Joe Giudice is speaking out about his daughter Milania’s private struggles following her airport breakdown.
The former “Real Housewives of New Jersey” star, 54, said in an exclusive statement that Milania, 20, has been grappling with grief and the pressures of public life. He described his daughter as fundamentally good-hearted despite recent turbulent moments.
“Milania is a good girl. She has a big heart, she loves deeply, and she cares enormously about the people in her life,” he said. “She is also young and going through a very difficult period right now.”
Joe pointed to a devastating loss this summer as a major factor in his daughter’s emotional state. Her close friend Victoria Zardoya died in July, a blow that Joe said affected Milania “tremendously.”
“Losing someone you love is incredibly painful, and grief does not have a timeline,” he continued. “She has been trying to process that loss while also dealing with the pressures that come with growing up in the public eye.”
The father’s defense of his daughter came after a since-deleted video captured Milania in a heated confrontation with her mother Teresa Giudice, 54, and older sister Gia Giudice, 25, at Tampa International Airport in Florida on Wednesday. Police responded to the scene after being notified that “multiple females need police ASAP” and that Milania had separated from a counselor traveling with the group, according to an incident report.
In the clip, Milania repeatedly asked, “This is what we do now?” as Teresa told her, “I love you.” Gia urged her mother to “let her do what she wants to do” before Milania snapped at Teresa, saying “Shut the f–k up!”
Officers located Milania approximately 10 minutes later and provided a police escort to her gate. There was no arrest or medical transport. Law enforcement sources told US Sun that Milania had been “just released” from a nearby hospital around the time of the incident.
The airport episode was not Milania’s first public struggle this year. She was arrested May 14 in New Jersey on a simple assault charge following a domestic dispute at her mother’s home with stepfather Luis Ruelas, 51. According to a police report, Milania was “throwing food [and] candles” during the altercation, while sister Gabriella Giudice called 911 to report she was “acting erratically.” No weapons or injuries were reported.
A judge later alleged during Milania’s arraignment that she struck the alleged victim, identified only as “LR,” in the head with her fist, causing redness to the person’s forehead. Milania pleaded not guilty and subsequently enrolled in anger management classes. Her attorney told a judge in August that they were postponing her hearing to allow her to complete the course.
Joe cautioned against judging his daughter based on isolated incidents captured on camera.
“I know my daughter. I know her heart, and I know that what people may see from the outside does not tell the whole story of what someone is experiencing privately,” he said.
“There have been difficult moments, but those moments do not define who Milania is as a person.”
The father, who is represented by Dominton Talent House, pledged unwavering support.
“I love my daughter, and I will always stand beside her,” he added.
He emphasized that the family’s focus remains on Milania’s wellbeing rather than public perception.
“As her father, my priority is making sure my daughter knows that she is loved and supported,” he said. “Our family is doing everything we can to be there for her and give her the support and space she needs right now.”
Milania’s attorney has not publicly addressed whether her anger management completion will affect the upcoming hearing in her assault case.