Melissa Gorga was allegedly offered a bridesmaid role in sister-in-law Teresa Giudice‘s recent wedding.
Just under two weeks after she and husband Joe Gorga opted out of the Real Housewives of New Jersey cast member’s big day with husband Luis Ruelas, allegedly due to Teresa’s pushing of a rumor that suggested Melissa had cheated, insiders are suggesting that both Melissa and Joe were asked to be part of the wedding parties.
“Teresa initially was going to have only a few people walk in her wedding. When season 13 started, everyone had made peace, and all was going well. Teresa decided to ask [Dolores Catania], [Jennifer Aydin], [and] Melissa to walk in the wedding. Teresa admitted it was late for her to ask, but she would love for her close girlfriends to be by her side, and it was a peace offering for Melissa so they can just move forward,” sources close to production told All About the Real Housewives, via Instagram.
But, the insiders continued, “Melissa declined, saying she is not walking and Teresa should stick to her initial decision.”
Meanwhile, Dolores and Jennifer were excited to be added to the bridal party.
“They understand things change with weddings all the time, and if she now wanted a bigger bridal party, they were happy to be a part of it,” the sources shared. “They love her and support her and just wanted her to have a great day since it’s her big day. “
As RHONJ fans may have heard, Melissa and Joe addressed the speculation surrounding their absences at Teresa and Luis’ wedding on Melissa’s podcast last week, with Joe suggesting Teresa was solely responsible for their feud.
“She did this. This was all on her. This is what she really wanted,” Joe alleged. “She didn’t want [Melissa] in the wedding. She didn’t want any of my children in the wedding. She barely wanted me.”
He then admitted to being asked to be in the wedding, saying that the invite came after certain “information” had already been shared.
“That’s what saddens me… I knew what was going on and I knew what she really feels,” he suggested.
But in response, the All About the Real Housewives sources insisted Joe “was asked in the beginning.”
“There was no barely about it. [Luis] was genuine and sweet with him. He has always been very respectful to Joe Gorga. Joe Gorga accepted and was excited about it. A few days later, he declined because he realized Melissa wasn’t asked. Louie respected his decision and had no hard feelings,” the insiders shared.
The Real Housewives of New Jersey season 13 is expected to begin airing on Bravo sometime later this year or early next year.