Melissa Gorga Says She Can Forgive Teresa Giudice and “That’s What’s Happening”

Teresa Giudice, Melissa Gorga and Bravo want viewers to believe that the cast is done with all the negativity. For Teresa’s birthday on May 18th, Melissa tweeted Teresa, asking her if they’d be seeing each other that night, and then tweeted a photo of them together celebrating her birthday in NYC.

On the WWHL special that aired on May 19, 2013, Melissa told Andy Cohen she wanted to forgive, forget, and mend the family:

“I can control what I forgive and what I forget and how we can mend this family. And I think that’s what’s happening.”

“I think that fans of this show are going to be baffled when they see what goes down in a matter of two days (referring to the therapy sessions the entire cast attended). It’s actually pretty amazing.”

Right after this statement during the WWHL special, there is a clip of Teresa telling her brother, “I do regret things that I’ve done,” which is followed by a clip of the therapy sessions where Teresa tells Melissa, as they balance together on the high wire, “After this we’re never fighting again!”

In a clip of Teresa from one of her testimonials in season 5, she says:

“We have to meet each other half way if we’re ever gonna make this work.”

Melissa on the WWHL special tells Andy:

“At the end of the day, she’s my family and no matter what happens, I will always back her up, no matter what anybody thinks.”

However, during an earlier clip in the special, Melissa said to Andy, without naming Teresa:

“Don’t try to bring people down… ‘Hey, you can’t sing’ (Bravo shows clip of Teresa from reunion 4 saying she’s only seen Melissa lip sync).”

“Let me ruin your marriage, let me ruin what you’re trying to do, let me ruin any business opportunity or any opportunity for you to move up because I don’t want that to happen for you. I don’t like that.”

The WWHL special ended with Andy asking each of the housewives to tell him the first thing that comes to their minds when he says another housewife’s name. For Teresa, Jacqueline says “competitive”, Kathy says “spicy”, and Melissa says “defensive”. Teresa didn’t give an answer when Andy asked her about the others.

Melissa has been tweeting positively about her husband’s side of the family for the past week or two (see tweets below), but calling someone “defensive” does not sound like someone who is really ready to move on.

Whatever it may mean, Melissa was not wearing her wedding ring when the WWHL special was taped on May 1st… she could have intentionally not worn it to generate tabloid fodder before the season 5 premiere.

Melissa Gorga is Annoyed That Teresa Giudice Thinks She Wrote ‘On Display’ About Her

Andy Cohen sat down with the RHONJ for one-on-one interviews (Watch What Happens Live: NJ Housewives Tell All), which will air at 8 PM EST on Sunday, May 19, 2013 (click here to watch the trailer).

Andy’s first interviewed Teresa, and he asked her if Melissa wrote the song ‘On Display’ about her. Teresa replied, “So many people told me that.”

Teresa said that her fans say the song is about her, especially the lyrics about being followed by paparazzi:

“She just had written that song. There were no paparazzi following her. [My fans said], ‘Teresa, everywhere you go there’s paparazzi following you.’ They’re like, ‘She wrote that song wanting to be you’.”

He then interviewed Melissa and told her what Teresa said, stirring up drama before the season 5 premiere. When Andy told Melissa what Teresa said about ‘On Display’, she responded that “it’s 100% not about her” and “no one gets credit for ‘On Display — it’s my song”:

“No. It’s definitely 100 percent not [about her]. It’s like can anything be mine? … No one gets credit for ‘On Display’. It’s my song.”

Melissa is taking credit for writing the song, but the song was written by New Jersey native Antony Bitar, a graduate of the Cali School of Music at Montclair State University who released his self-titled debut album in September 2011 (season 3 taping began in September 2010 and ended in March 2011; season 3 premiered on May 16, 2011 and part 1 of reunion 3 premiered on October 16, 2011).

In season 3, when the song premiered, Bitar appeared on RHONJ in a cameo (he was 23 at the time). In November and December of 2011, The Jersey Journal and other sources reported that Bitar “wrote ‘On Display’,” which was “performed by Melissa Gorga,” but also reported that Bitar “helped co-write” and “collaborated with Gorga.”

“If you’ve heard The Real Housewives of New Jersey star and former Bayonne resident Melissa Gorga’s single, ‘On Display’, you’ve already got a taste of Little Falls singer Antony Bitar’s musical talent. Bitar, 23, who graduated from the Cali School of Music at Montclair State University, collaborated with Gorga on the upbeat dance tune and was seen on episodes of ‘Real Housewives.’ Now, he’s promoting his self-titled debut album and first single ‘Butterflies’.” – The Jersey Journal, November 23, 2011

“Bitar recently wrote the breakout single, ‘On Display,’ for Melissa Gorga, the newest housewife of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, which appeared in the current season on Bravo.” – The Jersey Journal, November 23, 2011

“I’ve got to give some love to a family friend – Antony Bitar, a singer/songwriter making the scene right now. An Orthodox Christian pop artist, he’s got a great voice and amazing piano skills, with laid back and positive lyrics. His self-titled album released this past September. Bitar also wrote the new single,’On Display,’ performed by Melissa Gorga, the newest housewife of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, which appeared in the current season on Bravo TV.” – Antony Bitar – Pop Artist, December 15, 2011

“Aside from writing his own music Antony helped another star break into the music scene. Melissa Gorga, a new comer to the music industry, reached out to Antony to help co-write her I-Tunes hit ‘On Display’. ‘It was a lot of fun working with Melissa and her first single was a huge success’.” – Creative Spotlights, December 20, 2011

“Antony Bitar is the Jersey native singer-songwriter who is best known for his cameos on Bravo TV’s Real Housewives of NJ, where he is seen performing at local events and collaborating with famed reality housewife Melissa Gorga to help write her hit dance single ‘On Display.’ Bitar released his self-titled debut album in September.” – Daily Buzz, December 21, 2011

All Melissa had to do was change a lyric or two to take co-writer credit for the song. In June 2011, Melissa wrote in her Bravo blog that she co-wrote the song with Bitar:

“The amazing singer I wrote my song with is Antony Bitar! He makes the most beautiful songs. You have to go to iTunes and download his most recent, it’s called ‘Butterflies.’ It’s an incredible song! I can’t wait for you to hear the rest of ‘On Display.’ I’m proud of it!” – Melissa’s Bravo Blog, June 14, 2011

During season 3, there may have been a scene where Kathy talked about Bitar, describing him as a young guy attending her church who was trying to get exposure in the music business, so she introduced him to Melissa thinking they could help each other (she gets songs from him and he gets a cameo on RHONJ):

On July 10, 2011, Melissa’s PR agent, Robyn Polay of IlluminationPR, put out a press release stating that Melissa co-wrote ‘On Display’:

Pop Artist Antony Bitar to Appear in Real Housewives of New Jersey and Co-Writes Breakout Single for Melissa Gorga Bitar to also release self-titled debut album on Sept. 13

PRLog (Press Release) – Jul. 10, 2011 – Pop singer-songwriter Antony Bitar has teamed up with Melissa Gorga, the newest cast member of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, along with pop and R&B songwriter Corte Ellis, to co-write her debut single “On Display.” Bitar will appear on Monday, June 13th’s episode of RHONJ, which filmed their collaboration and creation of Gorga’s single. “Melissa’s talent and passion for music was so inspiring,” Bitar said. “She reached out to me with such great ideas, and after just a few minutes of sitting down at the piano together, we created a hit.” Bitar’s appearance on The Real Housewives of New Jersey will air on Monday, June 13 at 10pm EST on Bravo.

For more information, please visit:
http://www.antonybitar.com

For media inquiries regarding Antony Bitar, please contact:
Christina Babu, christina@mvrecordings.com, 901.289.7633

For media inquiries regarding Melissa Gorga, please contact
Robyn Polay, MGorgaPR@gmail.com, 914-843-1434

# # #

IlluminationPR is a lifestyle PR firm offering complete image management and brand representation for designers, celebrities, artists and more.

Melissa is asked by the strip mall clothing store owner, “Do you write your own music?” Duh! Of course she does. “A wench like me?” Lyrics like that don’t just fall off trees and into walk-in closets. Melissa explains that she knows a songwriter and she just keeps texting and texting and texting him song lyrics when she thinks of them. I’m pretty sure that’s how Lennon and McCartney did it. Fats Waller wrote most of his big hits by texting people as well. Melissa then says to her sisters, “You’re too old to be my back-up dancers.” Truer words have yet to be spoken this season. Smash cut back to Melissa’s house and her songwriter arrives. He is a handsome young guy named Antony and he is only 22 years old. I guess writing songs that no one will ever hear is a young man’s game. As Antony walks Melissa through a song he has written for her by cobbling together a few hundred of her texts, Melissa asks, “Do you really think I can hit that note?” Melissa, you couldn’t hit that note with a Range Rover. She tries to hit it and exclaims, “I feel like I’m gonna die!” So do we! Open a tanning salon or something. Why does every one in show business automatically assume they can have a music career? – Jay Mohr’s Bravo Blog, June 12, 2011

When ‘On Display’ was written, the only paparazzi following around Melissa were in her head. Melissa performed the song ‘On Display’ before her first season (season 3) on RHONJ aired, when only those within her tiny circle knew her name.

On February 26, 2012, regarding the Oscars, Melissa tweeted:

“Do you hear the screams when the stars walk onto the carpet!! It must feel amazing for them, God Bless them!”

According to PriscillaFromWasilla on October 17, 2011, Melissa’s song ‘On Display’ is an anthem to narcissism:

Joe Giudice and Joe Gorga Were Friends Before Melissa Gorga Came Along; Melissa Says She Has Revived RHONJ and Amped Up Ratings

Teresa and Joe Gorga have known the Giudice family all their lives — they grew up together. On May 9, 2013, Teresa posted photos from almost 20 years ago, when she, her husband and her brother happily socialized together, which was long before Melissa came into the picture in 2003.

Although the cast is claiming they have reconciled, tabloids are reporting otherwise [click here to see the media's spin on things].

Joe Gorga let his wife’s jealousy feed his rage against his sister for being more successful than him; therefore, it is highly unlikely there will be lasting peace for Teresa and her brother if they remain on the RHONJ together, especially since Bravo’s producers “encourage, promote and demand that the cast of RHONJ engage in verbal and physical conflict with one another and members of the public, creating a culture, climate and/or atmosphere of confrontation, hostility and violence in order to attract viewers” [from the Punta Cana lawsuit].

Melissa, responding to NeNe Leakes statement on WWHL that Melissa needs to respect the veterans, believes her addition to the cast has “revived” the show, and she asserts that “the vets need to thank the new girls for coming in” because “they amp up the ratings”:

“The vets need to thank the new girls for coming in. They amp up the ratings! The show [RHONJ] needed to be revived. It got revived. Maybe NeNe feels threatened.”

Real Housewives of New Jersey – Ratings for seasons 1, 2, 3 and 4:

• Average Season 1 – 2,550,000 viewers (1.50% 18-49 demographic)
• Average Season 2 – 2,703,556 viewers (1.43% 18-49 demographic)
• Average Season 3 – 2,662,905 viewers (1.30% 18-49 demographic)
• Average Season 4 – 2,499,750 viewers (1.28% 18-49 demographic)

Source: BravoRatings.com

Melissa – please take note, you have NOT revved up the ratings. In fact, the numbers have consistently gone down. As NeNe said, “No, girl, take a seat now!”:

“I feel for Teresa because there’s something about being the first one in. When you’re the first one in on one of these shows and somebody comes behind you, it’s sort of like, ‘Hold on, you need to respect the veteran. I was here first. You need to play on my territory.’ So I kind of sided with Teresa in that area. Melissa, you came on her show. So you watched her on television and you wanted to be on the show like she was. No, girl, take a seat now! You’re not a veteran.”

Melissa Gorga Sells Photos and Videos of Antonia’s First Communion Party (Updated 5/15/2013)

On May 14, 2013, Teresa Giudice wrote on her website:

“Of course we wish we were able to go to Antonia’s just like my brother and Melissa wished they could come to Gabriella’s, but we belong to different parishes and couldn’t control the dates. What can you do? My poor parents of course hussled to make it to both. I’m so glad they could. Grandparents are so important!”

“You know I love to go all out for parties, especially once-in-a-lifetime events like Audriana’s christening, but Gabriella was the focus of our day and she’s not about over-the-top stuff. She wanted something really simple with just close family and friends. After the church ceremony, we went to a restaurant that was decorated with blue, green and white. I had face painters and balloon artists and tons of kids activities and Gabriella was able to be herself and run around. I even let her get her face painted while she was in her beautiful dress! But that’s how she is and I want her to be true to herself. After the party when we were walking in the parking lot, she said to me, ‘Mama, thank you for my party. It was the best day ever’!”

Two days before the communion ceremony, Melissa told US Weekly:

“Gabriella is making hers [communion] at the same time, same church!” she said. “We’re both having parties at the same time, so unfortunately, we’re not going to each other’s parties. Nobody wants to re-dress their kid another day, and go through the party a week later. Nobody really wants to do that. It just happened to land this way.”

Melissa explained that her in-laws (Teresa’s parents) had plans to make it to both girls’ parties so neither Antonia or Gabriella would miss out:

“Joe’s parents are coming to both, yes,” she told Us. “They’re going to come to both of our parties. It’s not because we’re not getting along. It’s not that!”

Melissa hinted to Us Weekly that things between she and Teresa have been steadily improving:

“I’m gonna make sure I go over, and see Gabriella and give her a hug and a kiss before [the church service],” she said. “Hopefully we can get the girls to get a couple pictures together.”

UPDATE 5/15/2013: Teresa has since removed the line, “but we belong to different parishes and couldn’t control the dates,” from her blog, and it now reads like this (Star Magazine also quoted Teresa’s blog before the change):

“Of course we wish we were able to go to Antonia’s just like my brother and Melissa wished they could come to Gabriella’s, but what can you do? My poor parents of course hussled to make it to both. I’m so glad they could. Grandparents are so important!”

UPDATE 5/15/2013 at 11:40 AM: Teresa just added another update to her blog:

“OMG one little typo…I’m running around with my book tour and I wanted to get Gabriella’s First Communion pics up and I left out the word ‘don’t’ in my blog post. I meant to type we ‘DON’T’ belong to different parishes and couldn’t control the dates…Sorry! If we went to different churches, there was a chance the First Communions would have been on different dates, but we go to the same church, so it was the same day. Both girls looked like angels in their beautiful dresses and my parents were SO happy to be at both parties.”

Both 7-year-old Antonia Gorga (born August 12) and 8-year-old Gabriella Giudice (born October 4) received their first communion on May 11, 2013 [Antonia is almost six months older than Milania (born February 2), who has not yet received her first communion].

The First Communion, or First Holy Communion, is a Catholic Church ceremony. It is the colloquial name for a person’s first reception of the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. First Communion is traditionally an important religious ceremony for Catholic families. Also, among those raised Catholic, Holy Communion is the third sacrament received from the seven sacraments. This is traditionally practised by many Roman Catholic families, including Spanish, Italians, Latin Americans, Irish, Hungarian and Polish. Traditions surrounding First Communion usually include large family gatherings and parties to celebrate the event and special clothing is usually worn. The clothing is often white to symbolize purity. Girls often wear fancy dresses and a veil attached to a wreath of flowers or hair ornament. In other communities, girls commonly wear dresses passed down to them from sisters or mothers, or even simply their school uniforms plus the veil and/or wreath. First Communion in Roman Catholic churches typically takes place at age seven or eight, depending on the country. [Source]

The Gorgas held a communion party at The Brownstone for Antonia on the same day she received her first communion (Saturday, May 11th), which was attended by the Senior Gorgas and the entire cast of RHONJ except the Giudices.

When asked on Twitter why she didn’t attend Antonia’s party, Teresa replied because it was the same day Gabriella received her first communion (and she noted that all Catholic churches in the area choose to perform the ceremony on May 11th):

Teresa Giudice ‏@Teresa_Giudice
Big family day tomorrow — it’s Gabriella’s First Communion! She looks like an angel in her dress. I’ll send pics. xx
7:17 PM – 10 May 13

sadiegirl ‏@sadiegirl376
@Teresa_Giudice were you at the communion party for your niece Antonia?
1:09 PM – 12 May 13

Teresa Giudice ‏@Teresa_Giudice
@sadiegirl376 no because it was my daughter Gabriella’s communion.Xx
1:52 PM – 12 May 13

Lisa Catalano ‏@kaylee1773
@Teresa_Giudice @sadiegirl376 Churches decide the day not the parents!
Retweeted by Teresa Giudice

Teresa Giudice ‏@Teresa_Giudice
@kaylee1773 Thank u.Xx

April Dawn Bridges ‏@abs4kids
@JenShepard1987 @Teresa_Giudice @kaylee1773 @sadiegirl376 First communion was being done at all churches today

On Twitter, Kathy Wakile acknowledged both Gabriella’s and Antonia’s first communion:

Kathy Wakile ‏@KathyWakile 11 May
Sending big Congratulations @joegorga @melissagorga & family Antonia received First Holy Communion today! See you soon xo
3:03 PM – 11 May 13

Kathy Wakile ‏@KathyWakile 11 May
Congratulations @Teresa_Giudice & your family! What a special day! God Bless you Gabriella – 1st Holy Communion
3:01 PM – 11 May 13

“My point is, this is a religious occasion, a family occasion; and while I understand a perhaps over-the-top party is a tradition, the Marcos seized the opportunity to sell their daughter’s communion celebration for services rendered. It seems like a commercial enterprise rather than a blessed event.” – Aint Pittypat, May 13, 2013, Fame-Whorgas

RHONJ finished production for season 5 and has not started production for season 6, so the ceremonies and parties were not taped by Bravo.

Melissa gave Twitter shout-outs to the maker of Antonia’s dress and to the party organizers so that the dress and event would be comped:

“Melissa has been tweeting about Antonia’s dress and who is making it since the end of December. She tweeted and named the photographer who would be taking Antonia’s picture. Melissa tweeted the day of the Communion and tweeted yesterday several times giving a shoutout to the people who DJ’d and ran the event. Lysa Simpson tweeted as well, giving the name of the vendors. The Gorgas have released pictures to Starcasm.net and RadarOnLine did a glowing article, along with photographs, all about Antonia’s day – Tom Murro must have attended. Teresa, on the other hand, has been very quiet about Gabriella’s day with minimal mention. She hasn’t even published any pictures yet, but she probably will shortly. The difference – once again, like with Superstorm Sandy, Teresa went about living her ‘real’ life quietly celebrating a most special and sacred occasion with her family and not exploiting her daughter – just like Wendy Williams said – contrasting with Melissa using Antonia’s special day as an opportunity for publicity and a huge photo op. For Teresa, it’s all about family; for Melissa, it’s all about Melissa. I think, if I’m not mistaken, filming for the show has ended, but I do believe this was, once again, Melissa getting her name and family out there and keeping it there. It is so obvious that the amenities and services for this event were given either gratis or with a price reduction (the Brownstone included – that promo tidbit trying to lead us to believe Caroline is rethinking who Melissa really is – all BS in my opinion). Melissa is the ultimate famewhore.” – Jeannie5233, May 13, 2013 at 8:00 AM, Fame-Whorgas

Melissa tweeted about the businesses who provided products/services for Antonia’s first holy communion but two days later denied that anything was comped:

“Wow sugarfactory my kids are so excited! Thank you!! http://instagram.com/p/ZOctV6pCzB/” – Melissa Gorga, May 12, 2013, Twitter

“For an incredible occasion you have to have @sceeventgroup I can’t even tell you how incredible they made our night! #bestdj” – Melissa Gorga, May 12, 2013, Twitter

“You’re the best! RT @PaulKnoxxx: @melissagorga @SCEEVENTGROUP thank you guys sooo much! We had a blast as well! You guys ROCK!” – Melissa Gorga, May 12, 2013, Twitter

“Thank you @jasonjani best DJ’s and entertainment co. out there! Made our night a blast!! http://instagram.com/p/ZOJmaQpC3z/” – Melissa Gorga, May 12, 2013, Twitter

@melissagorga Antonia looks absolutely gorgeous! We loved creating and designing your custom Elena do Vale dress!! Have the best day ever ! – Little Nikkis (‏@Little_Nikkis), Retweeted by Melissa Gorga, May 11, 2013

“I’m at @BottegaSB with Antonia shes getting her hair all glammed up for her communion day!” – Melissa Gorga, May 11, 2013, Twitter

“Antonia loved her special day & I’m so glad that Joe and I were able to make it special. Please leave it at that.” – Melissa Gorga, May 14, 2013, Twitter

“We wished we could have been at each others. It’s just the way it worked out. & No my party wasn’t filmed by bravo or had anything given.” – Melissa Gorga, May 14, 2013, Twitter

The Gorgas released photos and videos from Antonia’s party to RadarOnline, Starcasm and other sources — for financial compensation, no doubt. Some of those photos are included in this blog post. For videos and more photos, check out the following links [there are two videos at Starcasm: one of Antonia dancing with Joe and the other of Little Joey dancing on a platform — they probably released this video to spite the viewers offended by the other video of little Joey dancing]:

• http://starcasm.net/archives/219247 (Starcasm)
• http://radaronline.com/exclusives/2013/05/rhonj-star-melissa-gorga-daughter-celebrates-first-communion/ (RadarOnLine)

More photos from the communion party at the following links are available for purchase:

• http://kotinsky.photoshelter.com/gallery/Melissa-Gorga-Communion/G0000tiGxa2om1iA/0/1
• http://www.corbisimages.com/stock-photo/rights-managed/42-46518052/melissa-gorgas-daughter-antonia-celebrates-her-first

Video of Antonia dancing at her communion party at the following link:

• http://www.mobypicture.com/user/CarolineManzo/view/15275200

More photos from Gabriella’s communion and family gathering at the following link:

• https://plus.google.com/photos/110059514575219622852/albums/5877892103973783169

Related:

Also Available for Purchase: Photos from Milania’s Fake Birthday Party for the Cameras on March 10, Which the Gorgas Attended (Her Real Party was on Her Birthday on February 2, Which the Gorgas Did Not Attend)

Bravo Tells Striking ‘Real Housewives of New York’ Cast to Stand Down or You’re Fired (Updated 5/13/2013)

UPDATE May 13, 2013: The battle in the Big Apple is over! The women were bitterly fighting all the way to the end, and they still didn’t really get what they wanted. “These ladies were really trying to get more money out of Bravo but they were desperate to stay on the show,” a source close to the situation explained. “No one wanted to leave and they felt like they were strong-armed by Bravo. The Housewives really thought if they all stuck together they would get a huge bump in their salaries, but it didn’t work and instead they were told to either take the small increase or leave the show, and leaving wasn’t an option.” Aviva was one of the lucky women, getting a bump from $60,000 to $100,000, but the source said all of the women had all hoped for larger increases. “It costs a lot of money to keep up the lifestyle that the show wants these women to portray and they tried to get Bravo to up their salaries, but when they tried to play tough the network had more leverage in the end.” Now that the Housewives have new contracts, they’re going to have to really step up their game the source said. “The women have to do more than just throw wine at each other, there has to be some excitement in the season or else the network might just get rid of them once and for all.” [RadarOnline, May 13, 2013]

Erica ‏@EricaCooper
@CaroleRadziwill @GraceIn2013 I could see your point if U were on Jersey. THAT is a war zone! LOL! I hope it works out.

Carole Radziwill ‏@CaroleRadziwill
@EricaCooper @GraceIn2013 Haha! Thats true. This is harder than war.

Carole Radziwill ‏@CaroleRadziwill
@plainviewsue @bravo Comcast…the parent company announced record earnings 1.4billion in first quarter. Wow. #wagegap

Live, Laugh, Love ‏@GraceIn2013
@CaroleRadziwill Wow. I used to work in production so I know that must be low. Doesn’t make sense since they doubled R & L’s salary last yr.

Carole Radziwill ‏@CaroleRadziwill
@GraceIn2013 I was paid more at ABC as an associate producer and that was in the 90s!

Erica ‏@EricaCooper
@CaroleRadziwill @GraceIn2013 Everyone got paid more in the 90s! (Plus didn’t you go to war zones?)

Seth Bowling ‏@sethtbowling
@CaroleRadziwill you shouldn’t turn down a PAYING job that only increases your exposure to make MORE money #RichPeopleProblems

Carole Radziwill ‏@CaroleRadziwill
@sethtbowling your’e an idiot. getting my picture taken doesn’t pay my bills. people should get paid a fair wage for a job done well. duh.

Seth Bowling ‏@sethtbowling
@CaroleRadziwill it’s a recession and its an EASY job. Thanks for saying I’m an idiot, but if I had opportunities to SHINE on TV I WOULD!

MIKE ‏@holler82
@CaroleRadziwill we want u back Carole! Real & not down w/ the fake BS!

TheWrap reported on May 11, 2013, that Bravo told striking ‘Real Housewives of New York’ cast to stand down or you’re fired. The following is their story:

Negotiations between Bravo and the cast of “The Real Housewives of New York” for Season 6 are at a standstill. The women have delayed production by banding together in “Friends-Style” negotiations for higher paychecks.

But, Bravo isn’t about to be manipulated by the striking cast members.

And contrary to other reports, it never considered canceling the series over the salary standoff, individuals close to the production told TheWrap. The network is determined to call the women’s bluff and not give in to their demands.

“They’re getting greedy and feeling entitled,” one insider said about firing the entire cast if they don’t stand down. “They are all replaceable.”

The four women (Ramona Singer, Heather Thomson, Carole Radziwill and Aviva Drescher) who received offer letters had already been given raises over last season’s salaries, which have been reported to range from $175,000 to $500,000 a season.

Additionally, the women are able to augment their salaries by marketing their other business ventures and products on the show. So, the network has no intention of giving them any more money.

Clearly, the women banding together is the worst case scenario, especially since it has delayed the start of production this week. But, Bravo won’t allow the alliance to win and risk having the casts of its other series doing the same type of group negotiation.

Bravo has at least three possible replacements waiting in the wings in case negotiations didn’t go well with any of last season’s cast members. And the network has no doubt that it could find more New York City ladies to fill the other roles.

It should also be noted that the aforementioned four housewives were the only cast members officially invited back. That means that Sonja Morgan and LuAnn DeLesseps have very little bargaining leverage.

Providing further perspective on the negotiations, a former New York cast member told TheWrap:

“No woman really leaves ‘Real Housewives’ by choice.”

The cast members have too much to lose when they’re no longer able to leverage their exposure for promoting their products, getting media attention for their charities, etc.

Moving on with a totally different cast does have its risks. After replacing four women on Season 5, the season became the series second-lowest rated of its run. So, of course, there’s some worry inside the company over whether ratings will suffer if it replaces the entire cast.

The insiders told us that the network is willing to take the risk of totally recasting “RHONY” to make sure that it sends a strong message to the casts of its other shows.

 Related:

• Reality Show Cast Members are Like Sex Workers and BravoTV Reality is Like ‘Hunger Games’
• The Reality of Reality TV and 10 Reasons to Stop Watching Bravo
• New Trailer for RHONJ Season 5 — More Scripted Than Ever!

Teresa Giudice Promotes Her New Cookbook on Wendy Williams; NeNe Leakes Defends Teresa Against Melissa Gorga; Teresa is the Second Highest Paid Bravo Housewife at $650,000 for Season 5

Teresa Giudice Promotes Her New Cookbook on Wendy Williams

“Are you planning on throwing a barbecue party in your back yard this spring or summer? Everyone seems to have a great time at a cookout, but if you need a few tricks of the trade, Wendy Williams is getting some ideas from Teresa Giudice, star of The Real Housewives Of New Jersey. She has a new BBQ book coming out, which is called Fabulicious!: On The Grill. See what kind of trouble she can make with Wendy on Wednesday’s show. Plus, what does Teresa have to say in response to Andy Cohen’s recent comments about the Real Housewives on Wendy’s show? You’ll have to watch to see for yourself on Wednesday, May 8.” [Source]

—

NeNe Leakes Defends Teresa Giudice Against Melissa Gorga; Melissa Responds That the Vets Need to Thank the New Girls for ‘Reviving’ the Shows and ‘Amping Up’ the Ratings

Us Magazine reported on Nene Leakes appearance on Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live special “Live: NeNe One-On-One” on May 5, 2013.

Concerning Brandi Glanville, Nene told host Andy Cohen:

“Brandi’s just a train wreck. Just a wreck. Just a wreck. She’s just off the chain, she’s off the hook [with] a lot of the things that she has to say, just so talkative.” Too often says “a lot of stuff that she needs to not say. She’s going to get red. . .She thinks she can get in people’s faces and say whatever she wants to say.”

“I like her when she’s not drinking. Brandi and drinks don’t work for me.”

The 45-year-old also revealed she recently ran into Glanville’s costar, Lisa Vanderpump:

“She’s looking really thin,” Leakes commented. “That’s probably because of the Dancing With the Stars thing.” (The British restaurant owner was voted off during the Apr. 9 episode of the ABC competition series.)

The outspoken star also said she dislikes the Orange County cast:

“I don’t connect with them, most of them, for some reason,” Leakes explained. “I almost want to recast Orange County. A couple of them are quite boring [and] can go!”

The Atlanta standout does, however, like Orange County’s Vicki Gunvalson and New York City’s Ramona Singer:

“Vicki is the boss, Ramona is the boss, I’m the boss,” Leakes said of the business-minded women. ” All of us are original housewives and we have a work ethic that is very different than the new girls that come on the show. All of us work our [asses] off.”

Leakes often takes issue with women who join the show in later seasons, particularly Melissa Gorga (Gorga joined the show in its third season after Dina Manzo and Danielle Staub left). The Atlanta housewife also defended original New Jersey housewife Teresa Giudice, who has often accused sister-in-law Gorga of riding her coattails:

“I feel for Teresa because there’s something about being the first one in. When you’re the first one in on one of these shows and somebody comes behind you, it’s sort of like, ‘Hold on, you need to respect the veteran. I was here first. You need to play on my territory.’ So I kind of sided with Teresa in that area. Melissa, you came on her show. So you watched her on television and you wanted to be on the show like she was. No, girl, take a seat now! You’re not a veteran.”

“I like Jersey,” Leakes admitted. “I just think they’re such gangstas. I just love them. They’re so entertaining to me. but you know what? They’re getting a little too nasty.”

Melissa responded to NeNe’s statements, telling In Touch:

“The vets need to thank the new girls for coming in. They amp up the ratings! The show [RHONJ] needed to be revived. It got revived. Maybe NeNe feels threatened.”

Teresa Giudice is the Second Highest Paid Bravo Housewife at $650,000 Plus Bonuses and Products Sales

OK Magazine investigated the salaries of The Real Housewives franchise, running since March 2006, currently with six different shows.

The top salary goes to Nene Leakes at $1 million “plus bonuses” for season 6 of RHOA. Teresa Giudice ranked second with a salary of $650,000 “plus bonuses” for season 5 of RHONJ. Why Nene, Teresa, Ramona and LuAnn were singled out as receiving “bonuses,” the article doesn’t say, nor does it explain the reason for the bonuses, unless they are alluding to their statement: ”the more drama, the more moolah!” It also doesn’t mention income from products sales that comes on top of their salaries and bonuses.

Jacqueline Laurita scoffed at the OK Magazine article, tweeting: “Lol! You are SO off on all NJ! Go higher for NJ! Keep guessing.” Since Jacqueline, who reportedly earned $275,000 for season 5, wants us to know that they all earned much more than reported by the magazine, perhaps we should remind Jacqueline that it’s time to pay her mortgage, back taxes and creditors!

As reported by OK Magazine on May 6, 2013, the salaries are ranked as follows (some of the Housewives, including Kathy Wakile, are not mentioned):

1. Nene Lekes, $1 million plus bonuses

2. Tersa Giudice, $650,000 plus bonuses

3. Ramona Singer, $500,000 plus bonuses

4. Countess LuAnn DeLesseps, $500,000 plus bonuses

5. Vicki Gunvalson, $500,000

6. Kandi Burrus, $450,000

7. Caroline Manzo, $400,000

8. Gretchen Ross, $375,000

9. Melissa Gorga, $350,000

10. Lisa Vanderpump, $350,000

11. Tamra Barney, $325,000

12. Phaedra Parks, $300,000

13. Jacqueline Laurita, $275,000

14. Kyle Richards, $225,000

15. Sonja Morgan, $220,000

16. Aviva Drescher, $200,000

17. Heather Thompson, $175,000

18. Alexis Bellino, $175,000

19. Brandi Glanville, who started off as a part time cast member on just $18,000, enjoys a nice bump up to $175,000.

20. Miami is lowest in the ratings and the salaries: Adriana De Moura, Marysol Patton and Joanna Krupa are the top earners, each commanding a payday in the $55,000-$75,000 range per season.

On September 27, 2012, Dp at Fame-Whorgas posted the salaries for season 4 of RHONJ, but without a link to the source:

Joey Gorga Posts Video of His 3-Year-Old Son Joey Simulating Masterbating While Dancing at a Communion Party; No Birthday Party for Little Joey, AGAIN!

UPDATE 5/15/2013: Joe Gorga finally deleted the video from telly.com.

In a video posted by Joe Gorga (which was taken at Antonia’s best friend’s First Holy Communion party), Joe Gorga shouts, “Joey, do the move again, do the move again!”, and little Joey (who just turned 3-years-old), giggling, bends over, touches his hands to the floor, and shakes his booty. He then pops up and uses his hand in a gesture that only could be described as simulated masterbation. Lysa Simpson tries to stop him as the crowd roars in laughter. Then Joe Gorga can be heard shouting, “What are you doing?!” Finally, almost 30 seconds into his “dance,” Melissa enters the frame, smacks his fingers, and engages little Joey to redirect him.

The “move” Joe Gorga was asking Joey to do probably was him bending over and shaking his booty, and little Joey added the simulated masterbation “move” himself. Of course, he is barely 3-years-old, so he had to have seen someone doing that, and at least more than once, to imitate it so effectively. The question is, why would Joe Gorga boast about it by tweeting a video for the world to see, proudly proclaiming that “the apple doesn’t fall far from the TARZAN tree!!!”?

“Mel, are you parking your loaner Bentley and Lambo in front of your foreclosed or rented house, while wearing your borrowed clothes after attending all the free parties? Do your kids a favor and turn them over to Lysa to raise and in return you can have visitation. Wait – she’s already doing that! Ok, well, maybe Lysa should make it legal and request supervised visitation since she knows how to buckle them up and you don’t. On April 27th Lysa tweeted a picture of baby Joey in a car seat saying happy birthday, and Mel tweeted a picture of Joey’s fabulous B-day dinner, not party. Just what every 3-year-old wants – dinner! Did the kids eat free and did the staff clap and sing to him as they presented his free mini cake, or did the restaurant pick up the entire tab? Damn girl, you must be exhausted after all the effort you put into making his day so special…. Were you stopped for speeding on the way to Lysa’s house to drop them off or had you just picked them up? I’m so thankful I’m not like you! – Calypso, May 2, 2013, Fame-Whorgas

Joey Gorga Jr.’s third birthday was on April 27th. The Gorgas went out to dinner with the kids for his birthday, just like last year. Melissa tweeted the following on Joey’s birthday:

“It’s my precious Joey’s 3rd Birthday Today! I love this kid so much.. http://instagram.com/p/YnVjSJpC9T/“

“Joey’s loving his birthday dinner! #familia http://instagram.com/p/YoZG7cJC-A/“

As you can see in the photo above, only the immediate family was present; however, Joey was with his Aunt Lysa, Melissa’s sister, earlier in the day — she tweeted the photo (above) of him strapped in his car seat.

For three years running the Gorgas have not thrown a birthday party for Joey; in other words, he has never had a birthday party. Melissa found time on May 1st, three days after Joey’s birthday, to tape a WWHL special, and she then headed over to OK Magazine’s ‘So Sexy’ party (photos below) with other D-list celebrities (Kathy Wakile and Rosie Pierri were among the attendees | a West coast version of the party with Brandi Glanville was held on April 18th).

“Just left the clubhouse with cutie @BravoAndy for a #wwhl special… Now heading to @OKMagazine sexy singles party:-)” – Melissa Gorga, May 1, 2013, Twitter

The only parties the Gorgas have thrown for any of their kids was the one thrown for Antonia’s first birthday and the one thrown for her sixth birthday in front of Bravo cameras during season 4 (the cake and party favors were comped in exchange for free advertising on the show and in Melissa’s Bravo blog for the episode).

Ten days after Gino’s birthday last year on September 12th (he was with his Aunt Lysa on his birthday), the Gorgas went to Medieval Times (click here to see photos) and tweeted that they were there for Gino’s birthday party:

On Antonio’s birthday on August 12th of last year, Melissa tweeted that she “chose not to have a party this year” and instead they were going to take her to Great Adventure:

What a great day with Antonia! She chose not to have a party this year, she wants us to take her to Great Adventure!! #loveher – Melissa Gorga, August 12, 2012, Twitter

The Gorgas were partying at their beach house with other adults on Antonia’s birthday (photo below), and even though they went to Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ, a month later for Melissa’s performance during “Gay Night Out” at the park, they didn’t bring their children with them. Since Antonia’s birthday last August, Melissa has not tweeted anything more about taking the kids to Great Adventure.

On April 27th, Teresa was with her daughters. She tweeted the following, but nothing about Joey’s birthday:

At the Gia’s softball game, and Juicy Joe is coaching Gabriella soccer game.

Such a fun day for my girls! Milania is ice skating. http://say.ly/wGV5H3g

Now Gabriella & I are going to the NJ Devils game. She’s a big fan. http://say.ly/uRk5H3R

At the NJ Devils game with Gabriella, my friend Dana & her adorable son Matthew. http://say.ly/brI5H4s

Going to Max Brenner in NYC with Gabriella for dinner. Yum! #GirlsNite http://say.ly/end5H8X

@TRUEdancemomNY yes come over.Xx

However, in another photo of Joey on his birthday, it looks like Adrianna in the background.

On a side note, Melissa, sounding stoned, posted a Keek video three months ago. In it she says:

“We’re (she and Joe) laying on a unicorn pillow (watching TV). This is what we do at (looks at her watch and is amazed at how late it is) at 10 o’clock at night. Look at Joey, he’s still up (she pans over to Joey playing by himself in the corner of the room; Melissa waves to the camera and laughs a deep, throaty laugh).”

The following are Melissa’s tweets to her kids and husband on their last birthdays: