Teresa Giudice's daughter Gia addresses backlash over plea for President Trump to pardon dad Joe

Daily Mail​

9 hours ago

Gia Giudice has broken her silence over the backlash she received after her plea to President Donald Trump to pardon her father Joe.
The media personality, 24, shared a video on the Fourth of July to ask the current president to allow her dad back into the U.S. - after he was deported in 2019 to his home country of Italy following his fraud conviction.
Gia's clip came amid Joe's own pleas in recent months and shortly after Trump pardoned both Todd and Julie Chrisley in May after the pair served prison time for tax evasion and bank fraud.
However, the daughter of Teresa and Joe Giudice garnered criticism for the timing of her video - with some calling her out for posting it amid the ongoing ICE raids and others labeling it 'privilege at it's finest.'
While making an appearance at the Next Gen event in NYC on Wednesday, Gia admitted that she 'felt so bad' for when she uploaded the reel and also offered an apology.
'I apologize for posting that on the Fourth of July,' the star told People. 'I got so much c**p for that. I felt so bad.'
She explained that she filmed the plea the day before the holiday and said she 'didn't want to let my dad down because I told him that the video was done.
'And when I tell him things, he expects it - like, you know, an Italian household, it better be done the next day. It better be done right away.'
The following day on the Fourth of July, she chose to post the clip not long after she woke up in the morning.
Gia recalled the comment section quickly filling up and directly addressed some that called her 'privileged.'
'And I'm not privileged, I'm not entitled. The first thing on my mind that morning was just getting a point across and not disappointing my dad. That was really it.'
The star then expressed that she felt like she couldn't take down the clip due to the criticism because it 'also just looked bad.'
Gia continued, 'That's why you always have to be cautious when you post and what you post and the time of day. But I did feel really bad about that, but I'm also happy that the message is getting out there.'
She reflected on being in the public eye - and its affect amid her mom Teresa and dad Joe's divorce and their prison sentences back in 2014.
'You just always try to do the right thing, but you're always going to be, I guess, judged from your parents' actions or things that they've done in the past.'
The clip she posted on the Fourth of July holiday was captioned with, 'let's bring Joe Giudice; my father home together♥️ #bringjoehome.' Gia also tagged Trump as well as the White House and her father.
The reel showed the TV personality writing a letter to President Trump and then going to a post office to send it.
Over 10 years earlier, Teresa and Joe Giudice were both sentenced to prison after they pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud as well as three types of bankruptcy fraud.
The RHONJ star served 11 months behind bars and Joe was deported back to his home country of Italy and currently resides in the Bahamas.
During the course of the clip, Gia could be heard saying: 'Hi guys, my name is Gia Giudice. I'm the daughter of Joe Giudice and today I'm using my voice for something deeply personal.
'My dad was deported over four years ago. Since then, our family has lived in an emotional limbo. No matter how strong we try to be, the absence of a father, of a parent, it's something that never stops hurting.'
She added, 'Growing up, my dad was present at every cheer competition, every dance recital, holiday. He was our provider, our protector, and he still is, just now from thousands of miles away.
'My dad was deported over four years ago. Since then, our family has lived in an emotional limbo. No matter how strong we try to be, the absence of a father, of a parent, it's something that never stops hurting,' Gia said
'Watching the Chrisley family receive a second chance inspired me. It showed me that people can be forgiven, that families can be restored and that sometimes the justice system has room for grace.'
In May, Todd and Julie Chrisley were notably released from prison just one day after Trump pardoned the pair.
Back in 2022, the pair were found guilty of defrauding banks out of $30 million. Julie was sentenced to seven years in prison - which she had been serving in the state of Kentucky.
Her husband Todd was sentenced to 12 years and had been serving his own sentence in Florida.
Gia said, 'That gave me hope. Hope that maybe my dad could come home too. A pardon would mean more than just legal forgiveness.
'It would mean healing for my sisters, for my mom, for my family, and for me. We've missed birthdays, graduations, even the small moments that matter the most.'
She further expressed, 'This isn't just about one man. It's about a family who deserves to be whole again. I'm using my platform to speak not just as a public figure, but as a daughter who deeply misses her dad.
'We are not asking for sympathy, we're asking for a second chance. So, let's bring Joe home together. President Donald J. Trump, I really hope you receive these character letters about my dad Joe Giudice.'
Not long after she uploaded the post, the comment section was filled with both criticism and positive messages.
One penned, 'He didn't pay his taxes. He broke the law and then was living here illegally. The Nerve of privilege.'
Another wrote, 'Are you currently aware of whats going on with immigration at the moment in this country? Smh.'
'This is rather tone deaf considering your father committed a white collar crime and got deported but people are getting deported and sent God Knows Where without even having criminal records,' a fan shared.
'Your fans want you to use your influence to help the less fortunate and I don't blame anyone for not having sympathy for your father who is dealing with consequences based off of choices he MADE,' they added.
Gia also garnered support from others, such as her mom Teresa who shared red heart emojis and Savannah Chrisley who typed, 'I'm so proud of you.'
One commented, 'Get out of her comments with the negativity it's her Father for goodness sake.'
'This is the love of a daughter fighting for her dad and no matter anyone's opinion she has the right to forgive his mistakes and try to being him home,' another penned.
Joe has also been sharing his own pleas on social media and last month in June, also shared a direct post which he tagged President Trump in.
'I know I made mistakes - but I did my time. And my family has done the time with me ever since. It's been almost ten years since I've been able to stand next to my girls in the U.S.'
He added, 'All I want is the chance to come back home, hug my daughters, and be there for the little things dads are supposed to be there for.
'Mr. President, if you see this, I hope you hear me. I'm just asking for a second chance to be the father I promised to be. @realdonaldtrump. Thanks to everyone who's supporting me - you give me hope every day.'
Joe shares four children with ex-wife Teresa: Gia, 24, Gabriella, 20, Milania, 19, and Audriana, 15.
Earlier this week on Saturday, he shared another post about wanting a second chance after 'already missing too much.'
He wrote, 'I know I made mistakes - but I did my time. And my family has done the time with me ever since. It's been almost ten years since I've been able to stand next to my girls in the U.S.'
He shared, 'Every father deserves to stand beside his daughters. I've already missed too much. Things like birthdays, graduations, even just simple dinners like this.
'Moments like these aren't guaranteed, and I'm fighting every day to be there for more of them. Thank you for sharing our story and keeping hope alive. One post, one share, one prayer at a time - we're getting closer.'
In the snap accompanied with his message, Joe could be seen flashing a cheerful smile while surrounded by his four daughters.
RHONJY alum Siggy Flicker - who was appointed by Trump to be on the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council - has since commented that she is doing her best to help. 'I'm trying. Joe should be back home with his beautiful daughters!!!!!!'