Why Melissa Gorga is Hopeful For a Reconciliation Between Joe and Cousin Kathy Wakile
The Real Housewives of New Jersey cast member reflected on her relationship with RHONJ alum Kathy Wakile, who is *now* her neighbor.
The Real Housewives of New Jersey has seen cast members come and go over the course of 14 seasons — including Teresa Giudice and Joe Gorga's cousin, Kathy Wakile.
Kathy, a mom of two and avid cook, appeared on the show as a cast member from Seasons 3 through 5 before appearing as a friend to the ladies in Seasons 6 and 7. But, she's remained busy since then, exploring her creative side, hanging out with loved ones (including husband, Rich Wakile), going on vacation, and still cooking up a storm.
Joe's wife and RHONJ cast member, Melissa Gorga, recently appeared on Sirius XM's Jeff Lewis Live on Radio Andy where she gave a much-welcomed update on Kathy — and if there is any chance of them reconciling after their feud.
Kathy Wakile and Melissa Gorga are about to be neighbors
Melissa and Joe haven't seen a lot of Kathy recently, but they are about to because Melissa revealed that they're soon-to-be neighbors. "She and Richie just bought the lot across the street from me, and they are building a house diagonal from me, across the street," Melissa told host, Jeff Lewis.
"It's funny, everyone moves to my street," Melissa continued. "I lived on the other street first, also, and, you know, my sister-in-law moved onto the street, and then now I'm on this street and Kathy is moving across the street."
Why did Kathy Wakile and Melissa Gorga stop speaking to each other?
In 2021, Kathy told Life After Bravo that she "doesn't have a relationship" with Joe, Melissa, and Teresa. "I wish them well, but I've moved on," Kathy said, as seen in the video above.
"You try to do the best you can in a relationship, and that happens in real life," she explained. "That happens without reality TV taking a part in it."
Kathy hinted that the drama and relationship dynamics on RHONJ have to do with why they're no longer speaking. "A funny thing happens with reality TV — it's a small blurb, it's a small part in your life, and you live your life, and whatever gets aired, it gets aired, and you're still living your life," Kathy continued. "But for certain people — people live in that bubble — and they don't realize that there is a whole world outside of the bubble."
Here’s what you may have missed on Bravo:
Joe Gorga Emotionally Reflects on His Rift with Teresa: "I'm Not Gonna Be There"
Danielle Cabral Opens Up About Her Friendship Fallout with Jennifer Aydin
Louie Ruelas Reacts to Teresa Admitting Why She'd Get Back with Joe Guidice
Melissa Gorga hopes Joe Gorga can become close with Kathy Wakile again
Because they're about to be in such close proximity to one another, Melissa told Jeff this week that she hopes that Joe and Kathy become close again. "I secretly hope Joe and Kathy are like, walking down the street one day, and like, bump into each other," she said. "Because at the end of the day, Kathy's a good person."
Melissa said that "it feels like it would be weird" if she and Joe didn't reconnect with Kathy, especially since she is going to be living so close to her. "He enjoyed Kathy," she said. "Kathy was a good cousin to him, she took care of him....It's a first cousin. It's not even like it's a second cousin, it's a first cousin."
Jeff encouraged Melissa to be the one to reach out to Kathy and Richie and begin building the bridge to restoring their relationship. Melissa agreed and said that she would do it.
"This is what I want for him, and I think deep down inside, he wants it too," she concluded.
