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Margaret Josephs Reacts to Reports of Teresa and Joe Giudice's Separation
"They're making the best decisions for their family," The Real Housewives of New Jersey cast member said.
Earlier this week, several outlets, including PEOPLE, Us Weekly, and E! News, reported that Teresa and Joe Giudice have decided to separate after 20 years of marriage. Teresa's friend and fellow New Jersey Housewife Margaret Josephs shared her reaction to the news when she appeared on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen on December 18.
"It's not surprising, Andy. We heard what she said at last reunion," Margaret, who hasn't talked to Teresa since the news broke but plans on doing so this week, said in the below clip. "They're making the best decisions for their family, and Joe and Teresa, you know, they're moving on."
Teresa first revealed that she "probably wouldn't" follow Joe to Italy if he were to ultimately get deported back to his native country during The Real Housewives of New Jersey Season 9 reunion.
"So, I mean, I'm not doing a long-distance relationship. I'm just not doing it. I want somebody with me every day," she told Andy Cohen at the sit-down. "And I know exactly what happens. Like, you know, I'm sure he'll be with other women. You know, it happens. So, if we do the long distance thing, it's not gonna work. I'll be like, 'Bye, bye.'"
The RHONJ author felt the same way during the couple's interview with Andy in October. "We're both two different people now. I don't know, I'm not the same Teresa I was, and I know he's not the same Joe," Teresa said. "Like I told him, no matter what, I always want us to respect each other and I do love him as a person."
Joe said he would respect whatever decision Teresa made. "Listen, as long as she's happy, that's all that really matters. I'm not gonna tell her what to do," he said. "If she doesn't feel like she doesn't want to be with me anymore, then that's the thing to do."
A source close to the Giudice family told PEOPLE on December 17 that Teresa and Joe "have been separated." “They discussed their future when Teresa and the girls went to Italy in early November and they agreed that each had to move on. They are doing so amicably and very slowly,” the source said.
“Joe has been out on a few dates, Teresa has not. She has been too busy with the girls, with work obligations and taking care of her father. She is happy for Joe. They have been very friendly with one another and are very supportive of each other’s happiness. They still love one another, but as Teresa told Andy Cohen on the WWHL special, they are separated by the Atlantic Ocean. Neither is interested in a long distance relationship," they added.
However, the source said that “there are no plans for divorce” and both Teresa and Joe "are focused" on their four daughters, Gia, 18, Gabriella, 15, Milania, 13, and Audriana, 10.
According to the source, the Giudice girls will be visiting their father in Italy for Christmas while Teresa be home in New Jersey with her father, Giacinto Gorga.
Teresa and Joe have yet to comment on the reports of their separation.
Following an emotional episode of RHONJ on December 18, Teresa opens up about the difficulty of celebrating holidays while Joe is away in The Real Housewives of New Jersey Season 10 After Show, above.
See more of how the Giudice family has been dealing with Joe's absence, below.
