.

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Case Almost Closed

Us confirmed in April 2019 that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement denied Joe’s appeal in his deportation case. After the news broke, Teresa and Joe’s lawyer James J. Leonard Jr. released a statement vowing to keep fighting for the former construction business owner to stay in the country. “We are extremely disappointed that the Board of Immigration Appeals has denied Mr. Giudice’s appeal,” the statement read. “We have filed a stay with the Third Circuit Court of Appeals and will continue to fight to keep Mr. Giudice in the United States, the only country he knows, and reunite him with his wife and four daughters.”

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Kept Apart

The couple’s lawyer, James J. Leonard Jr., revealed in April 2019 that Teresa and her daughters were unable to visit Joe in ICE custody after his release from prison. “The facility where Joe is being held does not allow for contact visits,” he told Us in a statement. “Joe does not want to put Teresa and the girls through the horrific ordeal of driving several hours to visit him and not be able to hug him. They would be restricted to talking on a phone while separated by Plexiglass. It’s inhumane that this man cannot hug his wife or kiss his daughters.”

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Writing From the Heart

In an emotional letter obtained by Radar Online in April 2019, Teresa begged the court not to deport Joe. “My husband is the true love of my life and the most amazing father that I could ask God for our daughters,” she wrote. “I cannot imagine life without him. He is our everything and we desperately need him.”

Credit: Courtesy of Teresa Giudice /Instagram

Worried About Milestones

“If he gets deported, he’ll never be able to go to their graduation[s], celebrate their birthdays, anything,” the reality star said in a Bravo Insider video posted in June 2019. “He’s going to be missing out on so much.”

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Sad Times

After the businessman’s bond request was denied in September 2019, Teresa admitted she wasn’t in a good place. “It’s a sad time with my husband and everything so we’re going to try and work it out as best we can,” she told reporters. “The most important thing is our four daughters, so I’m hoping Joe is able to stay in the United States.”

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Being Mom and Dad

In October 2019, Joe was granted permission to leave Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody and travel to Italy while his deportation appeal is decided. In an interview with Us Weekly on the day of that decision, Teresa said it was difficult to raise the couple’s daughters solo. “It’s like I have to be the mom and the dad,” she said. “So I’m doing it all by myself. Everything. Taking care of the house, the kids, my dad lives with me, just everything. Being the breadwinner, doing it at all.”

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Planning a Visit to Italy

A source told Us in October 2019 that the Fabulicious! author had already planned a trip to visit Joe in Italy, adding, “Teresa and all the girls will be visiting sooner rather than later. It’s fast approaching.”

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No Cheating

After a RHONJ season 10 trailer spurred speculation that Teresa cheated on Joe, the reality star’s lawyer cleared up the matter in October 2019, telling Us, “The clip in the newer supertease is Teresa, her brother and a lifelong friend named Tony talking about Teresa and Tony kissing when they were in high school more than 25 years ago.”

Credit: Courtesy of Milania Giudice/Instagram

Message from Italy

Later that month, the former construction worker shared a video greeting to his family. “At the end of the day, people make mistakes,” he said in the clip. “Nobody’s perfect. I’ve learned a valuable lesson from all this, and I know my family is the most important thing to me, but it’s better that I’m out here than in there. I just want to let you know that I love you, and I’m always here for you. You know that.”

Credit: Courtesy of Gia Giudice/Instagram

All Abroad

Teresa, Joe and their daughters posed for pics in Italy during their first family visit in November 2019.

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Looking Ahead

“Maybe this summer,” the Standing Strong author told Andy Cohen later that month when asked about her plans to return to Italy. “The girls are going to go back. They wanted to go back for Thanksgiving, but Joe’s just getting his passport so we don’t know. We were gonna meet in the Bahamas, but he’s gonna get his passport right around that time. [They] are definitely going for Christmas. I have to work around that time, so that’s why I can’t go. So, summer. That’ll be my next break. Then the girls have school.”

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Calling It Quits

Teresa and Joe have split after 20 years of marriage, Us Weekly confirmed on December 17. “Teresa and Joe have separated, but have no plans to divorce yet. Teresa and Joe talked about their future when she and the girls were in Italy and decided it was best for them to separate,” a source told Us. “Neither of them wanted to be in a long-distance relationship.” The insider added, “Joe has been dating in Italy, Teresa is busy taking care of their girls right now. They harbor no ill will towards each other and will continue to coparent their kids. The girls will be going to Italy is December, Teresa will be staying home.”

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Flirty Relationship

In March 2020, Joe commented on his estranged wife’s Instagram photo with a series of fire emojis and a rose emoji. One day prior, the Italy native admitted that he “failed” in his marriage with Teresa. “I did my best and put all efforts into making this a great experience for my family,” he wrote via Instagram. “My key role was to always be a great father and husband.”

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Divorce Proceedings Begin

Teresa’s brother, Joe Gorga, confirmed in April 2020 that the “paperwork is almost done” in regard to his sister’s divorce proceedings.

Credit: Courtesy of Joe Giudice/Instagram

Supporting His Family From Afar

Following the passing of Teresa’s father, Giacinto Gorga, in April 2020, Joe shared his well-wishes to his family back in the U.S. while mourning his late father-in-law. “Thank you for being a guiding light—your experiences and knowledge helped us navigate day-to-day challenges,” he wrote via Instagram. “Thank you for your wit—your daughter got the best of that. Now, Your ❤️ and my dad are smiling in this tough time because they get to enjoy your good food and funny jokes. Cin cin.”

Credit: Courtesy of Joe Giudice/Instagram; MediaPunch/Shutterstock

Loss of Deportation Appeal

Us confirmed in April 2020 that Joe had lost his most recent deportation appeal to return to the U.S. “This cause came to be considered on a petition for review from the Board of Immigration Appeals and was submitted on November 21, 2019,” the court documents read. “On consideration whereof, it is now hereby ORDERED and ADJUDGED by this Court that the petition for review of the decision of the Board of Immigration Appeals entered on April 11, 2019, is DENIED.”

Credit: Courtesy of Gia Giudice/Instagram (2)

Mother's Day Love

“I want to start by telling you how thankful I am for you,” Joe wrote via Instagram in May 2020, in honor of Teresa. “I will never be able to say it enough times; THANK YOU. Thank you for everything. I know while I’m not around You will always do whatever needs to be done to make sure our girls are safe. You are a beautiful and wonderful mother. I will always be grateful to you. #mothersday #appreciation #thankyou #wonderfulmom #amazingmom #queenmom.”

Credit: Courtesy of Gia Giudice/Instagram

Doting Dad

“Happy Fathers Day @joe.giudice,” Teresa wrote via Instagram in June 2020. “The girls miss you today & every day!” In his reply, Joe showed gratitude for her, commenting, “#thankyoubestmomever.”

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Officially Divorced

Us confirmed in September 2020 that Teresa and Joe finalized their divorce. “They are supporting each other 100 percent as they each pursue their happiness,” a source revealed. “Joe is in Italy for now, and Teresa is in New Jersey. Their primary focus is and will remain their four beautiful daughters.”

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New Flame

Joe spoke about his dating life in Italy during a Wendy Williams Show appearance in October 2020. “I’m actually seeing a lawyer,” he revealed. “She’s helping out a lot out here, it’s good because I have a lot of things going on out here and she’s putting together a lot of deals for me. We’ve been seeing each other, you know what I mean? I wouldn’t say that we’re boyfriend, girlfriend, but we’re kind of like hanging out a lot.”

Credit: Courtesy of Louie A. Ruelas/Instagram

Moving On

In October 2021, Us confirmed that Teresa and Ruelas got engaged during a vacation to Greece. The duo started dating in July 2020. Joe Gorga confirmed at the time that his former brother-in-law knew about the proposal, but he wasn't sure whether Teresa had spoken to her ex about it. “The girls told him,” real estate developer explained. “I don’t know if [Teresa] told him. I didn’t even ask that question. Don’t know, don’t care. Probably not. But it’s all good.”

Credit: Courtesy of Joe Giudice/Instagram; Courtesy of Teresa Giudice/Instagram

Well Wishes

Shortly after the news of Teresa’s engagement broke, the Italy native opened up about his feelings on the matter.

“I’m happy for Teresa and Louie, I give them my blessings,” Joe told Celebuzz in October 2021. “I think they moved a bit quick into this romance but I’m glad she found her true love and wish them all the best.”

Credit: Courtesy of Teresa Giudice/Instagram; Courtesy of Joe Giudice/Instagram

All Is Good

Teresa revealed how her ex-husband really feels about her fiancé Ruelas during a November 2021 appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show. “They like each other,” the RHONJ star told Kelly Clarkson, noting that Joe and Ruelas planned to meet up for dinner during the couple’s trip to the Bahamas without tell her.

“We had dinner with him and it went really well,” she explained, adding that Joe is splitting his time between the Bahamas and Italy. “Joe thinks Louie's a great guy.”

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Happy For Her

Joe weighed in on his ex-wife's August 2022 wedding to Ruelas, exclusively telling Us he was "very happy" for the cookbook author's new relationship.

"She deserves all the happiness in the world," Joe stated days after the New Jersey nuptials. "I think Lou is a good guy. Anything negative being said out there are just rumors that I don't engaged in. Until I personally discover otherwise, he's OK in my book." 

The Italy native added that Teresa "looked like a princess" in her white, mermaid-cut strapless wedding gown and tiara. 

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A Happy Blended Family

Ruelas revealed that he talked to Teresa's ex-husband the day he married her. "I spoke to Joe, actually, [on] the day of the wedding,” the New Jersey native told Us in October 2022 at BravoCon in New York City. “[I] called him to let him know that, you know, I’m committed to his daughters and committed to Teresa.”

The RHONJ star, for her part, revealed that she and her husband had dinner with Joe during a recent trip to the Bahamas before picking up one of her daughters.

“I was, like, so nervous. But you know, we had the best night. It made the children so happy," the Skinny Italian author told Us at BravoCon.