Teresa Giudice admits that Melissa Gorga and Jacqueline Laurita’s recent social media squabble played a role in her reconciliation lunch with her ex-BFF.
During Tuesday’s “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen,” the “Real Housewives of New Jersey” star was asked whether Laurita’s “anti-Melissa” comments had anything to do with their five-hour reunion lunch in Las Vegas over the weekend.
“Well, I mean that didn’t have to do with it, but then I was just like that was also that, I mean, you know,” Giudice, 50, told host Andy Cohen.
However, Giudice emphasized that she had “been thinking about [Laurita] a lot” lately, as she’s now stepmom to husband Louis “Louie” Ruelas’ 21-year-old son Nicholas.
Like Laurita’s 13-year-old son of the same name, he has autism.
“I’ve been thinking about her a lot, because we both have Nicholases. My stepson is Nicholas, and they both have autism, so she’s been on my mind a lot,” Giudice explained. “And I was going to Vegas to see Bruno Mars, and so I thought I’d reach out to her.”
Laurita, 52, also is mom to daughter Ashlee, 32, and son CJ, 20. Meanwhile, Ruelas, 47, is also dad to Louie Jr., 19, and stepdad to Giudice’s four kids: Gia, 22, Gabriella, 18, Milania, 17, and Audriana, 13.
Laurita – who recently claimed she felt “used” and “manipulat[ed]” by Gorga – also clarified via social media that her and Giudice’s friendship rekindling has “nothing to do” with their “mutual disdain” for Gorga.
“Lots to talk about. Lots of laughs too! Reunited and it feels so good!” Laurita captioned a photo with Giudice. ”Teresa and I had a great friendship BEFORE the show and now that all the stress, toxicity, outside influences, and pressures from being on a show together are gone, and life is good for both of us.”
She added, “It is easier to forgive and maintain a friendship. It’s that simple. #NewBeginnings for REAL this time! Lucy and Ethel are BACK and living our BEST lives. Life is good! 👯♀️”
Ruelas also recently shared a snap with his “amazing” new friend Chris Laurita via Instagram, while Jacqueline continued gushing about the couple in the comments.
“It was such a pleasure meeting you. You are a kind, open, positive, caring person,” she wrote under his Instagram post on Tuesday.
“It’s obvious how much you and Teresa love and adore each other! I’m so happy we connected and bonded over our beautiful Nicholas’s.”