Joe Giudice has worked hard to build a fulfilling life in the Bahamas, but that doesn’t mean the “Real Housewives of New Jersey” alum thinks he should be there.
When Page Six met with the contractor on Zoom shortly after announcing his latest business plan – a private tour of Nassau by land and sea – he said the island capital feels “pretty much” like home since being deported in 2019.
“I definitely don’t think I should have been deported,” said Judith, who was born in Italy and moved to New Jersey as a baby.
The 53-year-old was deported to his home country after spending three and a half years in federal prison and another seven months in ICE custody on charges of fraud and tax evasion. He described these crimes to us as “stupid” and “minor.”
He eventually moved to the Bahamas to be closer to his children, who live in the United States.
“I’ve been in America since I was a year old. I had four kids in America. I was married. My whole family was in America. I mean, it was my fault that I got deported. I should have been a citizen a long time ago, so I’m not blaming anyone. You know, it was my fault. I had multiple chances to become a citizen,” said ex-husband Teresa Giudice of the “RHONJ” OG. us.
In fact, Joe’s only regret was not applying for citizenship. Because he believes his charge was a “misdemeanor” and his prison sentence would have been no more than “13 months…14 months.”
“But because I wasn’t a citizen, I had to put in the extra time and go through all of that. But I’m not alone in what I went through. I mean, my poor kids, you know what I mean?” My ex, my family. They had to go through a lot as well,” he admitted, before claiming he “didn’t rob anyone,” “borrowed the bank for money,” or ” defaulted on the mortgage.”
The Judiths were indicted in 2013 and the ex-couple took a plea deal the following year, but the businessman told us he wants to take the case to trial.
“The lawyers were like, ‘Just accept the case. Teresa is going to stay home and you’re going to jail,'” Joe claimed. “Well, that didn’t happen when we went to court.”
Teresa spent 11 and a half months behind bars in 2015 while Joe completed his sentence.
Joe has tried to challenge his deportation order multiple times, but he believes he has failed each time because “someone was helping[him].”
“That’s crazy because Mrs. Obama (Michelle) is talking about how her favorite ‘housewife’ is Teresa,” Joe said, referring to the former first lady’s recent podcast comments.
Although he claimed to “know” President Trump from his appearance on “Celebrity Apprentice,” it was actually Teresa who appeared on Season 5.
Notably, President Trump has never granted Joe’s public plea for pardon.
The former Bravolebrity said she has no plans to appeal again, but that she still wishes to visit her daughters Gia, 25, Gabriella, 21, Milania, 20, and Audriana, 16, who often visit her.
“I don’t want to live[in the United States]. I really don’t want to live there. I just want to go to my daughters’ graduation. You know, when we have Easter, we have Christmas and holidays. Because it’s hard for my family and for everyone to come here,” he lamented.
Still, he’s “not going to sit around and wait to get back to America.” That’s why he’s focused on staying “busy” with his real estate business, private Juicy Joe tours, yacht charter company, and cookie sales.
Regarding his relationship with Teresa, 53, Joe revealed that their relationship is “very good” and that he is “happy” that she will continue on RHONJ. (Bravo previously announced that Season 15 of the reality show would begin filming this spring after a long hiatus.)
“At this point, it’s better to keep going for as long as you can, save as much money as you can, and live a happy life,” Joe argued.
He also described Teresa’s current husband, Luis “Louie” Ruelas, as a “good person.”
“He calls me sometimes. You know, he’s a very polite guy. I mean, you know, he’s good with my kids,” Joe said. “If my ex-boyfriend is happy, I’m happy too.”
