Teresa Giudice Stays Connected With Prison Friends Amidst Joe's Pardon Plea
Reality television personality and actress, Teresa Giudice of Real Housewives of New Jersey fame, continues to maintain connections with individuals she befriended during her incarceration.
While guest-starring on “The Viall Files” podcast on Wednesday, September 24, Giudice, 53, revealed to the host that she remains in contact with several women from her time in federal prison, even acknowledging that some were not always fond of her.
“Generally, everyone treated me well,” Giudice commented. “However, I did encounter a couple of women who would glare at me. My reaction was, ‘Seriously, you wouldn’t want to go there.’ You understand? I thought, ‘I’m already frustrated about being here, and you shouldn't — in fact, stay away from me.’”
Instead, Giudice clarified, “I mostly kept to myself. … And I still communicate with them; in fact, I recently had lunch with two of the women I was incarcerated alongside.”
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Altogether, she further stated, “I maintain contact with three of those individuals.”
Giudice completed 11 months of her 15-month prison term, having admitted guilt to charges including conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, bankruptcy fraud through asset concealment, bankruptcy fraud via false oaths, and bankruptcy fraud through false declarations. Her release from the Federal Correctional Institution-Danbury occurred in December 2015.
Even with the occasional hostile glance, Giudice asserted that any animosity wasn't reciprocated. “I was amiable with everyone,” she clarified. “People were very kind to me. I dislike constantly discussing this, only to mention it, because I don't want it to be my defining characteristic.”
Furthermore, Giudice has expressed solidarity with her former husband, Joe Giudice, following his appeal for a pardon from President Donald Trump in June 2025. Joe, 53, was sent back to Italy after his release from incarceration in March 2019.
“My name is Joe Giudice. I completed my sentence, and I have been removed from the U.S. for almost ten years,” Joe posted on Instagram. “I grew up in New Jersey, I am a parent to four wonderful daughters, and I simply desire permission to see them once more. President Trump, I hold you in high regard and I am requesting another opportunity. @realdonaldtrump @donaldjtrumpjr.”
Teresa responded to the Instagram message with a supportive comment, and their daughter Gia Giudice also posted a loving message.
During an appearance on Gia’s “Casual Chaos” podcast in May 2025, Teresa confessed that initially, she perceived the accusations against both herself and Joe as a jest.
“When everything unfolded, I was unaware. I believed it was all a prank, at least for my part,” she clarified. “Regarding your father, of course, I understood. For federal authorities to appear at your residence, something serious was clearly underway.”
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She further recounted the day law enforcement officials were present at their residence awaiting her and Joe. “I was not apprehended, nor was I ever cuffed or restrained. Thankfully, that was one positive aspect.”
The Giudice couple declared bankruptcy in 2009, citing $11 million in liabilities. Both were formally accused of fraud in 2014, and Teresa initiated divorce proceedings from Joe in 2019. Their marital dissolution was legally completed in September 2020.
