Castmates Are the ‘Inside Sources’ to Tabloid Stories About Teresa Giudice; Teresa Says She Doesn’t Have a PR Agent

I actually don’t even have an agent. Well I do have a literary agent for my books, but that’s it. No PR person either. Bravo TV is my PR. – Teresa Giudice, August 20, 2012, ‘For Better or for Worse’

“I think you and the rest of the cast care more about magazine articles than the rest of the planet–they’re really not a big deal. Most people who live in the public eye learn not to read about themselves in tabloids.  I mean, it’s like this whole season has been about the cast being angry about magazine articles–I don’t get it. Just stop reading them! Most of them are all garbage and lack any credibility anyway.” – gohomelefty, August 29, 2012, Jacqueline’s Bravo Blog

“Teresa already admitted she made money on the pictures. She has no control over the content of the articles. Everyone knows this about these gossip mags, except everyone on your show apparently.” – onesmartcookie39, August 29, 2012, Jacqueline’s Bravo Blog

Here is a letter to Caroline about the tabloids, which was sent to famewhorgas with a request to publish (it was first published on RHONJ’s Facebook page):

ATTN: CAROLINE MANZO

As promised (in spite of a hectic day). I’ll break this down in the simplest of terms since you’re an uneducated woman of limited intellect.

THE TABLOIDS AND THE COOKBOOK COMMENTS ARE A RUSE. You and your cohorts are using these issues to:

1 – Confuse Teresa because you know she gets flustered under pressure, and

2 – Distract the audience with your semantics long enough to allow you to pull off this con. Your goal: “To get rid of (Teresa) once and for all” (S4, E17).

You know exactly how the tabloids work. After all, who are the ‘INSIDE SOURCES’ who regularly “put out” all the disparaging articles about Teresa and Joe?

In case the audience had any doubts, you went so far as to confirm their suspicions. As you RELISHED in your prediction of the Giudice family’s utter demise, you reminded viewers to remember they’d “heard it here first” (S4, E13). Unfortunately for you, the story had already surfaced in Us Weekly, the publication in which you and your band of bullies regularly appear (“Exclusive: Teresa Giudice Wants Her Own Show on Bravo,” May 29, 2012).

You criticize Teresa because she has accepted compensation to shoot cover photos for In Touch. When the magazine decides to publish a story, which usually depicts Teresa and Joe in a negative light (as confirmed by Jacqueline Laurita’s blog of August 27, 2012), Teresa receives a request for comment (“to get the truth out,” as she stated in S4, E17).

You very well know these negative stories will appear with or without Teresa commenting or accepting compensation for use of her photograph. You should, especially since the elusive ‘inside sources’ are the same individuals responsible for SELLING THESE MALICIOUS STORIES. You also know Teresa has no control over how the author decides to twist her statements.

You claim Teresa made negative comments about you and your cohorts in these articles, yet you speak in generalities when Andy Cohen asks you for Teresa’s specific quotes. In fact, the snippets in the text that refer to you are derived from episodes of the show; they are your OWN quotes!

Your brother, Chris, made the most telling remark in season 4 episode 17 when he stated that Jacqueline had been approached to sell a story about TERESA to a tabloid for $50,000 (S4, E17). THIS IS THE CRUX OF THE MATTER. Millions of people want to watch TERESA, read about TERESA, and spend their money on TERESA’S BOOKS, WINE and OTHER PRODUCTS. No one gives a damn about the Manzo and Laurita families. They simply play a supporting role on THE TERESA SHOW, just like the others.

That’s why you decided to work with Melissa and Kathy to get rid of Teresa. (By the way, none of you should attempt to pursue acting careers after this stint ends. I won’t even bother commenting on Melissa’s future in Karaoke.)

As far as the cookbook is concerned, it’s simply more of your “smoke and mirrors.” To turn on a friend of 15+ years with the ruthlessness you exhibited over two innocuous jokes appears absolutely ludicrous to any reasonable person. (Especially since the one-sixteenth “Olive Garden Italian” quip was written by a staff member on the Rachel Ray Show for your meatball contest, and the “stripper car wash” was part of the first season’s storyline.)

I had a long, busy day so I won’t waste my time getting into you and your family’s exploitation of Autism and potentially fraudulent claims, but if you and your cohorts decide to hide behind this sensitive subject to escape culpability going forward, I’ll be sure to set aside some time out of my schedule to share my thoughts.

GOOD LUCK AT THE REUNION.

“Teresa, DO NOT think for one minute that the viewers have changed their minds and turned to the blk side. Bravo stopped printing most of the pro Teresa comments a couple of weeks ago. I hope you realize that none of this hatefest could have been accomplished without the help and clever backing of Ms Andy and producers. I would be suspect of any requests or suggestions by these people. At least for now, Bravo is not your friend. Keep making the money and keep your chin up. If you haven’t filmed the reunion yet, don’t let them get away with those vague generalizations. Half of the stuff in the tabloids was said by them on TV!” – Parkview, August 28, 2012, StoopidHousewives

“Your cousin is beyond belief and I’m sure she didn’t change her personality for the show, so once again, you were right about her. What a phony troublemaker. Unfortunately, I hope she will never be a part of your life. What I wish you did and will do in the future is not take the bait and never engage in a conversation under those circumstances. She wanted to entrap you, and while you didn’t care if you were heard because you had nothing to hide, don’t let someone ever put you in that position. You gave Caroline the opportunity she wanted. She exposed herself as the lunatic she is, but unless you actually want that kind of drama, to be berated and have to defend yourself, don’t do it. Better to have said to Kathy, ‘I don’t want to discuss it with you.’ Take control of the conversation and of yourself, end it when it’s uncomfortable. Walk away. Don’t give them any more ammunition to use against you. Think dignity. They are ALL not worth it. I know you will have to face them at the reunion, you DO NOT have to go overboard defending yourself, your statements, your actions. We have seen everything. You will not convince them, they don’t care, they want you to lose control. I know you are learning and you WILL keep becoming a better person. Think self-respect and role model for your daughters. Let the others be ugly and mean. You’re not. I can’t even get into the horror of your sister-in-law and your former friend. Cowards. One is silent, the other is sleeping. It’s exhausting just to watch. I wish you better friends for your life and another way to support your family. You are very strong, but your energy should be spent on something more worthwhile. Keep writing those books.”  – viewer553, August 28, 2012, Teresa’s Bravo Blog

“Those high ratings are why Bravo keeps pushing Tre’s buttons. Bravo knows people like Tre so they keep pushing the drama with her.  Ever since she flipped that table Bravo and Mandy have been pushing her buttons, hoping she’ll freak out again. Every move by Bravo is a calculated attempt to infuriate Tre. They want to film her losing her temper again. Sadly, flipping that table is also what got her ALL the attention and made her the star of the show. That’s the reason she got the contracts for the cookbooks, teeth whiting, Bellinis etc. Now, with those ratings, Tre’s is stuck with that sort of story line and she can’t afford to leave the show because of their financial troubles.” – OCwoman, August 29, 2012, StoopidHousewives

During season 4 episode 17, drunk Joe Giudice said Teresa sold stories, but he didn’t identify which ones, probably because he doesn’t know since Teresa is the one who deals with the tabloids. She said she sold the story with her and Jacqueline on the cover after their youngest children were born. She said she sold photos and not ‘stories’ for the In Touch covers.

Sam at LynnFam has an interesting theory on tabloidgate:

“I have a theory regarding why Tre says she only got paid for one cover. Others have said she got a multi-cover contract, and if this contract was like my multi-book contracts, it could easily have given Teresa the impression that she was only being paid for one picture, especially if all of the cover photos were taken in one photo session or in a series of shoots that took place during a compressed time period. [Teresa probably got one check but was committed for more than one cover. For all we know, it could have been struck in the same deal as the one she did with Jac since I am sure they both had different manages negotiating for them.]“

There are rumors on the blogs that Teresa is trying to hide the fact that she is paid because she arranged for payment to go to someone other than herself so that she could avoid giving Bravo their cut. Andy Cohen has asked her on a couple of occasions if she got paid, and she said only for the cover she did with Jacqueline. If the Giudices were trying to be shady, then Joe Giudice is an idiot for outing her (or maybe he was so drunk he forgot to keep his mouth shut), but I think he just doesn’t know how it works. The risk of upsetting Bravo would hardly seem worth the money she would get for the stories. This is nothing but fodder for the blogs, so there’s not much more to say about it.

“What I don’t get is that the articles about Teresa are ABOUT TERESA. Even Jaq acknowledges that… They keep screaming about her bashing them, but the only time I can think of where they got ‘bashed’ was the one where there was a blurb about each other them and the info used is pulled from their own talking heads on the show! I don’t think those bitches even know why they are upset at this point. They are just angry to be angry.” – RHOAmbler, August 27, 2012, AllAboutTRH.com

“I read all the tabloid articles. The magazine printed what Teresa’s castmates said about her on the show. If they said it on camera, why should they have a problem with it printed in a magazine.” – Lee, August 27, 2012, AllAboutTRH.com

“I don’t understand what the big deal is about the magazines. Teresa lies on herself. Why does everyone else care? She doesn’t really mention the other cast members and if the magazines do, they usually mention something they said in their talking head interviews so what’s the big deal.” – ATLnNYC09, August 27, 2012, LynnFam

“Why would Teresa swear on her kids that she ever said a bad word about Caroline if it wasn’t true? I believe she didn’t do it. Tre does talk to magazine but the magazines make things up. Magazines do make things up. I am also sure they can also take statements said in the show — put quotes on it and put it in print and build their own context around them.” – rabblerouser2010R, August 27, 2012, LynnFam

“My writer friend, who I asked about this, works for a newspaper and had only a little knowledge on the subject. Pretty much, what she told me, is in the articles linked below. She did say though, that normally tabloids pay for photos, be it paparazzi types or photo shoots (like a Kardashian wedding or Brangalina baby). They also use pre-exsisting quotes in their articles and present them as if they are part of the story. You can’t do that in newspapers. Had I known the tabloids would have had such a big part in this season I would have kept them! I remember those magazine stories and I know, because I read them, half of those ‘bad quotes’ were things that came straight from the show itself. Meaning, they said it on air. It boggles my mind that they are lying like this. I guess they think we are all too stupid to notice.” – Exit4, August 27, 2012, LynnFam

http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/tabloid1.htm
http://www.ehow.com/how_2292346_write-tabloid-style-article.html

By MM in OC, Comment at LynnFam
August 27, 2012 at 11:19 am

I believe the tabloid issue is all an argument over semantics. Teresa says that she is paid for photos and she answers a few questions that are asked of her. That’s much different that selling articles, which is something I believe PR people do. Teresa doesn’t know what the tenor of the article will be, what the headline is, etc. As many people have said, most of these articles have quotes directly from the show. Also, I rarely see Teresa quoted directly. This is very different than that article in People about Jax autistic son.

Regardless, the whole argument is stupid. What really makes me mad is that Chucky keeps saying that Kathy and Melissa are such nice people and she doesn’t give any credence to Teresa’s main issue – that they came on the show to create drama with the family.

The main issues seem to be jealously over Teresa’s opportunities and the dominican republic vacation where the favored sons got into a brawl and were arrested.

Finally, I think I’m the only one that couldn’t stand Carowhine’s mob mentality from the start. Her treatment of Danielle has shifted to Teresa. A hater through and through – does anyone think Caro is in a better and happy place???

By I Need A Housewives’ Detox Program, Comment at LynnFam
August 27, 2012

The things with those magazines is this, they take pix and recycle quotes and manipulate pix and take things said on the show, etc., etc.

Teresa is NOT lying about there being NUMEROUS negative stories about her and her family. Is SHE putting them out there? Jac and the rest of the gang are trying to say that Teresa is putting them out there to make people feel sorry for her. I’ve read some of those negative stories. They don’t make me feel sorry for Teresa. They make her sound like an a*shole (which leads me to believe they were put out by BRAVO or one of her castmates who also wanted to make a buck or two).

The way Teresa passionately and adamantly kept telling Caroline that she NEVER said one negative thing about her in any magazine….I don’t know. I’m sorry, but I think she was telling the truth. On WWHL, when Andy kept pressing Caroline to tell him exactly WHAT Teresa said in the mags that was so offensive to HER in particular, Caroline, in my opinion, could not really come up with anything so egregious that it justified her absolutely horrible behavior to Teresa all season.

MONTHS BEFORE Caroline gleefully made her prediction about Joe going off to jail, Teresa leaving him and writing a book about it, that same article with those exact same predictions was in Us Magazine (I know because I read it for free while I was standing in the grocery store. What? You think I was going to pay for that sh*t?!). Isn’t it funny that months later, Caroline makes that exact same prediction on the show? So, it seems like Caroline was the more likely culprit to have sold that story to Us Magazine — NOT Teresa.

At this point, with the way Caroline is behaving, the way she’s saying she wants Teresa gone, the way it was KILLING her to see Teresa getting along with her family and having a good time on the trip, the way it is KILLING her that Teresa and Dina are still friends, I would not put it past Caroline to have a hand, along with BRAVO producers, in setting it up at the end to make it look like Teresa tried to out Melissa as a former stripper. This is simply MY opinion. No offense.

Of all the cast, Teresa needs a PR agent more than any other, and it shouldn’t be Bravo TV… WHAT A HUGE MISTAKE! If her performance on WWHL on August 26, 2012 (the 1 on 1 interview with Andy Cohen) is an indication of what she plans to say at the reunion, she will turn off viewers — she has been repeating the same things over and over again all season to take on the insane clown posse, and she is starting to sound disingenuous (Caroline doesn’t sound any better, but she is good at spinning things and speaking in riddles to hide her deception, plus she will have the rest of the cast backing her).

You can’t argue with liars…they just cover one lie with another and another until you begin to question your own memory and then your own sanity…you can never resolve an issue with a liar. The best thing for Teresa to do is ignore them and not respond to their lies… if she constantly defends herself against their false accusations, she eventually will become consistently shrill and defensive.

Teresa would be better off saying nothing than to keep repeating herself like she did on WWHL. She needs to show a little humility; the others certainly won’t. Just let them attack and don’t attack back: say nothing but ‘I’m sorry I hurt you,’ give them hugs, and move on to the next topic. And she needs to stop making it seem like she has a perfect marriage… no one is buying it!

Teresa struggles to articulate her thoughts under pressure and explain things clearly when she distressed, and her cast mates take advantage of that. I myself am getting tired of seeing her continually blow her chances to clear up misconceptions. And I am tired of doing it for her on this website (if she can’t be bothered, why should anyone else make the effort for her?). She knows that the cast twists her words, so she should be prepared to clear up the misconceptions or not say anything at all, especially about the tabloids (either she was paid or not — give the specifics and end it!).

“If Bravo misrepresented themselves and their intentions, surely Teresa would have a leg to stand on. Let’s remember that this is a year ago. Her brand, life and relationships would have evolved by now. Bravo has really taken liberties with her storyline. Yes, she signed up for it so she has to cop it, which she is, but then she’s slammed for defending herself. They don’t see what material Bravo has chosen until the week before it airs. If Bravo has a bone to pick with her, as suggested, then she’s never going to be treated equally. We saw this when the ‘homophobic slurs’ started. That’s when Cohen seemed to change. I think the producers build friendships with them to earn their trust; and I’ve said it before, she’s not the brightest spark, so there could be a false sense of security there. She is the only housewife in all the franchise to be victimized like this. Ethics appear to have flown out the window in Bravo’s HQ!” – Sackem, August 21, 2012, Reality Tea

Teresa needs to turn the accusations back on the cast and ask them to elaborate: they need to be specific about what she actually said to the tabloids about them and their families that has gotten their big girl panties in such a wad or they need to drop it. I’ve seen the show and I’ve read the interviews online, and I have not seen anything negative that Teresa said about them or their families, but I’ve seen plenty of negative things that they and their husbands have said or written about her and her family.

“I feel for you…. I have read most of the comments and in my opinion you are the only one who can decide what to do. I will agree though that the magazines are out of control, you need a PR agent that will help you do some damage control. For as much as you would have begged Bravo not to show it, they did because is the climax of the show, it was the most anticipated moment, thanks to your husband. I still say that he knew he was going to get caught; your attempt to sway him into a loving moment in the vineyard was looked at as desperation, especially when you had Richie as the number one spectator and narrator of the event — not to mention the embarrassment at the winery, because deep down you knew what he was up to. It happened a year ago and possibly you have moved passed it but it will be ever so present in the media.” – ibis, August 21, 2012, Teresa’s Bravo Blog

In season 4 episode 17, Kathy makes a federal case out of Teresa giving an interview to In Touch where she said Richie gives her a hard time about spending money. Kathy complains about Teresa being petty and holding grudges, yet this is the most ridiculous and petty grudge of all! In this episode, it appears that Teresa finally snaps after taking two season of abuse from her family and friends.

Video preview here: Teresa lifts Kathy’s chin so she will look her in the eyes while’s she’s talking to her (just like Chris Laurita did to Ashlee in season 2, when the men were downstairs playing poker, and she was arguing with her mother, and then Jacqueline grabbed her and told her to get out of ‘her house’).

In season 4 episode 17, Kathy holds her phone, reads the story from In Touch about what Richie said regarding Teresa’s shopping. Teresa explains to Kathy that she was telling the truth when she said that — Richie always throw jabs at her about everything, but this is a hot button that he likes to push the most. Teresa defends her statement to the tabloid by explaining that Richie does harass her about shopping by asking her things like ‘How many times have you gone to the mall?’ (Teresa repeated it and now it’s wrong? So who’s wrong, Rich for saying it or Teresa for repeating it?) Kathy then defends Richie, saying that his digs at ‘reckless spending’ are just jokes — so she is admitting that Richie does throws jabs at Teresa about shopping — Kathy says ‘It was a joke right to your face’, and Teresa says ‘It wasn’t a joke to me.’

Kathy admitted that Rich made the statement that was quoted in the tabloids. So why are they accusing Teresa of lying when what is in the tabloids are direct quotes from cast members? And Kathy getting defensive about Teresa being upset with the shopaholic jabs is so pathetic when you reflect on the disgusting things Richie and Kathy have said about Teresa behind her back since coming onto the show. At the time, Teresa didn’t know about all the really horrible things they was saying about her on camera, which are far worse than the shopaholic jabs that Richie has been throwing at Teresa for years. Kathy should be more upset about what Melissa said on camera about Richie:

“I’ve never seen you work a day in your life. To me this is amazing to watch you actually break a sweat. This guy don’t work. He’s like, ‘Kathy, let’s take a ride to Bloomingdales’. That’s what Rich does all day. He hangs.” – Melissa Gorga on Richie Wakile, Season 4 Episode 14

Many more people watch the show than read the tabloids, so for them to make a big deal about the tabloids shows how desperate they are to find valid reasons to be so hateful toward Teresa. Teresa should be making a list of every negative thing each and every one of them has said about her over the past two seasons, just like the list they all are keeping on her. Their list will pale in comparison to the list she would have, and it is all documented on camera (and in their blogs), coming straight from their mouths — no tabloid has twisted their words or put words in their mouths. She should also make a list of the negative stories about her and her family that they have planted as ‘inside sources’ to the tabloids and bloggers (there are actual quotes from them as ‘insiders’, and it is obvious that they are the sources).

Pre-reunion interview with Caroline Manzo on Watch What Happens Live, Airing August 26, 2012 [Andy will make it look like Caroline won this round because he hates Teresa and he’s also tired of her fans harrassing him on Twitter]:

Caroline: She put my name in a tabloid in a very negative way.

Andy: What did she say in the tabloid?

Caroline: They don’t support me, they talk about me, they laugh at the bankruptcy.

Note to Caroline: Is this your best shot? Teresa told the tabloids that you talk about her and don’t support her, and that you laugh at her bankruptcy. Where are the exact quotes–these are generalities and not quotes… words the tabloids put in Teresa’s mouth. And even is she had said that, what’s the big deal? You all do talk about her and you all don’t support her. In fact, you all resent her and her successful business ventures, and you all probably do laugh about her bankruptcy–you certainly have no problem talking about all her financial and legal and marital problems on camera for the world to hear.

I wish I had a list of the many, many despicable things you all have said and written about Teresa over the past two seasons, including your tabloid quotes as ‘inside sources’. If I were Teresa, I would refuse to film with each and every one of you. You use the excuse that Teresa brought up issues about herself in the tabloids to justify discussing her personal affairs on camera. You all say if she put it out there in the tabloids then she shouldn’t be shocked that you all talk about it. You all should know better than any of us that just because it’s in a tabloid doesn’t mean it’s true or that it came from her.

“When Teresa and I were talking in the RV, I thought it was hysterical! I was teasing her and she was laughing. It was perfect. I needed to explain to her that when she puts out these articles about her marriage and kids in a magazine and accepts a paycheck, then it’s no longer just her business, it is now everyone’s business.” – Melissa Gorga, August 20, 2012, ‘An Honest Mistake?’

“Well there is always some drama sprinkled in, and this episode it was of course over another tabloid. Remember, when these episodes were shot last summer, I was trying to move on from the horrible place Teresa and I had been in a couple years back. I see the In Touch magazine covers Teresa does, and yes, I don’t like that they mention me in a negative way, but I think the viewers are smart enough to realize that you can’t believe everything you read. I guess in her mind, there is a difference between what she is willing to share with the tabloids for money and what she will share with her friends and family. Please take note, if there are constantly stories in the tabloids, the show is going to address it. If you don’t want these issues to be brought up on the show, then don’t address them in the tabloids.” – Melissa Gorga, June 12, 2012, ‘A Real ‘Rockstar’

“Jacqueline, what in your mind is the difference between your show and a tabloid magazine? The show is a television version of a tabloid of the lives of five or so families. What difference does it make if it is in print versus said on the show. The comments are all the same. Every one of you disses each other. If you did not, you would not be on the show. You just get to pick and choose who you will diss but you better diss somebody or you will not provide the entertainment and drama the show needs. – mjphoenix, August 22, 2012, Jacqueline’s Bravo Blog

“So Joe Gorga gets a pass for his poor behavior at the winery but Joe Giudice does not. What a surprise! And Kathy gets a pass even though she was dishonest with Teresa. And Rich gets a pass because he is Rich. And why is it okay for you all to be angry at Teresa for possibly putting things out in the tabloids that you did not like, but you, and all your posse, do just that back at her every week on national TV and continuously on the internet. Pathetic. And one last thing–real nice job piling on Teresa after the week she had. Shame on you.” – chickadeeeeee, August 22, 2012, Jacqueline’s Bravo Blog

“Has anyone visited Melissa Gorga’s website? She has a whole section dedicated to her ‘press’ which is basically her in the back of IN TOUCH and US WEEKLY! I guess that is why she is mad? Teresa always gets the cover and they stick Melissa in a sidebar in the back of the mag!” – sissygirl

Teresa should just skip the reunion altogether or film a separate segment by herself. If she films with them, she should be prepared to point out nasty things the cast has said about her to defend herself against their accusations.

“According to Jacqueline and Melissa, Teresa puts out all the stories about herself (even all the nasty ones which, to me, is crazy, but I digress), so really they are stating that the tabloids are correct and tell the truth (which, again, to me, is crazy). So, by default, does that mean all the stories that were spread about them were put out there by themselves? Is that how they ‘know’ it to be true? It seems what is good for the goose is good for the gander and, honestly, I’m really sick of their hypocrisy!” [Anonymous]

“It was Danielle that outed Teresa’s financial problems, thanks to Melissa feeding her dirt on Teresa. I never heard of Teresa having any money issues before Danielle call Teresa out on it in a S2 episode. The tabloids stories came after that. And I guess at some point Teresa decided that ‘if you can’t beat them join them’ and gave some interviews to the tabloids regarding her bankruptcy.” [Amazing Wench, August 25, 2012, Television Without Pity]

“I needed to explain to her that when she puts out these articles about her marriage and kids in a magazine and accepts a paycheck, then it’s no longer just her business, it is now everyone’s business. So she can’t get upset when people discuss it. I felt like she was listening to me, but I’m not sure, because I just saw another one yesterday. To each their own.”

Teresa explained in one of her Bravo blogs (‘Cover Girl‘, June 12, 2012) that she agrees to sit for a photo session with a tabloid and they pay her for the photos, which they can use in the future any way they choose. This means that she has no control over the covers or the headlines or the content of the articles. The tabloids find quotes by the cast from other sources, like the show itself, so it is not Teresa that they should be blaming — it’s themselves.

“It seems to me that all the Tre-hate coming from Menopausal Red and the others is down to one thing. Teresa is the star of the show. She’s the one in the headlines of the tabs and featured in all the gossip columns. Not necessarily for great reasons but there she is. Not many cover stories for Caroline. Who increasingly I see as the Jill Zarin of this situation, organizing hate-feasts and fomenting trouble where there doesn’t need to be any. Caroline is one short step away from the three-month-old voicemail kept lovingly for all occasions. I think she thinks that if Tre goes, she takes over with her wonderful charismatic successful sons (excuse me while I laugh myself sick). But I don’t see any way Andy Cohen would let a gold-mine like Tre get away.” – quaintirene, August 25, 2012, Television Without Pity

Teresa always fails to explain verbally how the tabloids works when confronted with their accusations. She needs to write out how it works, and rehearse it so that she can explain it thoroughly during the reunion if forced to address it. The other cast members have made tabloid quotes a major point of contention with her, so she needs to help the viewers understand that she is not in control over what the tabloids write. If she is paid for articles and not just the cover photos, then she needs to explain that too and why she agrees to do them (if it’s for the money, then say it!)

“Joe finally admitted the truth! They got PAID for the articles. Finally! Nobody cared if they got paid 2 put out things about themselves. [It] became a problem when she included & blamed others or faulted us 4 asking about it.” – Jacqueline Laurita, August 26, 2012, Twitter

“who cares? you get paid for the shit you promote on twitter RT@JacLaurita Joe finally admitted the truth! They got PAID for the articles.” – TheFauxMilaniaG, August 27, 2012, Twitter

Throughout this season the cast (and the tabloids) have twisted her words for their benefit, and it will continue through the reunion and afterward. An example is Jacqueline’s Bravo blog and how she changed the meaning, plus added words, to what Teresa actually said when Melissa confronted her about the tabloid articles:

“I was glad that Teresa finally somewhat admitted in the RV to Melissa that she did in fact do more than just pose for pictures in those articles in the tabloids and that she did say things about her family and friends after she had been denying it for so long.

“Teresa finally admitted that she said what she said in the articles, because it was how she felt at the time. I can respect that, but I just wish she would have been this honest and upfront to everyone (including Caroline) and just admitted this in the first place instead of denying it the way she did originally. Caroline may have been more forgiving at that point.

“It was Teresa’s denying and not taking responsibility by owning up to what she said and how she really felt at the time that was partially the reason she was upsetting everyone. Nobody thought she was being sincere. Melissa told Teresa not to trash talk her family and friends again in the tabloids and then gave her a pass for it. Melissa just wanted to move forward.

“Like Teresa said, ‘Once the article is out there, you can’t take it back! There’s no use crying over spilt milk.’ Once in a while though, people like to hear you admit to doing what you did and give an apology for it. That was my point anyway.

“I thought Teresa just should have come out with it and said, ‘Yes, Caroline, Kathy, and Melissa, I did write that stuff that was not nice about you in the book and in the tabloids because I was upset with you all at the time for X,Y and Z. I am really sorry for doing it and offending you, but I would love to move forward now, and I won’t be doing that again.’

“I think most would have respected that answer or would have thought she was being more sincere with wanting to move forward. Instead, everybody was watching their back waiting for the next hit.

“Melissa made a good point that I kept trying to make myself. Once Teresa decided to put her business on the cover of a magazine and answer all of their questions, it no longer made it just her and her husband’s business. She opened it up to the world. If I decide to do a cover for a magazine, the same rules would apply to me, and I know that. If I put it out there, you can bet I’ve discussed it with my family and friends. What hurt me was that Teresa opened up to a tabloid but never opened up to me, one of her best friends. It hurt a little. That’s all.”

Teresa didn’t admit to anything. She just, once again, failed to explain that she is paid to for the cover photo and answers questions, but she doesn’t get to preview or approve the article that they write and print. She participates by answering questions, which they can put in any context they choose. The tabloids use quotes from the show’s footage, their blogs, their interviews and other unnamed ‘inside sources’. When Teresa speaks, she does so as herself and not in secret as an ‘inside source’ as they do.

In her June 12, 2012 blog, Cover Girl, Teresa explained how the tabloids work:

“Why not get paid if you can? They’re making money selling your face, why shouldn’t you get something? Here’s how I feel about that: if the magazine is going to run a story about you anyway and you have no control about what the story will be, what will be on the cover, even how they might twist your own quotes or use ugly pictures of you, why not get paid for a professional photo shoot? If I say no, they’re going to do the story anyway, but the photos will probably not be pretty, like the recent cover of US Weekly with my arms crossed when I look all mad. Who wants that?

“They put me on the cover because apparently magazines sell really well when I’m on them. I’m not sure if that’s flattering or not since the stories aren’t typically very flattering. I’m not saying being wanted is better or somehow desirable because in most cases it isn’t, but to say that I have any control over it is false. And they know it.

“So on this episode they were all acting so shocked at the story they said I put out. First of all, they know I didn’t put it out. Yes, for that one I posed for the photos rather than have random street shots of me used. During the shoot they asked me some questions, and I answered them. Some of them, not even all of them. And I didn’t say anything bad about anyone. What did I say? They were asking all about how my friends were treating me now that I was in bankruptcy. Obviously they wanted me to say something mean or crazy, but I didn’t.

“As far as the other ladies, their quotes are from THEM, not me. Those are the things they said themselves on the show. If a writer wants to label them as “insults,” what can I do? Nothing. Just like I could do nothing about the cover headline: ‘I’m terrified of being poor.’ The editors write that I’m ‘bullied by my friends for being broke.’ Not my quote, not from me.

“What’s crazy is that Caroline acts like it is from me. As if I’m some master magazine publisher who puts these stories out. I don’t put them out. They go out with or without me. And Caroline, Jacqueline, Melissa, Kathy and their husbands KNOW THIS.

[…]

“Regardless of the photos, I can’t control what’s on the cover or when, and I usually hate what they say.”

The In Touch cover above features a photo of Teresa and her children along with sensational headlines (this photo was taken months, or perhaps almost a year, before it was used for the cover). Teresa sat for the photo that was used on the cover but she had no idea how the photo would be used in the future. However, most viewers don’t know that, and because of that, they think she posed for this cover with full cooperation and endorsement of the feature article inside. She explained in her Bravo blog how the tabloids work: that she agrees to pose for a series of photos, for which she is paid, but she does not know how and when they will use it in the future. Her mistake is including her children in these photos and justifying it by saying she got nice pictures out of it. Her children should be off limits and should never be featured on tabloid covers, especially knowing the sensational headlines they use and the lies and half truths they print. If she wants her face on the cover to help build and sell her brand, fine, but she needs to protect her children from public scrutiny and humiliation. She also needs to restrict the way in which Bravo films her children. She should have final say on what airs, or she should not allow Bravo to film them at all.

“Teresa, as for being real, I don’t think that is working too well for you guys anymore. Real is good when it’s funny, moving or refreshing (as it has been in the past), not when it’s extremely uncomfortable to watch (as it has been A LOT lately). Maybe you and Joe should get your ‘fake’ on a little…everyone else on the show does and they seem to have a much easier time of it.” – LanaS, August 24, 2012, Teresa’s Bravo Blog

9/18/2012 UPDATE: Teresa Giudice had a ten cover deal with In Touch over the past two years. He contract began in September of 2010 and ended in September of 2012… read the full story at Tamara Tattles.

In Touch Issues with Teresa Giudice on the Cover

A Baby Boy for Teresa
How I Blew $11 Million
I’m Terrified of Being Poor
Teresa Talks Split
My Kids Saved Me
Fame Destroyed My Family
I’m Sorry I Was Selfish
A Wedding to Save the Relationship
It’s Worse Than Anyone Knows
My Life Without Joe

For magazine covers with Teresa Giudice, click here.

RealHouseKnife said on July 18, 2012 at StoopidHousewives:

The truth is obvious for all of us to see without having to “read between the lines”. Ok here are my two cents…

1) Teresa didn’t sabotage no one (double negative intentional) but apparently it’s ok for Don Caro to sabotage Dina’s business, Kathy to sabotage Teresa’s books (saying she stole her mom’s recipes), the Whorga’s to sabotage their sister (s-i-l)’s show (by going on there to bad mouth her and make her “fall down” so the “angel from God” could build her back up), yet none of the cast members call each other out on this vile behavior. EVERYONE but Teresa gets a free pass on back stabbing and bad mouthing except her.

2) Ms. SH had a story on how the producers have developed relationships with the cast members, particularly the Manzos/Lauritas- as evident on twitter.

Is it possible that the producers feed the others information about what is going on in Teresa’s life to sabotage her/make her look bad per instructions from Mz. Ann-dee??? Think about it, I never read in any tabloid that Teresa and Joe slept in separate rooms (and I doubt she would disclose that if it were true), and I’m not sure Teresa would say that to Jacqueline since she has said they sleep together but Joe has a room downstairs for closet and bathroom purposes (which we all agree is common amongst married couples that have the space to do so). Yet Milania happened to say something about it and it was caught on camera (therefore heard by the producers) and what do you know, all of a sudden WackyJacky is commenting about it in her talking head interview. Hmmm????

Also, notice Teresa’s surprise when WackJack mentions the garage/apartment/closet (which she did not have correct info for… no closest) that the Guidice’s are building and then all of a sudden it’s in the tabloids and WackJack is again commenting about it in the talking head, there too production had first access to what was taking place, maybe they leaked it to Jack and the Whorga brother to comment on. I wouldn’t put it past them.

In addition to the cast sabotaging Tre, I think production (under the instruction of Mz. Ann-dee) have also attempted to sabotage her to make her and her family appear in the worst light possible. Remember when the pyschic told WackJack that Teresa would have daggers coming from every direction? Boy, that was an understatement.

But God is good, and Teresa (although far from perfect), is a woman of faith who deep down is a person of morals, values, and a good heart — as are her parents — and we as viewers see that and that’s why we see right through everyone else’s intentions.

I’m done with Bravo. This is the only show I watch on the network, and I do that reluctantly, and I’m looking forward to the end of this dreadful season. I hate the mob mentality of the cast, but I’m losing patience with Teresa Giudice and her flippant way of dealing with the false accusations against her, and her failure to protect her children and marriage from Bravo and their malevolent intent.

“Every single person who has ever been on the Real Housewives is a horror: liars, cheats, thieves, bankruptors, hypocrites, surgery addicts, drunks, druggies, lowlifes, losers, closet cases and delusionalists. All of them. All. Of. Them. That said, love reading about their antics. I enjoy their stupidity, but I do not watch the show. I read blogs like yours and wait for the news of the divorces, prison terms, rehabs, etc. They all asked for it. All of them. And their kids…well, the little ones are victims. The Manzos? You will be reading about their jailhouse antics along with Juicy soon enough. Cheers!” – Barry, August 20, 2012, Keeping It Real with Ilana Angel