Arts & Entertainment

'Housewives' Cast Members Could Testify in Giudice Fraud Case

Bravo executives' testimony, footage from past several 'RHONJ' seasons could be used in court.

The 39-count fraud indictment of two cast members of "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" may bring other castmates and executives of the Bravo television network to a courtroom to testify in their case, according to Fox News.

Towaco residents Teresa and Giuseppe "Joe" Giudice were indicted Monday after federal authorities said they illegally obtained mortgages through fraudulent loan applications between 2001 and 2008 and hid assets and income during a bankruptcy proceeding in 2009. Some of the income U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman said was hidden included profits from Bravo for filming "The Real Housewives of New Jersey."

If convicted, the Giudices could serve many years in prison and pay thousands in fines. In addition to the recent charges, Joe Giudice is currently awaiting trial on separate charges that he used a fraudulent ID to obtain a driver's license from the New Jersey Department of Motor Vehicles while his was suspended following a DWI arrest.

Since Bravo is an entertainment network and not a news network, First Amendment privileges would likely not be maintained, Fox reported. As such, Bravo employees, including cast mates, could be called to the witness stand to testify on the Giudice's purchases or business operations during the timeframe they are accused of committing loan and bank fraud.

Footage from "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" may also be used against the Giudices, as scenes from one of last year's episodes included the Giudices talking to their bankruptcy attorney, Fox reported. Teresa Giudice was also seen talking to several cast members about the couple's financial troubles throughout the season.

The Giudices have been less than friendly with many of the cast members in the past several seasons, particularly as tension has built between them and Montville residents Joe Gorga (Teresa Giudice's brother) and Melissa Gorga.


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