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Teresa Giudice and Melissa Gorga may have publicly ended their years-long family feud months ago, but according to a new report, their latest reconciliation may be on the verge of implosion.
While Teresa, 53, recently credited husband Luis Ruelas, 51, as the “driver” behind the reunion on her Turning the Tables podcast, an insider has suggested that both Real Housewives of New Jersey stars have ulterior motives for wanting to make amends, and that a “looming threat” was hovering over their “fragile reconciliation.”
“They were panicking,” an insider alleged to Radar Online about Teresa and Luis on February 17.
According to the report, the couple grew concerned after learning that Melissa, along with Margaret Josephs, 58, and Dolores Catania, 55, had test-filmed with potential newbies.
“That’s why Luis started reaching out to Joe in July, once rumblings that test filming was going to occur began … Teresa wasn’t coming back [for the test filming]. She and Luis knew that, and they decided to make amends,” the source stated.
Amid last summer’s test filming, Teresa reportedly got in touch with one of the rumored newcomers, Michelle Barone.
“While they were at Michelle’s house and filming, Teresa kept calling her like crazy,” the source claimed, suggesting Teresa was desperate to be a part of production.
“She even went as far as to tell Michelle she was willing to sit down with Margaret,” the insider added. “[But] Marge wasn’t having it. So Luis started calling Joe. And, at first, Joe wasn’t having it, either. But, eventually, he caved.”
In addition to Teresa reportedly reconciling with Melissa and Joe Gorga, 51, in an effort to stay put on RHONJ, the source suggested that Melissa, too, was motivated to remain in the spotlight.
“Melissa had been heard telling people she could infer it was time to make up with them, as that’s what Bravo would want in order for them to move forward with the show,” the insider explained.
Although both parties have insisted that their reunion is genuine, the source added, “Everyone can believe what they want, but this is how it began.”
As RHONJ fans may have heard, Melissa also made nice with Jacqueline Laurita, 55, amid filming on the latest season of the Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip in Miami, but Teresa wasn’t involved.
“Teresa still isn’t really interested in giving Melissa camera time, which explains why she avoided filming with Melissa and Jacqueline,” the source shared. “While Teresa isn’t overtly making any threats to Melissa, her not filming with her and going out of her way not to film with her is a threat of sorts. It’s a warning that she’s the top dog and in control, and she still calls the shots, even though Bravo’s actions have made it clear she doesn’t.”
The insider went on to say that if Teresa “continues this behavior,” their reconciliation could come to an end.
“None of them trust each other, and it’s all a facade,” they added. “And for good reason. They have a really terrible past.”